10/11/2007
A handicap in perfect conditions for cycling brought out a good field of rides at the Darnum circuit on Saturday. Ross Henry and Jake DeBlew took on the responsibility of setting the times. They orchestrated a close race with all grades finishing within 40 seconds of each other.
First away was Dave Axford and Brian Munro who had a 12 minute head start on the scratch men. With an undulating 40km in front of them they would need to start fast. Next away were Daryl Anderson and Neil Walker with 9 minutes on scratch. Daryl is returning to racing after many years off the bike but he looks to be gaining form quickly. With 5 minutes head start on scratch the group of Rob Monk, Col Brown, Steve Muggeridge, Dave Bailey and Ross Henry would be hard to catch. Next away, 3 minutes ahead of scratch were Paul Yeatman, Brett Rowlinson, Callan Barker and Pete Finlayson. The scratch men James Henry, Kane Walker and Shane Stiles were going to have to chase very hard. Juniors Cy Monk and James Lalor started with the scratch riders but would only need to complete 4 of the 5 laps.
After two laps it was clear that the pair of Neil Walker and Daryl Anderson were the ones to catch. They had already reeled in the out markers and flew straight past them. The 5 minute group were being driven along by Col Brown and Steve Muggeridge. Ross Henry and Rob Monk were struggling to hold on during the first two laps. At the end of lap 4 the 5 minute bunch was joined by the now combined scratch and 3 minute bunch. They had passed everyone on the road except Neil and Daryl.
The next group of four stayed together for the first lap, working together well until Callan was lost on the hill marking the end of lap One.
Yeatman, Rowlison and Finlayson continued the steady turns until the scratch makers caught them at the end of lap 3. Shortly thereafter, the 5 minute bunch was caught making a large chase group.
With 8 km to go a bunch of a dozen riders would need to work together to catch the remaining two riders who were still up the road. Stiles and Henry took off up the hill after the start/finish line and Yeatman blew himself up trying to chase. The remaining bunch regrouped leaving four riders, Muggeridge, Bailey, Henry and Yeatman about 400 down.
Neil and Daryl continued to work together, sharing the turns right to the end. It was only on the final climb to the finish line that Neil was able to power away for a strong win. Daryl was second. Shane Styles came home in the fastest time of the day about 40 seconds later to take third place. Next home was Kane Walker. Col Brown was the best finisher of the 5 minute bunch.
Next weeks race is a club combine at Leongatha on Sunday Morning at Korrine 10 am.
