Correy Edmed remains king of the mountain after another BDO Brisbane Coot-tha Challenge hill climb crown, held as part of Bike Week 2014.
The 34-year-old conquered the 2.3 kilometre 9 per cent climb to Coot-tha’s summit in a gut-busting 6 minutes and 50 seconds, edging out close rival Ben Cook by just two seconds.
Correy and Ben were among a field of 1,500 riders who tested their limits in the timed run up the mountain as part of the 75 and 110 kilometre routes of the BDO Brisbane Coot-tha Challenge while a further 600 revelled in the flatter courses of the Great Brisbane Bike Ride.
The rides, organised by Bicycle Queensland, wrapped up Bike Week 2014 and bought to a close nine days of cycling fun, education and encouragement.
Bicycle Queensland CEO Ben Wilson said the camaraderie of the big rides day was the perfect finish to the Bike Week program.
“The purpose of Bike Week is to encourage more people to cycle more often and the response from riders new and old has been outstanding,” he said.
“From a friendly 30 kilometre spin to the 110 kilometres up Mt Coot-tha and beyond, the big rides take in some of Brisbane’s top cycling experiences and offer an entry point for those who haven’t been on a bike in a while or a challenge for the more seasoned rider.”
Mr Wilson said the Closed Streets for Kids event was a new addition to the Bike Week program and proved to be a hit with young bike riders.
“The free event gave biking youngsters control of Riverside Drive between Jane Street and the Kurilpa Bridge and it was wonderful to see the next generation of Coot-tha Challenge riders having fun on their bikes and improving their road rule knowledge and skills at the same time,” he said.
“I think the parents may have learned a thing or two as well.”
No major incidents or injuries were reported among the participants and Mr Wilson thanked Brisbane’s other road users for their patience and courtesy as the riders completed their ride.
A full list of hill climb times is available at www.coot-tha.bq.org.au/ride-info/hillclimb
Bike Week 2014 is partnered by the Queensland Government with support from BDO, Transcity Joint Venture and SCODY.