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Warragul Cycling Club
October 9, 2004
Flat Out on a New Course
Flat, fast and no hills - Warragul sprint cyclists relished the new look racing circuit at Old Sale Road on Saturday. The out-and-back course took riders by surprise with the gentle slope, resulting in a very quick first 7.5km leg before a sharp u-turn and constant uphill return leg.
Thirty-one riders headed out to the Beards Track mustering point despite a heavy downpour at 1:30pm. Thankfully the deluge was short-lived and by 2pm the course had almost dried, leaving a westerly wind to greet racers.
A grade were first to complete three laps of the course; on the declining outbound section the pack chewed up the kilometres before being forced to slow considerably for the first turn. Brett Rollinson was an early casualty as the pack exploded from the turning point to face the rising course ahead. The field remained together on the return straight and the first half of lap two, before Sandner lifted the pace near the turn. A slight pause allowed the group to reform before he once again lifted the pace, effectively shedding Jason Kruger and Scott Keeble from the pack. Wayne Chester and John Salton remained close to Sandner's wheel, surviving the completion of laps two and three. However, without a clear landmark to highlight the home straight it was difficult to judge an appropriate point to sprint for the finish. John Salton took advantage of the situation and launched his assault early. Sandner and Wayne Chester were unable to counter the move, and Salton cruised to victory.
The B grade field rolled over the first half of lap one, content to take in the views of the Latrobe Valley and Mt Baw Baw. A lapse in concentration at the end of lap one saw Geoff Thomson collect Beales' rear wheel and spread the pack out as a result of the tumble. Thommo remounted his stead and rejoined the graciously waiting bunch. The final kilometre saw youngsters Steve Sandner and James Henry assume their position, and with a well timed run for the line they destroyed the chances of older legged counterparts in the race. Steve Sandner took victory ahead of James Henry and Chris Beales, following up his win with a terrific burn-out for the crowds.
Unusually, C grade featured the largest field of the day courtesy of an influx of 'B prepared' riders from a particular grade and promoted D grade rider Sean Porter. Dave Axford lost touch with the group, a victim of the sharp turning point, as Monique Hanley and Sean Porter suffered a similar fate. Down to just two, Rob Monk and Trent Brown continued on, keeping check of a recovering Paul Yeatman who led the chase with Steve Hall and Michael Pridmore - they had lost their way out the back. The chasers never recovered, and Monk was able to take the win ahead of Brown. Yeatman finished third.
The D grade field of eight featured youngsters, feats of resilience from Sam Atkinson and a fast finishing Daniel deBlauw over two laps of the course.
Next week's racing will be at Buln Buln from 2pm. Riders interested in racing at Club-run events can now purchase a 2005 racing licence (valid from now until December 2005), available from Club membership officer Phil Gallagher at Bike Land in Warragul.
The recreational RideIt group will be hosting a ride on Sunday, October 17 from 9am at the Warragul Velodrome. Club membership of the RideIt group is also available from Bike Land. To find out more on racing and recreational riding in Warragul please visit the Club website www.warragulcyclingclub.org.au.
