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Warragul Cycling Club

Shady Creek, May 1, 2004

May Day Downpour Dampens Turnout

A last-minute hail storm persuaded many Warragul riders to turn back home rather than head out to Shady Creek for a scratch race on Saturday afternoon. Having had no club race the previous week due to the Baw Baw Classic, a committed bunch keen for a race no matter the conditions rolled to the start line, where a startled race director Staf Duncan confirmed that there are plenty of foolish riders in Warragul.

From the field of twenty-two, just three riders were from A grade, with the trio completing two laps of the 21km Shady Creek circuit. They stayed together for much of the first lap until Thomas Sandner initiated an attack shortly before the rise to the start-finish line. With this attack covered by Geoff Thomson and Dave Salton, Thomas immediately counter-attacked with more success. Thommo was the first victim resigned to completing the race on his own and enabling time to check that his seat had been fixed since breaking it on Baw Baw. The pace on the second climb up Nilma North hill was set by Sandner again, with Salton on his heels the entire way. But the effort cost Salton too much, and once reaching the top he faded, leaving 'the tank engine' to complete the race in a solo effort, three minutes ahead of Thommo and Dave.

The six riders in B grade also completed two laps of the 21km circuit, which for most of the time was controlled by Justen O'Connor, Chris Beales and Wayne Chester. Their first lap was eight seconds quicker than A grade, yet for Wayne Chester, the pain of last weeks Baw Baw Classic made his legs feel like the pack was crawling. Despite a couple of unsuccessful attacks near the start-finish line, the group stayed together on the second climb of 1.6km Nilma North hill and throughout the remainder of the circuit, covering surges courtesy of Wayne and Justen. Chris Beales kept quiet in the windy conditions, and stayed close to Wayne Chester's rear wheel for the lead-out to home. Bealesy took the win ahead of Wayne, James Henry, Pete Bailey, Ross Henry and Justen O'Connor.

The C grade field were off on their traditional slow start, which became even slower on the omission of Rob Monk from the start line. His absence was due to falling off his bike as he wrestled with last minute clothing changes. Bloodied and scratched, he recovered to join the group which had kindly waited. The field cruised around the 21km circuit together, agreeing just as the rain re-commenced to complete the second lap via the newly paved (and shorter) Stuhrs Road shortcut. On the second climb of Nilma North hill, Rob Monk upped the tempo, joined by Glenn Fisher and Luke Hanley and finding Monique Hanley and Vic Spunner casualties. The three kept evenly spaced for the sprint into the finish, with Glenn Fisher showing his form reserved for Sale-Bairnsdale to take the win over Luke and Rob.

The D grade field were joined by two riders from the E grade bunch, Glenda deBlauw and Jo Hanley. Set to complete two laps of the Stuhrs Road circuit, the field were found it difficult to control their pace due to the cold, and Glenda and Jo were early casualties. On the second lap, new rider and first-time racer Trent Brown from the Monash Gippsland rider-recruitment program took advantage of a passing B grade for an incentive to climb the Nilma North hill. The B grade pace was too great for most of the D grade bunch, and by the top Trent found himself on his own and clear of the field. He completed the course in solo-time-trial mode, 45 seconds ahead of improving rider Damien Brown, who found himself also clear of the field following the Nilma North hill. Allan Hauxwell finished off the podium placings.

Next week's race will be at Picnic Point for some climbing through Jindivick. Racing begins at 2pm, and further information can be found at the club's website www.warragulcyclingclub.org.au.

Results

A grade - 2 Laps Darnum Circuit (43km)
 
1 Thomas Sandner
2 Geoff Thomson
3 Dave Salton
 
B grade - 2 Laps Darnum Circuit (43km)
 
1 Chris Beales
2 Wayne Chester
3 James Henry
 
C grade - 1 Lap Darnum Circuit, 1 Lap Stuhrs Road (39km)
 
1 Glennn Fisher
2 Luke Hanley
3 Rob Monk
 
D grade - 2 Laps Stuhrs Road (35km)
 
1 Trent Brown
2 Damien Brown
3 Allan Hauxwell 

Local results 2004

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