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Smaller than usual fields today, a combination of ordinary weather (again!) and the absence of the elite riders contesting the Australian Open Road Championships in country Victoria. As is often the case, the smaller fields brought tough racing, as there is no where to hide on a windy day when the pressure is on.
The A Grade race would come down to a bunch finish, but only after most riders in the field had spent the hour trying to get off the front, or doing the job at the front to reel in some escapees. Young Victorian Institute of Sport track endurance stars and Madison partners Jonny Clarke and David Tanner were always in the thick of the action while one was away, the other would block, only to launch strong counter attacks when things came back together.
Thaddeus Roos (Bicycle Superstore), Ed Hollinger (City Cycles) and Geordan Murray could be relied on to contribute to the chase down, and after the last dangerous break featuring Clarke, mountain bike star Murray Spink and Roos was neutralized and noted track sprinter Shaun Collins (Fitzroy Cycles) had pulled the pin, the remnants of the bunch were happy to fight it out in a sprint finish.
The Club's recent digital camera purchase proved a godsend for the judges today, as the first 3 places were within inches! Simon Bishop just got his wheel in front on the far side of the road, ahead of Murray and Roos, with Tanner a bike length away in 4th.
B Grade was decided by an early break that quickly established a growing lead over a disorganized, if not disinterested bunch. Two of the regular strongmen, Garron Buckland and Martin Bole were joined by Steve Martin and visiting English rider Andy Naylor.
While the bunch behind could not get organized, and small groups tried in vain to bridge the growing gap, the quartet got on with the job of riding a teams time trial to the finish. Bole lead out strongly from the final corner, and none of his breakaway companions could come round. The minor placings went to Naylor, Martin and Buckland.
Paul Brewer established a handy early lead in C Grade, and looked to be heading to a rare win ahead of the bunch in the 'chase at all costs' bunch. Unfortunately he ran out of legs in the closing stages and was swept up by the bunch in their wind up to the finish.
Ian Wolfe had the best legs, ahead of Aaron Moody and Cameron Wise, who had both starred in yesterday's Club Track racing; with big Stu McNeill in 4th place.
The D Grade race was marred a little by a fall featuring 4 of the women competitors, fortunately no significant damage was done to their bikes (or bodies!) and they were all able to rejoin the proceedings. The race came down to an all in finish, where 3 Ride Permit youngster scored a good win ahead of consistent Vet John Groves, Anthony Dean and Richard Cormick.
Women were only competing in C and D grades today due to the large contingent who regularly test their legs in B Grade all racing the Australian Title. Deborah McCoy collected the first woman prize in C Grade, while Rachel Rademacher ended Tess Downing's recent run of wins in D Grade.
A Grade - 1 hour + 3 laps - 15 starters 1 Simon Bishop (Footscray CC) 2 Thaddeus Roos (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) 3 Geordan Murray (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) 4 David Tanner (Benalla CC) B Grade - 1 hour + 3 laps - 30 Starters 1 Martin Bole (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) 2 Andy Naylor (Team Omega) 3 Steve Martin (Blackburn CC) 4 Garron Buckland (Dirt Riders CC) C Grade - 50 mins + 3 laps - 23 starters 1 Ian Wolfe (SKCC) 2 Aaron Moody (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) 3 Cameron Wise (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) 4 Stuart McNeill (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) Women: Deb McCoy (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) D Grade - 50 mins + 3 laps - 21 starters 1 Lachlan Hay (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) 2 John Groves (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) 3 Anthony Dean (Blackburn CC) 4 Richard Cormick (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) Women: Rachel Rademacher Novice/Junior - 45 mins + 3 laps 1 Mitch Peart (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC) 2 Dale Reith (Balance Carnegie Caulfield CC)