If Fred Ogle Ride organiser Paul Fancy's prediction proves true, the 110km should come down to the wire, with a trio of performing cyclists in the mix for the top prize.
North Harbour's Sam Horn, who grew up in Kerikeri, is in the running for the Fred Ogle Memorial trophy following
his convincing win at last month's Fat Dogs Hell of the North 105km ride around the hilly Tutukaka Coastline.
Tomorrow morning's Fred Ogle Ride starts at Mangakahia Sports complex and heads out towards Hukerenui before looping back to finish back at the sports complex. It is much flatter than the Hell of the North with the exception of one big hill up Rushbrook Road and will suit the likes of Whangarei's Lee Johnstone, who was third in the Hell of the North, and second in this event last year.
"Lee has the legs for it, he has been sprinting well lately and he likes the flat," Fancy, of Avanti Plus Whangarei, said.
Also confirmed to race is Auckland-based Nick Lovegrove, originally from Waiotira. The Avanti Subway cyclist is always a risk and will look to lead the breakaway from the peloton.
"I think it will come down to a sprint finish between Lee, Nick and Sam, it will be very close."
Former professional cyclist Dave Whyman, who sprinted past Johnstone to win this event last year in a time of two hours 57m, 31s in testing conditions, is not racing this year.
It is the third year of the annual event, which was established after Whangarei cyclist Fred Ogle was tragically killed on Mangatapere Hill in 2008. The other top prize up for grabs is the Lynley McDonald Memorial Trophy, which will be awarded to the first female cyclist to finish. Lynley McDonald was another local cyclist to be killed during a training ride on Pipiwai Road, in 2009. Last year, Whangarei's Chubby Hale claimed first place honours and Hale is the favourite to take out the race once again. Around 200 riders are expected to race tomorrow across the 25km, 50km and 110km distances. The 110km race gets under way from 9am, from the Mangakahia Sports Complex.
