25/01/2013
By Rob Monk
Numbers were down a little this week as many Warragul Cycling Club Members were at the Tour Down Under in Adelaide.
With half of the Women’s first division on holidays, a smaller field of five were left to contest the fourth series event. Rachel Kimber was favourite to win, after securing her third consecutive second placing at last week’s race. Louise Clark, Sharon Gordon and Dani Reidy completed the field, along with a surprise entry from former champion cyclist, and Gippsland local Monique Hanley. A series of attacks from Hanley, Kimber and Clark meant Reidy in her first division one race lost touch with the group at the half way mark. Gordon worked hard to rejoin the main bunch after losing them during an attack from Hanley. Clark upped the pace into the headwind with only minutes remaining, in an attempt to tire the sprinters she was keeping company. The final lap saw the bunch slow up, until Kimber and Hanley attacked with lightning speed at the final corner. Clark and Gordon followed, but were left to battle for third place. Kimber was determined to earn her first win and in an impressive display of speed and strength, took Hanley to the line and won in a close but fast finish. Gordon hung on to take the sprint over Clark in the last few meters.
The Division 1 open race was again marred by a crash. This time Jack Walk hit the deck taking down Danny Gaffa as well. Jayden Manintveld rode strongly all night and took out the win.
In Division 2 Craig Skinner had a win from Matt Parkinson and George Tambassis. Some good team tactics from the Latrobe Boys helped secure the victory.
Col Brown continues to fill second spot in Division 3. This week Chris Henne from Latrobe beat Col to gain promotion to Division 2. The consistent Terry Kelly finished third and Graeme Patrick was fouth.
Division four was won by John Davine from Shane Wakker, Clint Wilson and Frank Bensted.
In the women’s Division 2 event the improving Donna Gibson finally broke through for a win. She defeated Robyn Barker, Annie Pryjmak and Kristen Theile.
In the Juniors Jack Martin defeated Tyler Meunier. Boyd Makepeace was third and Drew Makepeace was fourth.
The final race of the Garden Shed Criterium Series is on this Friday Night at the Chesterfield Estate. Racing starts at 5.45 with the Juniors.
Presentations will take place at the clubrooms. BYO drinks and nibbles.
