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Burnie Criteriums - NE
Burnie, Tasmania, Australia, December 31, 2007
2006 Results Results Past winners
Also see coverage of the Tasmanian Christmas Carnivals.
Wes Sulzberger takes the hat trick in Burnie
By Paul Verkuylen in Burnie
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Tasmanian local and runner up in the Under 23 World Championships held in Germany in October held off his brother Bernie to take his third Burnie criterium in three attempts.
"I was hoping that I could win it, but if I couldn't then I hoped my brother could," he explained. That scenario never presented itself as he and his brother crossed the line side-by-side to take first and second from Sean Finning.
Wes Sulzberger looked to be in control the entire race as he was seen chasing down attacks in the final few laps. "I was going alright up the hill, but my leg speed out of the corners wasn't what it was last year," he explained.
The two brothers were working well together as they marked a series of attacks by the Tasmanian Praties team, who are a continental team as of tomorrow.
"There wasn't really a plan, but we always help each other out when we can," Wes said.
"It was a tough race, and I felt good early on. I had to do some pretty hard turns towards the end which took it out of me," Wes' brother added.
Bernie who has run 11th at the nationals previously explained that he is deep in training for the nationals in January before he heads back to Belgium to race for the DFL-Cyclingnews. "I have been training hard for the Nationals, I am going to skip the bay series and concentrate on the nationals. I hope to go top ten," he said.
How it unfolded
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The race started with a field of 46 riders, in what was the best field ever assembled for the Burnie criterium. The fast pace set by the strong men including Denis Rohan, Sean Finning, Josh Wilson, Leigh Howard and the Sulzberger brothers was tearing the field apart early in the race and it wasn't long before a break away group rode off the front.
The seven strong group included Richie Porte, Josh Wilson, Rohan, Howard, Clarke and the brother Sulzberger, maintained a strong pace for the duration of the race which no one in the main field was able to match. By the time the lead group got the signal that they had completed the 35 minutes and was starting its final three laps it had almost rejoined the main field, but one lap up.
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Wilson attacked with two laps to go as Wes jumped on his wheel. As soon as this move was brought back, Wilson's Praties team-mate Porte launched a counter-attack, but he too was quickly brought back.
A little confusion ensued as he leaders were trying to make their way past the main field having lapped them. Safely ahead of the field, the sprint for the win began as they descended the small climb to the finish. It was Wes and Bernie who had a small gap on Finning who was finishing fast. But it was too late as Wes crossed the line arms aloft for his third successive victory in Burnie, with his brother taking second and Finning third.
On the podium the three riders enjoyed the cheers of the crowd as they started their New Years celebrations early with some champagne.
McCurley upsets Australian champion in tight sprint
By Paul Verkuylen in Burnie
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After Local rider Broady Baker took out the under 17 men's criterium the women, including the reigning Australian criterium champion, Kirsty Broun, took to the start for a tough race around the Burnie seas front course. 15 year-old Shannon McCurley took the title in a close sprint with Broun as they powered down the front straight in front of the large crowd assembled.
"It was really good," McCurley said after receiving her trophy. "I was hoping to win, so it worked out really good. It was good to have the Australian champion here, but it was tough riding on junior gears," she continued before explaining that she is still unsure where her strengths lie.
How it unfolded
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The 888-metre hot dog course took it toll on the 26 strong field as they raced for 30 minutes plus three laps. The race was highlighted by a number of attacks, none of which were successful as the main field was setting too high a pace for anyone to maintain an advantage.
With just three laps remaining and after the field was whittled down to just a dozen or so riders, Louise Moriarty from Ireland attacked on the strength sapping climb before the turn around. She quickly gained a gap as the rest of the field began looking at one another, no one wanting to do the work to bring her back so close to the finish.
With two to go, Moriarty was still holding a lead of around 100 metres but the strain on her face indicated that she was suffering after a tough race. The main field seemed aware of this as they held her at 100 metres for another lap before pouncing her the final time up the climb. Broun was one of the riders seen hovering close to the front, setting herself up for the fast sprint to the line after the small descent.
With 200 metres to go, it was Broun who was leading the sprint to the line, but McCurley had saved just enough in the tank to strom past her in the closing metres to claim the title from Broun and local girl Amy Cure.
Photography
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Mark Gunter/www.pbase.com/gunterphotograph
- It was a festive atmosphere at Burne, and after all it is New Years Eve.
- The women await the start.
- Kirsty Broun in her Australian Champion jersey.
- The field make their way along the waterfront.
- Louise Moriarty on her solo break.
- Louise Moriarty made the only real break.
- Sarah Kent in the bunch with two to go.
- The crowd wait in anticipation for the finish of the women's race.
- Shanon McCurley takes a great against the Australian champ.
- The men make their way out the back of the course.
- The pace was fast in the Men's race.
- The men's field head up the small climb.
- The peloton in action in Burnie.
- Bernard Sulzberger leads the break.
- Wes Sulzberger out front.
- Wes Sulzberger makes it three wins in three years.
- Tom Robinson had a nasty bingle after the finish.
- Wes Sulzberger awaits the podium.
- Let the champagne flow.
- Time for a New Years drink.
- Wes Sulzberger displays his trophy.
- Brothers in arms.
Results
Coming...
Past winners
2006 Wes Sulzberger Belinda Goss
