20/07/1992
By Geoff Cuckson
In the best result of his short career, juvenile two rider Brett Miller held off all challengers to score a narrow but comfortable victory in Saturday’s open 38 kilometre handicap.
Off the limit mark of 12 minutes, 13 year old Miller and fellow juvenile Stuart Cuckson worked hard together for the final 10 kilometres to lead in the combined backmarker groups by 29 seconds. With co limit markers Sue Van derveen and Paul Yeatman, the two boys had pushed hard early on the Christies Rd circuit only to lose Yeatman and then Van derveen during the first lap. Sue battled strongly and scrambled back into the bunch only to lose the boys again on a long hill into the second lap.
The scratch markers, Wayne Kestle, Geoff Thomson and John Pettingill, had two groups in front of them and gave a powerful exhibition of lead riding, turning over the lead with consummate ease. Through the first lap they had picked up 75 seconds on the strong two minute bunch and finally collected them 10 kilometres from the finish.
With the addition of Murray Fenwick, Aaron Nobelius and Ty Robinson, the big bunch set sail after the limit boys who could sense the urgency and put in very hard over the final three kilometres.
The winning time of 1:13:30 was an excellent effort by the youngest rider in the field as he held out Cuckson in the long sprint to the line.
To the handicapper’s delight, the second bunch were in sight as the winner went over the line with Nobelius charging to the front 300 metres out.
His glory was short lived however as the VIS junior Kestle powered down the road with Thomson close on his wheel to take third place by that narrow margin.
Fenwick, continuing his much improved form, came in fifth just ahead of Pettingill (who unluckily lost his footing whilst sprinting) and the tenacious Nobelius. Triathlete champion Robertson stuck on well to the flying scratchies and his performance was also full of merit. Van derveen came in ninth some two minutes behind the winner whilst Yeatman battled on in his first ride for some time to be 10th.
Members and supporters are reminded of the two big events next Sunday and are encouraged to participate in, or assist with, either if possible.
The state teams time trials will be held at Lancefield and if sufficient numbers require it, a mini bus will be used to transport those interested in supporting our juvenile team. Please call Geoff Cuckson by Wednesday if you require transport to enable finalisation of arrangements.
Also on Sunday will be the annual Ross Yeoman Memorial Trophy race coming at 11 am from the Jindivick hall. The senior event will cover three laps of the hilly Jindivick circuit which should be a solid test for all competitors.
Those who are interested in off road cycling are advised that the first of two mountain bike races being organised through Geoff Quirk’s Outdoor Active Sports store is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 5, more details next week.
