This year’s Willo Enduro was in many ways the most successful one yet.
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Over five hundred riders attended the mountain bike race which was held at Wingello on Sunday March 10.
Photos: Sport over the Highlands
Gracing the podium in the gruelling 66KM male and female, elite fields were Olympians, Bec and Dan McConnell, who took out the Male and Female top prizes.
Big wins by Southern Highlander riders were also on display at the Willo.
Maisy Evans finished first in 22KM female U17 category. Verity Evans finished first in the 66KM U19 Junior Category and Richard Vollebregt also finished first in the 66KM Male Masters 5/6 category.
John Lascelles finished third in the 44KM Male Masters 60+ category and Meaghan Stanton, first in the Female Masters ¾.
Paul Bruce, was second in the 44KM Single Speed, Luke Skelly, first in the 22KM Male U17 and Harry
Denington, finished second in the 44kM Male U17 category. As well, Michael Butcher came sixth in 66KM Male Master 5/6.
Jane Cavanough came eighth in 22KM Female Master, Noah Smallman, sixth in 13KM Male U13, Harry Johnston came forth in 44KM Male U17, Jack Harris came eighth in the 22KM Male U17, and Rowan Ashworth came eleventh in the same category.
Brad Haynes won the special Willo Most Improved award, for coming 11 th in 44KM Male Masters ¾ category, and Tim Barrett-Lennard came 29 th in the same category.
Many other Southern Highlanders performed well in many other categories as well.
James Williamson’s School, Chevalier School, is a keen supporter of the Willo. Thirty-three students were present on Sunday, taking part in the 13KM and 22KM categories.
For many riders, having a result at the Willo means a lot more than just any race.
The Willo mixes hard racing with a community spirit, all at an event that people enjoy being at.
Male Elite winner Dan McConnell commented It's not just how well the race is run, but everyone just likes coming here.
"So many elites will only turn up if there is prize money for the win," he said.
But this is a race that is probably the only race that you get so many elite riders turning up just for the race that it is. To win it is really cool."
Proceeds from the event go to running the James Williamson Junior Development Camp, involving many friends of James to help junior cyclists.
For more information please visit http://www.jameswilliamson.com.au/