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Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Club

Glenvale Crescent, Mulgrave, November 2, 2003

New recruit storms D Grade

By Mal Sawford

A wet night, and morning hail storms kept many in bed, but the sun broke through mid morning allowing the optimists to get their weekly racing fix. C and D Grades tackled a wet circuit, which gradually dried as their races unfolded, giving perfect conditions for the A and B grade races which followed.

D Grade often starts with a neutralized period, to allow newer riders a chance to hone their skills. Organisers opted for a twenty minute controlled section given the damp roads - but once the flag dropped the pace sky rocketed, as new member Cameron Winton showed his strength. None could hold his wheel, and over the remaining twenty-five minutes of the event, Winton set a tempo which would see him lap the field just before the call for 'three to go'.

The field was spread around the 1200 meter circuit, with a chase group of six forming to contest the minor placings. Pete Johnson sprinted into second, inches ahead of Nick Conway and Michael Downing (Le Tour Cycles). Tess Downing narrowly missed joining that group, and had to be satisfied with the Women's division win after a determined chase with Renato Liucci.

With only six riders from C Grade prepared to risk the wet track, their race was always going to be a tactical affair. Kurt Jensen decided to test the waters with a strong attack early on, which saw him ride solo for much of the event.

Three riders combined to chase him down; Thor Nantoft, Richard Cormick and Under 15 star Peter Johnstone (O'Mara Cycles) reeled in the leader with 15 minutes remaining, and the quartet stayed intact to fight out the finish. Jensen kicked clear at the finish, to take the win and promotion to B Grade, ahead of Navntoft and Johnstone on his restricted gears.

The A and B grade riders elected to start as a combined field, and after a few laps to loosen the legs the attacks started. No A Grade rider wants to let any B Grade rider get away, while the stronger B Grade riders hope to latch onto an A Grade break - the combined effect is to keep the pace high!

Eventually, the high pace, the constant attacks and the windy conditions saw the strongest riders draw clear. The front group comprised Rob Crowe (BikeNOW), Jonathan Clarke (Australian Under 21 Team), Agostino Giramondo, Doug Garley (Terry Hammond Cycles) and Cameron Wise (Pro-Motion Bicycles) from A Grade, with super vet Guy Green (Le Tour Cycles) and Peter Risely (CBD Cycles) representing the B Grade contingent.

The leading group went on to lap the majority of the field, with only one chase group finishing on the same lap. At the finish, Barcelona Olympian Crowe outclassed the group, winning the sprint comfortably, with Clarke able to hold off the other for second, despite his early morning trip 'over the mountain' before the race started.

Twilight racing continues on Tuesday evening (Melbourne Cup Day) at Sandown racecourse, on the car racing circuit, with all grades starting at 6.30pm. The forecast is for a warm day! Entry is via Sandown Rd, from 5.30pm. Saturday the 8th sees the gala opening of track racing for the season, with a re-union day planned, and featuring the 50th Anniversary Caulfield Cup on Wheels, worth a fantastic $1000 thanks to generous sponsorship from Bob Jane T-Mart.

Michael Downing claimed the lead in the Team Alex Series with 41 points, courtesy of his fourth place finish and promotion to C Grade. Son and father duo Matt and Kurt Jensen follow on 34 and 28, while despite not competing today, Ferne Walklate continues to lead the Women on 22 points, in a share of fourth place outright with big Rob Crowe.

Carnegie Caulfield Criteriums continue every Sunday at Glenvale Crescent (Melways map 80B2). All holders of 2003 Cycling Australia licenses are welcome (don't forget to bring your license or receipt!) and non-members can have a go by taking out a day license for $20. 2004 licenses are also now available. For first time competitors and the younger juniors, Tokyo Olympian Mick Hollingsworth conducts racing clinics in E Grade. For further details, including information and standings for the Team Alex series, check out www.carnegiecycling.com.au.

Results

A Grade, 1 hour + 3 laps, 15 starters
 
1 Robert Crowe (Carnegie Caulfield)
2 Jonathan Clarke (Carnegie Caulfield)
3 Agostino Giramondo (Footscray)
4 Doug Garley (Carnegie Caulfield)
5 Cameron Wise (Carnegie Caulfield)
6 Anthony Smith (Blackburn)
 
B Grade, 1 hour + 3 laps, 15 starters
 
1 Guy Green (Blackburn)
2 Peter Risely (Carnegie Caulfield)
3 Paul Kelly (Carnegie Caulfield)
4 Brad Warrener (Footscray)
5 Doug Page (Footscray)
 
C Grade, 50 minutes + 3 laps, 6 starters
 
1 Kurt Jensen (Carnegie Caulfield)
2 Thor Navntoft (Carnegie Caulfield)
3 Peter Johnstone Jack (Chelsea & Peninsula)
4 Richard Cormick (Carnegie Caulfield)
 
D Grade, 45 minutes + 3 laps, 24 starters
 
1 Cameron Winton (Blackburn)
2 Pete Johnson (Carnegie Caulfield)
3 Nick Conway (Carnegie Caulfield)
4 Michael Downing (Carnegie Caulfield)
Women Tess Downing (Carnegie Caulfield)