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By Mal Sawford
The day after Melbourne finally recorded its' first 30 degree this summer, 157 riders rolled out for the final criterium in 2001. Fine weather, but not too hot, thankfully, as the Club's van had refused to start and the full complement of drinks and choccy bars could not fit into the secretary's boot! A good turn out considering most of the 'trackies' are plying their trade at the Victorian or Tasmanian Christmas Carnivals.
Another strong A Grade field was softened up early by the big hitters, in their last opportunity to find form before next weeks Skilled Bay Series. At least we would be guaranteed a new winner this week, as Hilton Clarke is riding the Perth Crit Series!
The early break was lead by Robert Tighello (ACR) and Simon Gerrans (SBR). The strong pair established a good lead and before too long, the other players left the bunch to form a 6 man break which would not be caught. Joined by Dominic Gatto, Paul Redenbach and SBR team-mates Kristjan Snorrason and Chris Carr, the group worked too well for the main bunch to make an impression. The only question was who would take out the bike race?
Snozza was looking for his first win this summer, having recently returned from his Canberra training retreat, and with 2 team-mates to help looked odd on. Chris Carr set a fearsome tempo at the bell, but a back straight attack from Gatto disrupted the train. Tighello burst clear of the group coming towards the line, and while Snozza gave everything, he would have to be satisfied with second. The minor placings went to Redenbach and Gerrans.
B Grade followed up last weeks huge field of 75 riders with 73 on the start line today. Unlike last week, however, the pace was a little more placid, with too many riders keen to hide themselves in the bunch, perhaps hoping to save themselves for the expected bunch finish.
Six riders took advantage of the apathy in the peloton, and broke clear, at one stage looking like they would lap the field, before pride saw the pace lift in the bunch and the margin stabilize at around 45 seconds. Driven by masters riders Chris Boone (who has been knocking on the door of A Grade for the past few weeks) and Garron Buckland, and with Eddie Perez, Michael Baines, Chris Bourke and Con Kakris all doing their fair share, the group stayed clear by over half a minute at the finish.
A good win went to mountain biker Baines, from 'Fast Eddie' Perez, Buckland and Bourke, after the sprint was lead out by noted sprinter Boone.
Another 'bushranger' slipped under the handicapper's guard to take out the C Grade race, with Carl Cubbitt toying with the bunch before going clear in the closing stages to take the win. Marcel Musco was best of the rest ahead of Chris Winn and Jeremy Gough.
Matt Boyd will be racing with C Grade soon after a good sprint to take out D Grade ahead of youngster Sean Bourke, David Vervaart and Daniel Young.
In the days Women's racing, Emma Rickards (SBR) lead home the B Grade women after another good display of maintaining position in the huge bunch. Team mate Alex Harrison was next best of the elite women. Daphne Dubach scored her first pay day as first lady in the D Grade field after a strong ride.
All riders are once again reminded that no rider will be allowed a start in any Carnegie Caulfield races in 2002 without a valid license or official receipt.
A Grade (1 hour+ 3 laps) 34 starters 1 Robert Tighello (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) 2 Kristjan Snorrason (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) 3 Paul Redenbach (Melton CC) 4 Simon Gerrans (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) B Grade (1 hour+ 3 laps) 73 Starters 1 Michael Bailey (Dirtriders CC) 2 Eddie Perez (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) 3 Garron Buckland (Dirtriders CC) 4 Chris Bourke (SKCC) Women 1 Emma Rickards (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) 2 Alex Harrison (Northcote CC) C Grade (50 mins + 3 laps) 29 starters 1 Carl Cubbitt (Preston CC) 2 Marcel Musco (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) 3 Chris Winn (Dirtriders CC) 4 Jeremy Gough (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) D Grade (50 mins + 3 laps) 21 starters 1 Matt Boyd (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) 2 Sean Bourke (Blackburn CC) 3 David Vervaart (Blackburn CC) 4 Daniel Young (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) Women 1 Daphne Dubach (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC)