11/03/2006
After a long break filled with the summer Criterium series and the Warragul Track Carnival last weekend, the Warragul Cycling Club returned to the road with the first race of the Autumn road racing series on Saturday at Lillico.
The combined A and B grade show was completely stolen by returning local resident Shane Stiles, as he toyed with his compatriots before, throughout and at the finale of the race. Showing up in a full skinsuit, Stiles let his intentions known early on that some time trialling efforts in front of the main bunch may be involved during the race. Although cruising around the circuit together over the first lap, the A and B field became strung out after the crossing of the twin rollercoaster bumps on Lillico road. From here, a small break formed consisting of Stiles and Matt Malacarne. Luke Hanley saw the opportunity and made up the ground between two groups in little time. Together, the threesome worked hard to hold a one-minute lead by the completion of lap two. Despite claims that breakaway groups are never successful on the Lillico circuit, Stiles, Malacarne and Hanley steadily increased the time gap between the chasing bunch at each crossing of the start-finish. Behind them, the chasing efforts were causing casualties from the pack with James Henry, Paul Yeatman and Mark Oakley-Browne losing touch. Stiles appeared to be taking it easy after each crossing of the rollercoasters, sitting up and waiting for Malacarne and Hanley each time, and on the last lap had little trouble in gapping his breakaway assistants to cross the line a very confident winner. Luke and Matt completed the podium placings with second and third respectively, while Pete Finlayson brought home the chase bunch ahead of Geoff Thomson, almost 2 and a half minutes behind the breakaway group. Steve Twining had a great ride and was the best placed B grade rider, finishing with the main bunch, followed some time later by Mark Oakley-Browne and Paul Yeatman.
In C grade, the pressure was on early thanks to Matt Kennelly, first time rider Kane Walker, and Latrobe Valley rider Rod Ashworth. Their effort splintered the group, leaving Kane’s father Neil, Travis Parker and Dave Axford some excellent time trialling practice to complete the course. Although struggling after each set of the rollercoaster hills, Matt Kennelly saved his best for last by powering down the final 200metres to overcome Kane Walker right on the line, and was suitably pleased with the effort. Rod completed the podium with third, followed a short time later by Neil Walker, Travis Parker and Dave Axford.
The D grade bunch was boosted on Saturday with a number of new faces springing from the recent Skills Cycling Course hosted by Warragul Cycling Club. With three laps to complete, the group remained under control and benefited greatly from the advice passed on by veteran racers Wayne Tunks, Lawrence Maskill and Glenda Pridmore. With racing controls lifted, Wayne Tunks took the opportunity to stretch his legs out in front, while Brendan Pridmore and new riders Vicki Reid and Tammy Patrick formed a chase group behind him, followed by Lawrence Maskill, Glenda Pridmore and Pam Bensted. During the final lap the entire bunch became a number of individual riders as the chase effort to Wayne Tunks took its toll. Wayne claimed top honours, followed by Brendan Pridmore, Lawrence Maskill, Tammy Patrick, Glenda Pridmore, Pam Bensted and Vicki Reid.
Big thanks to Ross Henry for his work as commissaire and for putting out the safety signs, along with the terrific timekeeping of Staf Duncan. Next Saturday’s race will be held on the Shady Creek circuit from 2pm. With the Baw Baw Classic fast approaching on April 1 st, riders are reminded that entries close on March 20 th.
