13/09/2008
Another perfect day for cycling greeted Warragul Cycling Club members again on Saturday. On the menu was a scratch race around the Darnum Circuit.
Race Director Shane Stiles and race starter Anthony Lalor decided to split the field into two groups. The A-B grade bunch consisted of 8 riders. They set off at a solid pace and Tim Lee immediately found the going a bit tough. He decided to roll around with the C-D bunch for the rest of the race. Paul Yeatman’s race also came to a premature end when he punctured on lap one. The remainder of the field stayed together for most of the six laps. Young Callan Barker was keen to force the pace at times but Shane Stiles always towed the bunch back to him. Pete Finlayson is returning to some good form and he took a fly off the bunch rounding the final bend. Stiles was attentive though and he moved up quickly. Thommo was locked onto Shane’s wheel and when Stiles opened up the sprint only Thommo was able to go with him. Stiles got a good break cresting the final rise but slowed near the line allowing Thommo to close within a half a wheel on the line. Stiles First, Thommo second and Callan was third.
The remainder of the riders raced over 5 laps. Aaron White and Mark Oakley Browne did much of the pace making in the first lap but Ross Henry was never too far from the front. At the end of lap 3 Tristan Marut attacked passing the start finish line and Mark bridged over to him quickly Tristan found himself in the red zone almost immediately so decided he would sit up and wait for the chasers. Mark was having none of that and took off in individual pursuit mode. He rode the remainder of the race on his own going on to win by over two minutes. This was an awesome performance. In the sprint for second Tristan prevailed with Ross Henry taking out third spot.
Next weeks race is at Shady Creek. It will finish on top of the hill so it is one for the climbers.
