One of the biggest events on the Mackay Cycling Club calendar, the annual Mackay Open was held over the May long weekend.
With about 40 competitors in total, the two-day event attracted competitors from Newcastle, Rockhampton, Emerald, Sunshine Coast, and one from Townsville.
“We were low on numbers this year, due to the long weekend,” said Luke Schatkowski, coordinator of the event.
2023 saw the introduction of a new classification of racing, called General Classification, which incorporates all individual racers’ times into one time, to better understand how the racer stands against competition.
“It’s in the interest of racers to finish as close as possible to the next person,” said Luke.
The three other races include the Open Race, the Rogers Family Shield, and the Individual Timed Trial, with four grades of competitors.
Luke said the 2023 event saw massive support from local businesses and organisations, including Caneland Central, ATOM, Smart State Rentals, Crane Hire Mackay, CMR Recycling, and Valenhold.
“I think we’ve got a full committee, with all eight positions full, that is able to branch out into the community.”
Results
A Grade:
1 Kyle Marwood
2 Cooper Sayers
3 Lawson Wotley
B Grade:
1 Wade Mitchel
2 Luke Schatkowski
3 Douglas Bennett
C Grade:
1 Hamish Wright
2 Tenille Galea
3 Mark Sheather
D Grade:
1 Jason Lund
2 John Platts
3 Brendan Hoban
2023 saw the introduction of Junior competitions
2023 Mackay Cycling Opens saw competition from NSW and QLD
The Rogers Family Shield has been fought since 1983, celebrating local legacy of cycling family of 12
Competition was fierce
