06/06/2009
A Grade Results
1st: Kane Walker, 2nd: Paul Richards, 3rd: Nick Aitken
KOM: Kane Walker leads, Sprint King: Kane Walker Leads
Kane Walker leads race in 2:23:40
How B grade unfolded (told from webmaster’s perspective).
65.29km / 1:46:58 / 36.6kph
1st: Michael O’Connor, 2nd Brett Van Berkel, 3rd Chris Halley
KOM: Brett Van Berkel leads, Sprint King: Michael O’Connor leads
Brett Van Berkel leads race in 1:51:32
David Shanahan took off shortly after we the race turned into the Fernbank Lindenow South Road and the other LaTrobe guys did not chase. I chased him down then nearly got dropped after an attack as soon as we turned north Fernbank Glenaladale Road. Shanhan took off before the KOM and was caught. After this another LCCC rider, Brett Van Berkel took off along the Fernbank Lindenow South Road and this time no-one chased (besides me again, but after slowing to let someone else take over, no help).
The best place to chase was after the downhill section along Dargo Road, but everyone sat up as the road flattened. This was the perfect spot to maintain over 50kph and make a catch. Alas, it was not to be. I felt good in final sprint but had to settle for a bunch place (poor positioning).
Tomorrow I’m not letting anyone get away.
How C grade unfolded (by Winner Rob Monk)
1st: Jarryd Jones, 2nd: Shannon McCurley, 3rd: Simon Baxter
KOM: Simon Baxter leads, Sprint King: Jarryd Jones leads
Jarryd Jones leads the race on 16 points
There was great team feeling before the race. First time tour riders like big Jayman and Justin were as keen as mustard. Simon and I thought we were a chance to win it all and young guns Jarryd Jones and James Lalor were looking hungry and fit. Even Steve Muggeridge had a steely look in his eye as he finished his pre race cigarette 30 minutes before the start.
Jayman gave me a perfect leadout for the first sprint which I won easily. I don’t think anyone was expecting us to go so early. I rode near the front for the next part of the race as the attacks always come after the sprint. The Leongatha boys were keen to set a solid pace. The field cracked to bits pretty early and Dave Bailey was an early casualty. Jayman also lost contact early but I thanked him after the race for the leadout. I don’t think he’ll do that again. Simon looked strong and took second in the first hill climb. I spent a fair bit of energy to get fourth and no points. I hate that.
Leongatha sent Kevin Feely up the road to try and steal the second sprint which he succeeded in doing. Jarryd showed he was just a little quicker than Shannon McCurly from Latrobe to take second in the sprint. I realized at this point they were quicker than me as I spent a fair bit of energy to get fourth and no points. I hate that.
After this sprint the bunch which was thirty at the beginning of the race was down to 11 riders. We still had James Lalor, Simon Baxter, Jarryd Jones and myself at the business end of the race. I told Jarryd to sit on and save everything for the final sprint.
Simon took the final KOM of the day and I managed second. We had a reasonable break going over the top of the hill so we went for home. A three kilometre time-trial followed. We swapped turns nearly to the finish and had the stage shot to bits with 100 meters to go. Then we blew up.
Within twenty meters of the line Shannon McCurly and Jarryd Jones flew by to take first and second. Simon finished third and I spent a fair bit of energy to get fourth and four points.
