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Carnegie Caulfield CC
Sandown Raceway, March 16, 2004
Knevitt makes final move
By Mal Sawford
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The second last twilight race for the season saw over 150 competitors tackle the windy Sandown circuit on a fine but cool night. As usual, the A Grade race was an attacking affair, with Warren Knevitt (O'Mara Cycles) and Doug Garley (Terry Hammond Cycles) forcing the pace the first few times up the hill.
Travis Johnston, the former rower who earned a ride in the A Grade bunch after a very brief but successful stint in B Grade was another to rip out some big turns, while Paul Kelly (SBR) was also looking for a group to go clear with. Under the pressure of the repeated attacks, a break soon formed containing most of the pre race favorites.
Dylan Boone was the lone representative from the Team MG-ZT squad, with track star Todd Wilksch (Fitzroy Cycles), mountain biker Murray Spink (Giant), Nathan Wise and Martin Bole joining Garley, Johnston and Kelly. The bunch maintained a good pace in pursuit, but wasn't able to close the gap until Simon Walker (Victorian State Home Loans) powered up the climb, splitting the chase group in two.
With fifteen minutes to race, ten chasers made contact, while another half a dozen continued ten seconds further back. As the lead group swelled, Knevitt, Anthony Smith (Gran Prix Bicycles) and Bole counter attacked, and established an advantage of around ten seconds. Walker jumped away on the climb and blasted across the gap in the final laps, and although never more than a few seconds clear the quartet combined well to stay clear to the finish.
Knevitt had little trouble taking the win, ahead of bunch sprint specialist Walker, Smith and the self confessed non sprinter Bole. Tommy Nankervis lead the chase group home, ahead of Boone.
With over fifty riders in the B Grade race, there were plenty of fresh legs to keep the pace high or neutralize any attacks. Approaching the final laps, the pace slackened, before Toyko Olympian Mick Hollingworth wound things up for the final lap, drag racing the A Grade chase group around the 3.5 kilometer circuit.
Nick Gates (BikeNOW) took the win, ahead of deaf cyclist Reece Van Beek, with Team Alex Series leader Simon Lancaster's (BikeNOW) third placing further extending his lead. Frank Cipriano took home the final prize envelope, ahead of Paralympian Peter Homann (VIS). Jenny Macpherson (Fitzroy Cycles) was the first woman home.
Simon Bristow stole the C Grade race with a brave attack four laps from home, and rode strongly to hold off the bunch by twenty seconds on a windy night. Chris Garrard led the bunch in for second, ahead of Echuca veteran Brian Dew and Scott Jensen (Kennedy Cycle Fit). Nicky Matthews once again proved too strong, taking the win in the Women's division.
Comeback rider Adam Bonney applied the brakes too late in the dash to the line in D Grade, crossing for an unexpected win after Will Livesay looked a clear winner in sight of the finish. Livesay felt the full force of the headwind and wobbled off line, leaving a surprised Bonney to take the win. Michael Boyce and Andrew Rolland (SBR) filled the minor places, while Louisa Judd led home Andrea Bishop and Kasey Smith in the Women's section.
Simon Lancaster leads the $7000 Team Alex Criterium Series on 153 points ahead of Cheryl Walker (131). After his big win, A Grade rider Warren Knevitt has jumped to third place on 130 points, with only seven rounds remaining in the season long series.
Carnegie Caulfield Criteriums continue every Sunday at Glenvale Crescent (Melways map 80B2). Next Tuesday is the final Twilight race at Sandown racecourse for the season, with all grades starting at 6.30pm. Entry is via Sandown Rd, from 5.30pm. 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, 39 starters 1 Warren Knevitt (Carnegie Caulfield) 2 Simon Walker (Carnegie Caulfield) 3 Anthony Smith (Carnegie Caulfield) 4 Martin Bole (Carnegie Caulfield) 5 Tommy Nankervis (South Australia) 6 Dylan Boone (Carnegie Caulfield) B Grade, 1 hour + 2 laps, 52 starters 1 Nick Gates (Carnegie Caulfield) 2 Reece Van Beek (Geelong West) 3 Simon Lancaster (Carnegie Caulfield) 4 Frank Cipriano (Carnegie Caulfield) 5 Peter Homann (Carnegie Caulfield) Women 1 Jenny Macpherson (Carnegie Caulfield) C Grade, 50 minutes + 2 laps, 33 starters 1 Simon Bristow (Carnegie Caulfield) 2 Chris Garrard (Carnegie Caulfield) 3 Brian Dew (Echuca) 4 Scott Jensen (Carnegie Caulfield) Women 1 Nicky Matthews (Carnegie Caulfield) 2 Gemma Goyne (Carnegie Caulfield) D Grade, 45 minutes + 2 laps, 31 starters 1 Adam Bonney (Carnegie Caulfield) 2 Will Livesay (Carnegie Caulfield) 3 Michael Boyce (Carnegie Caulfield) 4 Andrew Rolland (Blackburn) Women 1 Louisa Judd (Carnegie Caulfield) 2 Andrea Bishop (Carnegie Caulfield) 3 Kasey Smith (Carnegie Caulfield)
