PREVIEW - The Tenth “Renshaw Pedal Project” Hurt on Dirt – 12 Sept 2020It is not surprizing that world champion Bathurst Cyclist Mark Renshaw and his family Business Renshaw Pedal Project have got behind the annual Hurt on Dirt cycle race, given since it was first held in 2011 it has often been referred to as Bathurst Version of the Classic Tro Bro Leon event in France. Mark Renshaw having won the Tro Bro Leon in 2006, Mark was at his best in the race breaking clear in the final stages to not only claim the winner’s trophy but also a live pig.
The Tro Bro Leon has something of a cult type following in Brittany France with the race featuring many dirt sections which produce great cycling action.. The Bathurst Hurt on Dirt event is raced on the tough Guestinthorpe Loop which also includes a number of dirt sections and regarded as one of the tougher events on the local calendar.
Of course there is another connection with the French event with two time winner of the Hurt on Dirt, Dean Windsor also having raced the Tro Bro Leon as well as the America Gravel Classic, the Tour of Battenkil.
It was Scott Allen that first suggest the event with the race often referred to as the Alloy Classic. The first event included a number of visiting riders including Sydney’s Nathan Bradshaw and Western Division Champ Michael Troy. The inaugural race won by Blair Windsor who has also raced in Brittany France and showed his skills on the dirt, winning the Gravel Stage in the NRS Tour of Adelaide.
The Windsor’s won 4 of the first 6 Hurt on Dirt events with very talented NSWIS riders Ayden Toovey and Harry Carter also winning the A Grade Hurt on Dirt. It’s worth noting in the first 5 Hurst on Dirt events Harry Carter was on the A Grade podium 4 times (with 1 Win, 2 Seconds, & 1 Third place)
However since then it’s been all Craig Hutton. Hutto becoming the only rider to have won the A Grade Hurt of Dirt three times. A NSW Champion and also spending a season in Belgium Craig Hutton has dominated the event in recent times defeating Brad Rayner Josh Corcoran & Mark Windsor in last year’s event.
Blue Mountains rider Paul Whitfield defeated Jack Cannon in B Grade last year, while Rod Esdaile took-out C Grade in 2019 from David McKellar, Rob Barlow and Peter Wilson. D Grade won by Gary Baker infront of Phil Cole, Jette McKellar and David Hyland.
Top class female rider Emily Watts was the top female last year ahead of Toireasa Gallagher who was also the best female rider in the inaugural race in 2011. Donna Scott the only female rider to twice win the top female rider award.