30/08/2008
In cool windless conditions Cyclist from the Warragul Cycling Club turned out in good numbers to contest a scratch race at the Darnum circuit.
A quality field of A grade riders completed six laps of the 8.1km circuit. Shane Stiles felt the boys needed a solid warm up so he started the first lap at a cracking pace. The remainder of the bunch had to hang on for survival. James Henry was prominent in chasing Stiles. By lap 3 Stiles was ready for a break in the bunch so Ash Lucas took over the role of the lure that the bunch had to chase. Ash was never allowed to get too far up the road and was smart enough to not use too much energy in trying to beat a large bunch. Eventually it all came down to a bunch sprint. Paul Yeatman and Brenton Jones were prominent in the early part of the sprint and Thommo loomed up as well but as the field crested the rise of the finishing hill Stiles and Lucas were side by side and going quicker than everyone else. Stiles looked over at big Ash and strived to extract that little extra speed needed to get to the line first but Lucas put the power down and charged ahead. His bike appeared to bend as he ripped the pedals and handle bars to get every last bit of speed out of his machine. Lucas first, Stiles second and Brenton finished strongly for third. Then followed Yeatman, Thommo and James Henry.
The combined B and C grade bunch raced over 5 laps. Mark Oakley Browne and Shane Pettineill were prominent at the front of the pack for much of the race but all other riders were willing to take a share of the pace making which ensured a good average speed. The decisive move of the race was made on the final lap. Shane Pettineill did a long turn on the front past the Darum Footy Ground and sensing he may be weakened by his efforts Rob Monk attacked. Mark Oakley Browne was able to bridge across to him and the pair headed for home. They swapped turns all the way to the finish as the bunch behind splintered. Shane tried to get across to them but they were too strong. In the run to the line Mark broke away from Rob to take out a well deserved win. Rob was second, Shane third. Then followed Neil Walker, James Lalor and Dave Bailie.
It was pleasing to see a reasonable sized D grade group. The bunch stayed together for the first lap before visiting rider Glen Ogilvie put on the pace. Tammy Patrick took off after him while Dave Axford, Joe Patrick and Cy Monk held on for as long as they could. Glen proved too strong and took out the race from Tammy Patrick. Dave and Joe came in a couple of minutes later. Cy Monk and Renee Patrick decided that three laps rather than four would be enough for them.
