The pain of the three long days in the saddle disappeared from Ben Rutten’s face as he spotted his family at the finish line of the Redline Classic on Wednesday.

After 400km on the bike, Rutten was all smiles as his two young sons Jack and Bernie, and wife Kylie cheered him home. The 30-year-old defender was one of the strongest riders in the 2014 Redline Classic, powering to the finish at Glenelg.

‘Truck’ enjoyed the ride and even said he’d consider doing the three-day event again next year. But for now he’ll enjoy a lazy few days up at the River with his family and no bike in sight.

Redline Classic Director Sportif Malcom Morris, who was involved with the Australian Olympic cycling team for a number of years, believes Rutten – a talented junior BMX rider – could have been an elite cyclist.

“He might very well have missed his calling,” Morris said.

“He’s been super impressive over the past three days.”

The final day was not without incident as the riders covered the 145 kilometres from Mannum to Glenelg. The riders broke up into two main groups on Wednesday with the “slower” pack heading off first.

Just outside of Murray Bridge on a busy stretch of road, two riders in the first group clipped wheels and crashed. Fortunately, the remainder of the group were able to swerve around them and no-one was seriously injured.

This helped the “fast” group, which included Rutten, overtake them just outside Callington.

After a scenic ride through the Adelaide Hills, particularly around Aldgate, the riders regrouped at the top of Anzac Highway and rode the final few kilometres together, joined by Crows Foundation Chairman Keith Conlon.

In its third year, The Redline Classic is a group of dedicated riders joining together to raise funds for the Crows Foundation, the official charity of the Adelaide Football Club.

Last year, the Redline Classic raised $25,000 for the Crows Foundation, which supports South Australian children in need. Next year, the Crows Foundation will raise its one millionth dollar.

To make a donation to ‘Truck’ or any of the riders please click here.