by Carla Caruso

Students had to battle sideways rain during a six-hour race last Friday in Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi (Park 16 of your Adelaide Park Lands).

The June 14 event involved kids, aged under 13, competing in human-powered vehicles – or HPVs – which are enclosed for aerodynamic advantage and protection from the weather and collisions.

Unlike other racing events at Pakapakanthi, the competition revolved around pedal power so was free of petrol fumes.

The day happened to fall on Adelaide’s wettest day in five months. The race even had to be paused midway due to heavy rainfall.

The event was part of the UniSA-sponsored Australian HPV Super Series, put on by the Australian International Pedal Prix.

Team members took turns competing over six hours, from 9am to 3pm. Each did about 10 laps, with a lot of waiting in between.

The sun came out in the final minutes of the race, with teams from Crafers Primary School and Pembroke taking out joint top honours.

Across the weekend, other races — for high school students and community teams — were also staged.

The HPV series grew out of an event, held in the car park of the University of SA’s former Underdale campus in 1985. There were less than a dozen teams participating then, but tremendous interest saw the event outgrow its original venue over time.

Six races are now held annually at various locations, including in Park 16 and at The Bend Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend.

The championships will culminate with a 24-hour event in Murray Bridge in September.

We spoke to a few children, who took part in the event on June 14. Here’s what they had to say about the day:

Syd, 11

“It was exciting and kind of nerve-wracking and a good experience. I didn’t really get tired. I had lollies before for energy.

“I’d race again. It keeps you fit and healthy and it’s also lots of fun.”

Sebastian, 10

“The race was very fun; I overtook a lot of people. I was nervous beforehand, but when I was in the car, I was fine.

“The only thing that was scary was that I couldn’t see out of the [vehicle’s] window because it was all fogged-up due to the rain. I didn’t have any near misses during the race, but someone cut me off, so I had to slam on the brakes.

“Kids should try Pedal Prix because it’s a new opportunity and they might like it.”

Alessio, 10

“It was good fun. I did the best in my team; I made us go up two places and I did the fastest lap.

“I was a little nervous at the start. It was very cold to begin with and there was lots of dirt getting in the car, but I soon warmed up and got used to it.”