Criterium Racing Starts the New WCC Season

14/01/2006

The Bourke Street Criterium circuit saw good numbers turn out for Warragul cycling club’s first race of the season. It was pleasing to see some new riders having their first race.

A grade was the largest field of the day and the array of talent in the race meant the pace would be on from the start. The group stayed together for the first 3 laps but on lap 4 James Henry and Scott Keeble made a break and managed to stay away for the best part of 4 laps. When Scott and James were caught Australia Veterans Time Trial Champion Chris Hunt decided to solo a few laps off the front of the bunch. Jason Kruger took the corner into King Street a little too fast and came down taking Brett Rowlinson with him. After a lap out the pair rejoined the bunch, missing some skin but still keen to race. Chris Hunt was caught and Brett Rowlinson and Trent Brown tried to escape but the peleton was organized and all breakaways were doomed. In the bunch sprint Scott Keeble hit the lead with 200 meters to go. He looked set to be swamped but with 100meters to go no-one in the bunch could make any ground on him and he took out a strong victory. Second was Josh Akareu with Steve Sandner and James Henry crossing the line next.

In B grade all eyes were on John Salton, ex club champion and gun sprinter having his first race start in nearly a year. He looked like he would need a few rides to be anywhere near peak fitness but he could not be discounted if he was with the bunch at the end of the race. Brett Miller looked strong all race and half way through the second lap he leapt off the front and rode a couple of circuits on this own. When the bunch caught him he still looked fresh enough to have another go straight away. Ross Henry put in the first of a series of rapid ascents of the King St hill after lap 6 and Dave Bailey found the pace too much. Lap 7, 8 and 9 saw Ross forcing the pace up King street each time and others just struggled to hold on. The bell rang for the last lap and this seemed to have a calming effect on the bunch. No-one wanted to lead and with a 1.5km to the finish the bunch dawdled waiting for a big final sprint.  Rob Monk tried to surprise the bunch by heading for home early. Steve Twining responded quickly and Rob and Steve establish a handy break at the swimming pool in the main straight. Unfortunately for Rob and Steve their run came to an end with 400meters to go and Ross Henry, John Salton, Brett Miller and Pete Bailey settled down to fight out the sprint. Brett proved too strong for John with Ross third and Pete fourth.

C grade rode 40 minutes plus 1 lap. Trev Rollinson, returning after and long layoff and Simon Cuckson who has been competitive in B grade last season would be riders to beat. The bunch stayed together for the first 5 laps but Matt Kennelly shook up the pace on lap 6 and got a 10 second break on the bunch. In his first race Neil Walker had to work hard to regain the field after being dropped but by the final lap was back in contact and ready for the sprint. Simon was too strong in the run to the line and took out a solid win from Trev. A podium finish in his first race with the club to Neil Walker was a good result.

D grade also had some new riders in the field so they raced under control for the first 3 laps. As soon as the controlled section of the race was over the field immediately strung out into 6 individual time-trials. Geoff Gatt was the strongest rider winning easily from Helmet Korab, Lawerence Maskill, Elizabeth Watson, Mitch Hynd and Vicki Reid.

Next weeks race on at the same time and same place. Bourke St 11am on Sunday. For anyone with an interest in Cycling come and have a look. The finish in Bourke street is great for spectators.

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