23/06/2012
By Rob Monk
Warragul Cycling Club members contested the club time trial championship on Saturday. The Time trial is referred to as “the Race of Truth” in cycling circles. There is no-one to draft off, no wheel to follow, few tactics and the strongest rider will win. Some love the time trial. For others it is a boring torture fest.
The time trial attracts the “gear freaks” of the cycling fraternity. Disk wheels, skin suits, shoe covers, tear drop helmets and exotic time trial rigs come out of the garage.
A time trial also seems to attract visitors who love the spectacle of this unique event.
The fastest time of the day was recorded by visitor Justin Gravatt from Latrobe City. He completed the 22.8 km course in 32 minutes 30 seconds at an average speed of 42.09kph.
James Henry was the open TT champion. He flew around the 22.8 km course averaging 41.23kph
Paul Yeatman was the fastest in the Masters 123 category with 38.07kph (up on 37.75 in 2010 and 36.7 in 2009). Second was Scott Keeble with Jason Dastey in third.
Peter Finlayson was the Masters 4+ champion with 36kph . Second was Col Brown and Geoff Thomson was third.
In the women’s section Michelle Scurr was first (31.69kph) with Adele Whelan second.
Xavier Prescott claimed first in the J19 race averaging 32kph.
The J17 race was closely contested. Joe Patrick (35.73kph, up from 33.28 in 2011) was too quick for Cy Monk with Jayden Manitveld in third. Jayden and Cy also improved on their 2011 times.
Real racing returns next week at Darnum with a team’s race.
Four riders produced negative splits (lap 2 faster than lap 1) which is a sign of good pacing. They were Yeatman, Dastey, Thommo and Scurr.
