mmg.com.au

This year’s Tatura 200 was a resounding success with co-ordinator Karen Saccuzzo telling The Guardian it raised more than $80000, thanks in part to a $10000 donation by Tatura Milk Industries.

Ms Saccuzzo said Tatura Milk Industries was delighted with the response to this year’s event on November 10.

She said the charity event provided a valuable opportunity for TMI to take on a community role, and this year was no exception with more than $80000 being generated for local charities.

‘‘On the day, participants rode, ran or walked the different length challenges. Over 300 people registered and over 100 completed the 200km ride which is well up on previous years,’’ she said.

‘‘The day was not without its challenges — a southerly wind generally assisted the morning ride and some riders enjoyed it so much they took a scenic tour around Katandra, even if they didn’t mean to.

‘‘The afternoon stretch from Toolamba to Murchison tested many as the wind strengthened, and the small hills around Rushworth became mountains.’’

Ms Saccuzzo said the sweep group (last), led by Barry Irvin, completed the 200km some 45 minutes behind the main field (a big improvement on the previous year), but was beaten in a sprint to the line by two breakaway riders, later identified as Bega Cheese corporate lawyer David Ferguson and TMI milk supply services manager Stuart Brown.

Ms Saccuzzo thanked all involved with the day. She said there were more than 40 volunteers assisting, most of them employees and suppliers of TMI.

Ms Saccuzzo highlighted the great support from outside the Goulburn Valley.

‘‘There were riders from Singapore, Queensland, Sydney, Melbourne and all parts of the country,’’ she said.

‘‘The support of the local Lions Club who manned the barbecue and the Ulysses motorcycle members who managed the traffic on the ride was greatly appreciated.’’