Ride report by Nick.

The misty rain cleared into heavy downpours so Nick took it easy around the roads to Christchurch, albeit with a quick dash to follow on the wheel of Nick who was responding to a rush of blood by Nick. At Christchurch the group all agreed with Nick, that maybe a change of route was called for, so a mad climb up to Eric Street ensued with Nick taking line honours before resting in the pack with Nick.

Port Beach Road saw the first rider stretched out into a fine pencil like moustache under the ongoing pressure of Nick on the front, who then exploded with a degree of skill not seen since Floyd Landis, the easing pace then allowed Nick to take the sprint points.

By this stage the heavens had opened up for the twentieth time, and Nick took shelter on the open road, although a slight tailwind with some horizontal rain made life easier to keep the relentless pace up to the last few metres along Burke Drive. Nick looked like he was down for the count but an inspection in the long hall of mirrors saw a recovery, not seen since Floyd Landis.

Majestic Point was the next testing point, after a determined effort by Nick to make a break, but thankfully Nick dragged him in to allow Nick to pip him on the last rise. Due to the horrid conditions and uncoordinated teamwork, Nick led the group back to South Perth.