Sprint serves as overture for challenge

Cyclists from all over Australia descended on Broome last week for the Cable Beach Sprint, with many using the event as a warm-up for this year's Gibb Challenge.

Athletes cycle 700km each year from Derby to El Questro to raise much-needed funds for principal beneficiary the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

However, before taking on the week-long endurance event, a host of cyclists stretched their legs in the Cable Beach Sprint on Friday.

The 10km race was well attended, with time trials to determine the winner.

Tom Carson from Brisbane picked up first in the men's event, with Ian Cocker from Bunbury and Mark Simpson from Canberra in hot pursuit.

Jill Rigney, also from Brisbane, was first over the finishing line in the women's race, with Broome pair Megan Erbs and Michelle McCully in second and third place respectively.

A change in course from last year saw cyclists start on Cable Beach and head towards Gantheaume Point and back.

A harder surface meant that times were faster than last year's event.

Race organiser Moe Cusack said the sprint was an excellent warm-up for the Gibb Challenge.

Read next week's _Broome Advertiser _ for coverage of this year's Challenge.