26/07/2003
The clouds parted for the start of the Lillico scratch race giving riders a clear view of the Strezlecki ranges from the start line. It was a mass of colour rivalled only by Le Tour itself as 36 cyclists turned out to tackle the undulating 10 km course with its testing little hills and a strengthening wind.
The usual suspects were present, as were some faces that had not been seen for some time (it was rumoured that Shane Stiles had been training with a Russian coach high in the mountains). Colin Brown failed to make the start as he was busy applying the 15th coat of polish to his newly acquired bike. The recently elected president, Steve Hall was also absent due to work commitments.
A grade were the first to roll out embarking on a 50km journey that would ultimately provide most of the riders with a chance for a good chat and the opportunity to take in the scenery. Shane Stiles did some work on the first lap until his front wheel met the rear derailleur of Thomas’s bike and it subsequently buckled. While most believed it was a good excuse to quit the race, Shane was convinced it robbed him of a certain victory.
For the remainder of the race the odd flurry of activity off the front of the group was quickly subdued and a bunch finish looked the most likely outcome. John Salton was witnessed rubbing his hands together several times and it wasn’t because he was cold.
With what is fast becoming a predictable finish, newly crowned life member Geoff Thomson had a fierce battle with the centre of the road only to be disqualified as his dominant right hand forced him onto the wrong side.
Meanwhile, John Salton out sprinted everyone in the finish to be followed across the line by Scott Keeble and Murray Fenwick. A short time later Thomas Sandner, Paul Rowse and Peter Finlayson completed the finishing group in a time of 1 hour and 27minutes.
The 6 riders of B grade headed off with Chris Beales setting the early pace. The first lap took 18 minutes to complete, 50 seconds slower than A grade and 50 seconds faster than C grade.
Ross Henry felt the pinch early while the former president Darren Williams, pulled the pin on the second lap. Members of the club have dug deep to buy Darren a flu vaccine to help with his future training.
The bunch was largely intact until the final lap where a rejuvenated Ross launched an attack on the first hill of the final lap. Chris Beales maintained contact and the two broke away from a hard working bunch. Ross surged in the final hills leading up to the finish line and gained an 18 second win from Chris Beales. A further 50 seconds back was a gallant Peter Bailey and Dean Macintosh with Tim Lee following closely behind.
Ten C grade riders began their 4 laps with a mix of speed and subdued riding. Ian deBruyne was happy with the early pace, but as the riders entered the back straight the bunch was stretched by the young guns (Michael and James). Dave Axford, Bill Frew and Rob Monk were challenged to dig deep in order to stay in touch as they crossed for the first lap. Greg Williams was forced to retire with asthma while Steve Evans was dropped having had trouble with his pump (the one on his bike and the one he carries inside his chest).
The remaining group stayed together for lap two and was eventually able to shake off a tenacious David Axeford in lap 3.
The pointy end of the bunch produced an outstanding finish by two promising riders with Michael Pridmore clearing out to a 6 second lead over James Henry with a time of 1:17:04. Ian Walk, the newly appointed club secretary, put in a gutsy effort for third place a further 4 seconds back. Rob Monk, Glenn Fisher, Bill Frew and Ian de Bruyne rounded out the rest of the group.
Dave came in a couple of minutes later while Steve Evans cruised around with A grade for most of their final lap and finished the race off in style.
D grade completed their 3 laps in just over an hour with the bunch of 5 remaining together on the first and second laps.
Vic Spunner launched an attack on the third and final lap and cleared out to a 1minute lead. The chasing group worked to get back on Vic’s wheel but he held the gap to finish in first place in a time of 1 hour and 4 seconds. Brendan Pridmore crossed 1 minute and 20 seconds later with Kym Fisher, Rod Atkinson and Glenda completing the race shortly after.
Earlier in the day the juniors raced over the circuit in a combined scratch/handicap race. Brendan Pridmore rode the distance in the fastest time of 24 minutes 9 seconds but Sale rider Adam Walker took out the handicap. Next over the line were Sian Williams, Sam and Zoe Atkinson and Amelia de Blauw. All riders put in a fantastic effort on this circuit.
The next race is to be held at Shady Creek.
