Joanna Tucker, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

The Copper Coast Cup, part of the 2024 Cervelo Super Series cycling event, was held on the weekend, Saturday and Sunday, September 28-29.

However, the first day’s road races at the Copper Coast Airport were cancelled after the first three categories due to the strong wind.

Only the category 3 men’s, masters and women’s races were completed.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, northerly winds peaked at 1pm with 50km/h wind speeds 76km/h gusts.

AusCycling spokesperson Henry Young said the overall winners of the Copper Coast Cup leg of the Super Series event was the elite women’s team ARA/SASI.

Winners of the completed category 3 road races were Rebekah Burns (women), Jacob Casey (men) and Craig Hutchens (masters).

Luckily, the conditions for the round 4 Sunday races — the Moonta Criterium around Queen Square — were much better.

Winners were, women: elite Elizabeth Crowe, category 2 Ally Sinclair, category 3 Haley Gill.

Men: elite Zac Marriage, category 1 Daniel Van Der Laan, category 2 Jake Nesbitt, category 2 masters Lee Simmons, category 3 Jacob Casey, category 3 masters Joachim Wasserbaech.

Mr Young said the Sunday races were fantastic, but there were multiple injuries.

“There was someone who cut their arm open, but they got it stitched up at the RAH (Royal Adelaide Hospital),” he said.

“There were also the usual people who fall over and scrape themselves.”

He said the day was supported by the Copper Coast Council and local businesses.

“The conditions were great and the council were great to work with the whole way through,” he said.

“Having all the food trucks out made it a fun and good day for us.

“The feedback we’ve got so far is that everyone’s enjoyed it and was understanding of the conditions on Saturday when we had to cancel (some races).”

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 1 October 2024.