Blistering Scratch Pace Reels Them In

17/01/2009

The second race held by Warragul Cycling Club in 2009 saw sixteen cyclists complete four laps of the flat Cloverlea circuit.  Given the early time of day, the strong Northerly that usually blows was not present.

The limit rode off 16 minutes ahead of scratch and consisted of Renee Patrick and Pam Benstead.  Next up at 4 minutes were Dave Axford, Alex Foster and Tammy Patrick.  At 6 minutes were Aaron White and Darren Snowden. At 10 minutes, Simon Baxter, Ross Henry, Colin Brown and Neil Walker managed to put 15 seconds into the 12 minute bunch of Callan Barker and Paul Yeatman who appear to be having an off day.  They were caught on the hill just after the turn into Hazeldean Road after 1 lap – the scratchies (Kane Walker, Shane Stiles and Thommo) were hooning along at around 43kph for the first lap.  Once they swallowed Barker and Yeatman, these two stuck to the scratches wheels and would not let go.

The pace was set by Walker with Stiles hitting the front to slow things down now and again. On lap 3, many riders where passed with the main danger of Baxter, Henry, Walker Snr and Brown being caught half way along Parker’s Road.  It was here than Kane launched is first attack.  The bunch split only to reform.  A few more attacks were launched, but nothing serious and the pace slackened for the final lap.

Coming along Parkers for the final lapl several riders rode off the front inthe slow pace with everyone being close in the leadup to the finish.  Walker Jnr held the inside line with Yeatman by his side.  Barker had glued himself to Walker’s wheel for the final lap.  This meant the Stile was boxed in.  With 700m to go, sprint to the line began with Yeatman powering away only to turn into the lead out man for Walker.

Walker won closely followed by Stiles and Thommo.  The next few over the line were Barker, Yeatman, Henry and Baxter.

Scratch  averages:

Lap 1: 43.5kph

Lap 2: 39.3kph

Lap 3: 39kph

Lap 4: 36kph.

Race time: 1:09:06 for 45.33km.

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