The event starts on Back Barooga Road, continues down Carramar Road, takes in the climb over Mt Gwynne and turns for the return journey at the Berrigan–Yarrawonga Road intersection.
The race is traditionally held just prior to Christmas, but owing to the unavailability of a commissaire, it was brought forward by one month.
George had an outstanding record in cycle racing, with his greatest triumph being victory in the 1956 Sun Tour—then the most prestigious race in Australia. He also recorded one of the fastest times in the hallowed Melbourne to Warrnambool road race, a mark that still stands as the fifth-fastest in history.
After holidaying in Cobram for many years, he and his very supportive wife Audrey settled in Barooga following his retirement, later moving to the Oasis Homes establishment on Koonoomoo Road.
Although he had been away from the sport for many years, encouragement from the local cycling club prompted him to rejoin. He raced for around 10 years, winning many medals in veteran competition. One of his most notable victories was the prestigious “Oppy” race, held in honour of one of Australia’s finest athletes.
George retired at seventy-five and became an official. His tireless efforts were recognised with life memberships at both the Cobram Barooga and Hume Veterans Cycling Clubs.
This year’s event attracted a small field of seven riders. With a strong north-westerly wind blowing, conditions were challenging. Limit markers Wayde Foster and Echuca–Moama rider Jerrod Davison started with a 15-minute advantage over the powerful scratch pair of Daniel Burrows and 18-year-old Yarrawonga sensation Max Holgate.
Myles Higgins, celebrating his 80th birthday on the day and fresh from winning a world time-trial championship in Lorne, was given the 10-minute mark, though riding solo in the windy conditions would prove difficult. Echuca–Moama star Cameron Smith, partnered by Waaia’s Paul Hogan, started from the 3-minute mark.
At the turnaround point, the limit riders still held an eight-minute margin over scratch. Paul eventually lost contact with Cameron, a former Australian age-group champion, leaving him to ride solo and making the return journey more challenging.
Wayde looked a chance for his second victory in the event, but the scratch men had other ideas. His hopes were extinguished when the fast-finishing Holgate surged past with one kilometre to go. Cameron produced a superb effort to relegate Wayde to third place, catching him right on the finish line.
Max, who raced in Europe for six months, has developed into a highly promising rider and intends to return overseas next year to further his experience.
The Holgate family has a long and proud history in the sport. His grandfather John had many victories in highly regarded events, including two wins in the Melbourne to Yarrawonga, the Wagga to Albury, and the Bendigo Golden Mile, the latter raced on a velodrome.
His father Dean was also an accomplished rider. Perhaps Max may yet surpass the achievements of both.
During the presentations, George’s youngest daughter Gaye stepped forward and generously donated additional prize money. George passed away on 14 September 2010, one day after his 86th birthday.
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