11/04/1992
By Geoff Cuckson
Top club juvenile and senior cyclists Brad Clark and John Salton finished the summer series on a high note by taking out the awards for their respective sections last Saturday.
Each had dominated their grades throughout the series but ironically had to settle for second placings in the final events – Clark to his main rival Aaron Nobelius and Salton to Gary Jackson in a terrific blanket finish. Brad suffered bike trouble at the halfway mark of a 24 km race, and despite working hard after a quick repair, was unable to pull in Aaron who, once he got the sniff of victory, was determined that no one was going to catch him.
These two boys have had some terrific contests of late and it is expected that they will ride very competitively with the senior grades over the winter season.
Stuart Cuckson also worked hard to take out third place and he too, along with several of the other juveniles could be expected to ride in a higher grade later in the year.
Ben Cumming took on the Criterium circuit and continues to improve each week. Intermediate sprints were held during the race with Brad taking the first and Aaron the second while Stuart took second place in both.
The finish to the 36 km A grade event was a classic two man war as Salton burst clear 300 metres out. Jackson went with him and the two fought “hammer and long” in the closest finish of the season. As they hit the line Gary’s wheel was just in front – the official winning margin being a tyre. Andrew Palm took third place in a tight bunch, and not far from the winner, whilst Tim Eerhard held on for fourth after a daring breakaway attempt with 14 km to go. During the race John took the first sprint and Tim the second with Andrew, Tim and Geoff Thomson filling placings.
The B grade scratch race was also over 36 km and Wayne Proud took sprint and line honors from Ian Miller each time with Grub Melnyk finishing third and Paul Yeatman fourth in the final sprint.
Murray Fenwick also took all points in the C grade event with Gerry Anfried coming in second ahead of Sue Van derveen and Anthony Radcliffe.
After the racing an enjoyable BBQ was held with presentations being made to the following riders.
Seniors: Ist-John Salton; 2nd – Murray Fenwick; 3rd – Ian Miller. Encouragement: Grub Melnyk.
Attendances: Tim Eerhard, Graeme Hanks, Paul Yeatman.
Juveniles: 1st – Brad Clark; 2nd – Aaron Nobelius; 3rd – Stuart Cuckson. Encouragement -Ben Cumming.
The winners were worthy recipients and resulted from their consistent attendances and performances. Brad had scored eight consecutive victories before Saturday’s second while John scored maximum points in six events and second placing in another three.
Racing will not be held next Saturday (Easter eve) and will recommence on Saturday, April 25 from the Nilma North school.
Final details of the winter series will be circulated to members shortly.
Members are also reminded of the general meeting to be held in the club rooms this Tuesday, April 14 commencing at 7.30 pm. All are most welcome and are encouraged to attend.
