Last weekend Busselton hosted the eighth and most dramatic edition of the Delirium 24-Hour Road Race.
Participants were greeted by some perfect weather as well as the splendid new Barnard Park Pavilion as a host venue.
Seven hours into the event it looked like reigning champion, Dunsborough’s Lee Scurlock was comfortably on his way to a third successive title when an exploding tyre heading into a fast corner sent him sliding across the tarmac and into the hands of the race medics. Scurlock was unable to continue and suddenly all of the other competitors realised that they were in with a chance to take the title.
The battle that ensued in the open men’s division lasted for the entirety of the next 17 hours, eventually coming down to a sprint finish between Daniel Trinne and Julien Hamilton with the latter of the two taking the victory by less than a bike length.
In the open women’s division Sabine Bird continued her dominance of the category with a comprehensive victory over her challengers.
Sabine’s focus now switches the world’s toughest endurance race, Race Across America, where she will no doubt represent Australia with her characteristic grit and determination.
Busselton’s Frank Chaveu finished third overall in the Over 60’s category, while father and son Adrian and Courtland Wood narrowly missed out on a place on the duo’s podium as Courtland took precautions to preserve his legs for next week’s state Criterium Championship.
Full results at delirium24.com.
