22/09/2007
Warragul Cycling Club members were treated to near perfect conditions for the handicap race at Cloverlea on Saturday.
First away were Paul Kennedy and Pam Benstead who had 9 minutes on the scratch bunch. They were followed 5 minutes later by a strong group of 7 riders, Ross Henry, Col Brown, Neil Walker, Callan Barker, Clint Hick, Trevor Rollinson and Gordon Foster. Two minutes later Paul Yeatman and Steve Twining set sail a further two minutes ahead of the scratch riders Pete Finlayson and Mark OakleyBrowne. After one lap it was clear that the outmarkers would struggle. They already lost 6 of their 9 minutes head start on the scratchies. The large group looked strong with only Gordon Foster, having his first start in B grade, falling off the pace. Col Brown and Callan Barker were always keen to force the pace.
Yeatman and Twining were making ground but not enough for them to catch those in front. Finlayson found the going too tough and he withdrew leaving Mark OakleyBrowne the tough job of chasing entirely on his own for 3 laps. The large 4 minute bunch caught Pam and Paul Kennedy on Lap three and headed for home. Yeatman and Twining were still gaining on them but they only managed to make up one and a half minutes of the 2 minutes they were behind at the start. Mark Oakely Browne managed to catch Paul and Steve and recorded the fastest time of the day. In the sprint for first Clint Hick decided an 800 meter effort was what he needed. Trev Rollinson managed to get over to him and took over on the front with 200 meters to go. He looked like a sitting duck to be past but somehow he managed to hold off Neil Walker and a fast finishing Callan Barker for a strong win.
Next week’s race is at Lillico.
