19/04/2026
Stoffers 37km Memorial Handicap Event — Elgin
Double Delight: Zale Ross-Willmore Backs Up Karri Cup Victory to Claim the Stoffers Trophy
Less than 24 hours after claiming victory in the gruelling 100km Karri Cup mountain bike event in Northcliffe, Zale Ross-Willmore showed extraordinary resilience and class to be first across the line in the South West Cycle Club’s annual Stoffers 37km Memorial Handicap, held on Sunday in the tranquil rural setting of Elgin.
Excellent conditions greeted participants as they rolled out onto the flat, fast two-lap circuit for one of the club’s most cherished events on the calendar. The quiet country roads provided the perfect stage for what would unfold as a tactically absorbing and highly competitive day of riding.
How the Ride Unfolded
Event organiser Chris Howard reported that by around the 30-minute mark — roughly the end of the first lap — the limit group, comprising Darryl, Lito, Oliver and Nick, had been caught by the first break group of Ian Kugler, Mick Beeson and Kim Ranson. Shortly after, break groups two, three and four coalesced into a single chasing bunch that included Stephen Roberts, Dougal , Chas, James, Po, Travis, Reinder, Al Turner, David Hynes and Scott — with Grant Cooper-Sims further back.
Meanwhile, the scratch group, giving up to 9 minutes on the field, remained intact and were riding strongly together: Kal, Lowen, Rory, Josh, Blake, Zale and Mark Chong.
The Closing Kilometres
With approximately one and a half laps covered, the scratch group rode into a bunch of around 10 to 15 riders. From there the tempo lifted considerably, with a series of probing surges from Mark Chong and a strong-riding Scott Smail. A small group of around five riders briefly looked to have edged clear over a pinch at the back straight before the bunch came back together.
Mark Chong then launched a solo effort off the front. Zale, sensing the moment, dug deep and bridged across to him. The pair rolled turns into the final straight before a cat-and-mouse contest kept the outcome in the balance — all the while with Lowen Ferry closing fast from behind.
Zale timed his effort perfectly — sitting in, shifting to one side, briefly settling, then unleashing a final kick that got him to the line just ahead of Mark. It was a tight and deserving finish to an entertaining day of riding.
In Zale’s own words: “Mark was probably the strongest all day, doing the most of the work, as to be expected. Kallan and Blake were pulling solid turns all day as well. Lowen was doing well to surf the wheels and hang in there. Luckily for myself, he didn’t make it to the front with Mark, because I think he would have got me.”
Back-to-Back: The Karri Cup Connection
When asked about his Karri Cup win the previous day, Zale was candid about the toll it had taken. “I was pretty sore. I was definitely a little bit reserved in some of my attacks to make sure the legs didn’t cramp, because I could feel the fatigue there. I skipped a couple of turns and let Mark do the longer pulls just so my legs could recover.” That he was able to hold on and ultimately prevail speaks volumes about his current form and mental toughness.
Mark Chong’s SEVEN Campaign
A special mention goes to Mark Chong, who gave the entire field a thorough workout — as he did so aboard his gravel bike in the yesterday's SWCC group 1 ride. The former Australian ice skating champion used to combine cycling with his skating training when he was based in Europe and it certainly paid dividends, having finished in the 10 overall in the 20km climb from Bormio to the top of the iconic Stelvio in the annual Mapei Day event. Mark is currently in preparation for SEVEN, the demanding 125km gravel event held in Nannup, where he has finished runner-up on three previous occasions. If Sunday’s performance is any guide, he is building into fine shape and will be a serious contender when that day arrives.
Lowen Ferry — Gallant Third
An excellent effort also from Lowen Ferry, who rode hard all the way to the line to finish third. Lowen has held the Stoffers Trophy for the past three consecutive years, making his podium finish a fine showing in defence of his legacy with the trophy. The baton has passed, but Lowen will no doubt be back.
Thanks and Acknowledgements
Congratulations to Zale Ross-Willmore on a remarkable back-to-back weekend, and to all participants who made the Stoffers Memorial such an enjoyable occasion. A big thank you to event organiser Chris Howard and to helpers Trent Jennings and Paul Cogan for their efforts in making the event run so smoothly. A extra special thanks to our friends at Bunbury Cycles who sponsored the prizes for today's ride.
