Names: Max Hobson | Photos: Beard McBeardy
In June 2024, Tasmania's MTB and gravel hotspot known as Derby, became the venue for one of Australia's premier gravel events – the Devils Cardigan, for the third time. This 'devil' gravel race attracted specialist and recreational riders alike from across the country and also hosted Auscycling's Gravel National Champs (106km race). The Devils Cardigan also featured a short 52km course and both events had multiple running stages to cater for all experience and fitness levels.
Before we go on, has anyone talked about the weather? No? Okay, let's talk about climate change and the arctic cold, for a bit. Anyone who has been coming to these events over the past few years will know all about the early morning frosty temperatures and the need to do a lap or two to warm up and prepare properly. You can't miss a cozy Queensland winter sweater in this place! This year is no different and there are plenty of photos to prove it (Insert: passengers loaded with cards and beans!). But the stone gods smiled on everyone this year with no sign of the torrential rain that ruined the course in 2023, making it the fastest race record.
There were exciting vibes all around the Derby in the lead up to the race. On the morning of Devils Cardigan 2024, Derby was buzzing. As everyone expected, it was bitterly cold in the trees and lots of mutterings from everyone about how cold it was. Derby looked like it had a thick blanket of fog thrown over it as a sea of commuters warmed up to the streets of Derby – nervous but excited about what was to come.
Everyone's experience was going to be a little different but there were all smiles at the finish line in Branxholm (okay, let's be honest – some were actually surprised!). So Little Rivers 'Devils Cardigan' beer was just the thing to refresh tired bodies. Beer has never tasted so bloody good.
With the races now one year old, it's clear that this was another successful event for the Devils. Branxhom was packed with riders telling their mates what had happened, such as stories of flat tires, aching bodies, lost water bottles and ever-present mountain climbs.
After some refreshments and introductions in the local hall, everyone flocked to the Dorsett Hotel in Derby for a well-deserved and much-anticipated dinner, chat with mates and another beer (or 3) by the fire. Another Devil made with memories made.
Long Course (National Gravel Championships):
If you think you will recover by doing a short course – you are wrong. Both the long and short courses that make up Devils Cardigan feature long unforgiving climbs, gnarly descents and Instagram-worthy scenery. But the National Gravel Champs courses are a cut above in terms of grit, the level of practice and preparation required to complete them.
It consists of 106km of winding terrain with almost 2300m of vertical ascent and for those brave enough to tackle it, it is not an easy feat. The gravel is not what riders would call 'champagne stone' it is usually as smooth as 'road'. The gravel in Derby is like a gravel bike path in many parts.
The long course had 3 big timed climbs.
The first climb was Mutual Valley (8.3km at 4.2% gradient)
The second climb was Ralph Falls (10.5km at 5% gradient)
The third climb was The Un-named Climb of Hell (3.5km at 8% gradient)
Casual cardigan wearers:
The 2023 Devils Cardigan was won by Justine Barrow in the women's category and Connor Sens took gold in the men's field.
The 2024 elite women's race
The elite women's field had a different start to the men's race and they set a strong tempo up the first climb, Mutual Valley. The 13-woman field in the senior field is down to just four at the top of Mutual Valley and includes defending champion Justine Barrow, Courtney Shewell, Ella Bloor and Cassia Boglio.
The four riders went down the first descent of the day, called the Dead Horse Hill Descent. Cassia Boglio broke through the rocky terrain leaving just 3 women Justine Barrow, Courtney Shewell, Ella Bloor running in Ralph Falls.
Justine felt motivated to set a high tempo on Ralph Falls but was unable to separate the two rivals on the first part of the climb. A few groups of high men passed the three women, giving Justine and Courtney the opportunity to jump part of the climb, however Ella was unable to do so.
The two riders rode together into the third climb which was called the Climb of Hell That Can't Be Named (scary right?). Justine then created a small gap that grew into a large lead that she extended into the False Flat section, about 70 kilometers in. The two then meet up again near the end of the False Flat before descending to Ringarooma.
Justine created another gap at the top of the final climb before Branxholm was quickly closed by Courtney. The two then rode to the finish straight together where Courtney passed Justine in what was a nail-biting sprint that crowned Courtney Sherwell as the 2024 Elite Female Gravel National Champion.
The top 10 in the Women's Elite category:
2024 Men's Race:
The elite men's race featured 47 quality riders from across Oz. The men started quickly and a large group of riders formed at the first race up the Mutual Road. The pace was fast, moving forward for the first 15 minutes.
Defending Cardigan Connor Sens had his first lucky encounter at the top of Mutual Road shortly after climbing Mutual Valley, where he crashed on the side of the road.
The first big descent was called the Dead Horse Hill Descent which goes right into the first feed station. This was an important point in the race because it was where the remaining men's field tightened and formed a few small groups. It even caused some of the pre-race favorites to pit in the rough and rocky terrain.
The two leading riders in the race at this point were Brendan 'Trekky' Johnson and Adam Blazevic who came out of sight going up the Ralph Falls Climb, about 35 kilometers into the race.
A small group of 10-15 elite men formed on the roads before the second climb, including second place finisher Mark O'Brien and third place finisher Mark Chong. The team fell behind in the first 5 minutes as the two Marks put the pressure on to chase the time they lost in the relegation zone. They closed the gap to within 30 seconds, before Johnson decided to take matters into his own hands riding Blazevic on the steep sections of the Ralph Falls Climb. A group of riders unable to match the pace of the chasing group that formed midway through the Ralph Falls Climb, the group slowed to the summit of Ralph Falls.
Johnson extended the gap to become the 2024 Elite Male Gravel Cycling National Champion at the top of the final climb.
The top 10 in the Men's Elite category:
Words from Max Hobson
The Devils Cardigan is one of my favorite races, this year was my second cardigan attempt and I can honestly say this is one of the best events in Australia. I definitely intend to return in the future.
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