Wet and Hot Racing for Criterium Number 2 & Stiles Makes it Two From Two

31/10/2009

Report by Rob Monk

Warragul Cyclist raced in near tropical conditions on Saturday afternoon around the Bourke Street Circuit. Race two of the eight race series started in bright sunshine but by mid race riders were being drenched by a monsoon like downpour. This made cornering treacherous. By the end of the race though conditions had dried out and riders were again flying into the corners with little regard for life of limb.

A grade had a big field of 14 riders. The field lacked much motivation to race early but after the downpour Rob Monk thought that riders may be reluctant to chase around the slippery corners so he took off from the Swimming pool and established a small break. Shane Stiles rode over the gap and the pair did a couple of laps dangling off the front of the chasing bunch. Stiles did all the pacemaking while Rob clung on. The pair were caught with 15 minutes to race and a procession followed. Tristan Murat was strong on the King St hill and he forced the pace up there each time.

Matt Malacarn, Brett Rollinson and Pete Finlayson would not let him get too far away. Coming up to the bell for the final time it appeared everyone was preparing for a bunch sprint. Jayman Prestidge had other ideas. He took off just before the line and the bunch looked at each other not wanting to be the one to chase. Prestidge went for home. A three kilometre time trial was all he needed to do to win the race. By the top of King St the bunch could see the race disappearing down the road so Malacarn started the chase. Brett Rollinson took over along the back straight and he started to take ground back. Rounding the tight final turn Prestidge still had a handy 200 meter break but he was starting to tire. Straightening up out of the corner Rollinson had finished his huge effort to reel in the breakaway and the sprinters came to the fore. Shane Stiles flew past with Geoff Thomson glued to his rear wheel. Tristan Murat tried to go with them but could not hold their wheel. Jayman looked back with 200 meters to go and saw the Stiles express was coming. He tried to pick up the pace but had nothing left. Stiles and Thommo flew by followed by Murat and Rob Monk. They filled the first 4 placings. Jayman completely compounded within sight of the line and was passed by 4 more riders including Justin Gravette who took out fifth place.

Marut attack towards the end of A grade’s race

In B grade the breakaway went with two laps to go and this time it was successful. Matt Kennelly and James Lalor gave Dave Bailey, Neil Walker and Ross Henry the slip and were not caught. They staged an epic sprint which Matt just won over the fast finishing James. Ross Henry took third in front of Neil Walker and Dave Baillie.

The B grade sprint

C grade stayed together until the final lap. Ken Wittaker led out the sprint from the corner slowly picking up the pace hoping to shake youngster Cyrus Monk from his wheel. Cy was not keen to let this happen and stuck to Ken all the way. With 50 meters to go Cy pulled out of the slip stream and went past to take the win. Ken was second, Wayne Tunks third and Mario Suban was forth.

The C grade sprint

A Grade Report From The Webmaster

Plenty of attacks throughout the race.  No legs on the webmaster this week.  Average Speed: 35.9kph. Average HR: 174bpm.  Average power 300W.  Pain level: high.