09/02/2013
By Rob Monk
With so many new racers in the Warragul Cycling Club Handicapper Pete Finlayson’s task in the first race of the Voyage Handicap Series was always going to be problematic. In the end the Limit and out-markers triumphed as they were able to go faster than anyone predicted.
Forty riders contested the race.
First away with 9 minutes on scratch was the group of Zvonko Maric, John Davine, James Blythe, Graeme Patrick, Pete Sorrensen and Rod Cheyne. They were caught after just over two laps by the 7.5 minute group of Col Brown, Thomas Sandner, Shane Pettingill, Neil Edwards, Matt Cox, James Golding and Alan McColloch. Sander, Brown, Pettingill, Sorrensen and Patrick drove the combined group well making sure those bunches behind had no hope of catching them.
The 6 minute bunch of Rob Monk, Pete Finlayson, Jimmy Lalor, Ross Henry and Stuart Battely did a 5 lap team time trial. They caught no one but were not caught by those behind either. Battley was the strongest of the group but all worked well.
On the chopping block, with 2 minutes on scratch were George Tambassis, Glen Marriot, Darren Cook, Matt Parkinson, Paul and Yeatman. They should have had Jayman Prestidge as well but he made the hubbard mistake of missing his start time. He had to join scratch and slowed them down. The chopping block group were caught on lap 3 by the scratch bunch comprising Justin Gravett, Kane Walker, Graeme Parker, Jayden Manintveld, Scott Keeble and Shane Stiles. The combined chopping block and scratch group worked well but could not catch the groups in front.
Starting one minute in front of scratch but only doing 4 laps was Col Manintveld, Kate Prestidge, Michelle Scurr, Matt Williamson, Adele Whelan and Louise Clark. Scratch flew by them once but would have to catch them again before the finish.
Last to begin starting 10 minutes behind scratch but only doing 3 laps was Sue Maddern, Sue Bourke, Donna Gibson and Deb Bargwanna. These ladies didn’t stay together long as Bargwanna decided to jump on the back of the passing chopping block bunch. This proved a winning move as she was able to stay with them down Stur’s Rd. This provided her with the momentum to ride solo to victory in the next two laps.
Deb took out the win in her first race just holding off the chasing limit bunch. Second over the line was Col Manintveld from Kate Prestidge with Louise Clark fourth and Matt Williamson fifth.
In the sprint battle for fastest time there was carnage as some riders went for gaps that were clearly not wide enough for a bike to fit through. Justin Gravett came off worst and hit the deck. Jayden Manintveld was able to avoid the trouble and took out the fasted time.
Race 2 of the Voyage Handicap Series is on next Saturday at Darnum starting at 9.00am.
