More than 1,500 cyclists have braved a mixed bag of alpine weather at the 10th edition of Peaks Challenge Falls Creek today.
Riders lathered up in sunscreen before the 6:45am departure from Falls Creek to prepare for sunny conditions in the morning, and it was needed as the temperature reached 24 degrees in Omeo.
But as the biggest bunches of riders started going up the back of Falls Creek, the temperature started to go down.
The wind picked up and by 4:30pm the temperature at Falls Creek was around 11 degrees, with rain pouring down. By 5:45pm it was feeling like 4 degrees.
Finishers records broken
While the varying conditions challenged riders, more than 1,400 riders crossed the finish line within the 13-hour cut-off to claim a coveted finishers jersey.
Both the first male and female rider to cross the line broke records.
Ben Dyball broke both the male record and course record, finishing in an astonishing 7 hours and 2 minutes. Taryn Heather became the first female to break the 8-hour barrier, finishing in 7 hours and 50 minutes.
Bicycle Network General Manager of events Rebecca Lane said it was inspiring to see riders push through the conditions and give their all to achieve their Peaks Challenge goal.
"In the 10th edition of Peaks Challenge Falls Creek we saw everything that has built the legend of this event," said Ms Lane.
"From the changing weather conditions, camaraderie and teamwork from riders on the road and the emotion at the finish line, we saw it all."
"Our thanks go out to all the riders for making Peaks Challenge Falls Creek what it is and the volunteers on the route and at the finish line who helped them for every kilometre."
King and Queen of Peaks crowned
In a first for Peaks Challenge Falls Creek, King and Queen of the Mountain awards were given to riders who had the climb times on the three peaks of Tawonga Gap, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek.
Ben Dyball doubled up on his big day out to take home $5,000 as the King of Peaks, while Madeline Wright was crowned Queen of Peaks and also awarded $5,000.
Bicycle Network would like to thank everyone who made the 10th Peaks Challenge Falls Creek possible including our sponsors Falls Creek, Winners and Bridge Road Brewers.
We would like to give a very special thank you to all the volunteers who gave up their time to help riders achieve their dream. We couldn't do it without you.
To see how the day unfolded follow #PeaksChallenge and @Bicycle_Network on Twitter and Instagram. You can see the highlights, and the varying conditions riders experienced on the route.
Click here to access event timing results.
When the temperature comes down and so does the rain. #PeaksChallenge pic.twitter.com/HjaUka6Jyz
— Bicycle Network (@bicycle_network) March 10, 2019