By Amanda Durry  November 30 2009

It was two young riders from Christchurch who stole the show at the Longbeach Coastal Challenge yesterday, posting the two fastest times of the day.

Competing in the 35km classic race in the junior 14-18 section, Anton Cooper set the fastest time of the day, completing the course in one hour and 17 minutes, with Logan Horn getting the second time fastest time in the same section with 1:20:23.

 The challenge is in its third year and attracted 455 riders over several courses; the 35km classic designed for the competitive riders or those with a high fitness level, a 23km recreational course for non-competitive riders and a 12km family track.

 A 23km corporate track was also aimed at highly competitive teams.

 It was the first year for the family track and it has been deemed a success with 143 entries.

 Jo Taylor, a member of the organising committee, said the day had been great.

 “They battled right to the home straight and there were a lot of pretty competitive riders. There were a few spills and the occasional lost pedal but there were no major accidents which is always good.

 “The weather also held off for us and it was great to see the local turnout. The challenge is about getting more people involved in the sport and getting them out there so it was good,” she said.

 The event is run by the Hinds and District Lions Club and Longbeach School, with all proceeds to be used for charitable projects in the district.

 The event takes bikers through the historic Longbeach Estate which is private farmland that is closed to the public all year except for yesterday.

 The event gives competitors and any public who wish to have a leisurely ride the opportunity to take a look at the restored Cook House.

 Riders were treated to a spectacular and exciting course over cliffs, through strenuous gullies, up hills, with swamp and stream crossings along the beautiful coastline of the Pacific Ocean.

 Brent Miller from Christchurch was the first rider home in the men’s open grade in a time of 1:20:50, while Lucie Urbancova from Geraldine won the open female grade with a time of 1:41:08.

 Al Killick from Christchurch won the men’s veteran section, while Kate Goodrick, also from Christchurch, won the female veteran section.

 The men’s classic vet title went to Kevin Johnston and the female classic vet went to Louise O’Connell.

 The junior under 14s went to Ben Oliver from Rangiora. BNZ Biking Bums won the inaugural Corporate Teams Event.

Pictured: Tony Stuart competes in the classic veteran section, leaving other riders and the great view in his wake. - Photo Sarah Chamberlain 291109-SC-258