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Mildura-Coomealla CC Autumn Classic

May 10, 2003

Gallagher goes up a gear

By Peter Winton

Sean Gallagher demonstrated just how much more attention he will command from both the handicapper and fellow clubbies on Saturday by taking out the sprint finish in the Club's Autumn Classic 89 kilometre handicap. This event is the longest in the calendar and in possibly the worst conditions for sometime this year, slight drizzle, easterly head wind on the return leg, Gallagher showed patience and strength to snatch the cash.

With vivid memories of last years Autumn Classic conducted in torrential rain (Yes, it can rain in Mildura) the skies looked bleak at 1pm and the odd drop of moisture was reaching the ground. Could it be a repeat, an omen perhaps?

Limit had a break of 27 minutes from scratch and as they departed Simeon Wines this bunch included, Richard Hale, Barry Pollock (still trying to regain some fitness), Greg Scott and 13 year old Sam Priest. Richard Hale is an enigma, strong summer form seems to have deserted him!

At 18 minutes were the dangerous collection led by Dion Bassi-Anstee, Dave Priest, Sean Gallagher, Harry Robbins and Kev Gregory. The chopping block line up at 10 minutes were Ian Brade, Peter Winton, Jack Lokan, Michael Shipsides and Nathan Welsh. And now to the riders from Hell, Chris Baudry (masquerading as Lucifer), Peter Mulhearn, Kevin Tankard, Rob McNally, Ian Beruldsen, Peter Mills and new scratchman Brendan Liddle.

Bassi-Anstee punctured 20 seconds prior to his start time and through Kevin Tankards generosity he rode off sporting a shiny Shamal on the front. Maybe he will convert to Campagnolo equipment eventually? By the time all groups had got away the threat of rain had abated and Mildura once again could enjoy the continuing drought, at least until we're finished.

I could prattle on about who didn't work hard and who did but that happens at every race and in various bunches. Ian Brade deserves a mention however for his drive today. Scratch would be his reward for today's effort no doubt.

With the groups all but coming together in the final 100 metres it was Winton who unluckily had the honour of leading the mass to the line. Scratch were closing rapidly with the irrepressible Baudry whipping the remains of his bunch into a withering mess. Gallagher found something from within, although most of the peloton had enjoyed the tow from Brade and Winton for the last 10kms (there, I said it). Welsh took 2nd from Bassi-Anstee 3rd.

Sam Priest and Greg Scott rode out 1 lap (32kms).

Next week is an 8 lap/64 km scratch race at Merbein cemetery.

Results, 89 km handicap

1 S Gallagher
2 N Weslh
3 D B-Anstee
4 I Brade
5 R Hale
6 M Shipsides
7 K Gregory
8 B Pollock
9 P Winton
10 J Lokan
11 C Baudry  fastest time at 2:09:47
12 R McNally
13 I Beruldsen
14 B Liddle
15 H Robbins
16 D Priest
17 P Mills
18 K Tankard
19 P Mulhearn
 
Fatest time: C Baudry 2.09.47