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Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Club
Jack McGowan 100 Handicap - Modella, Victoria, July 30, 2005
By Mal Sawford
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After three kermesse style races at Anglesea, Lang Lang Proving Grounds and the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit, Carnegie Caulfield returned to the open road for the annual Jack McGowan Handicap. Held to recognize the outstanding contribution of CCCC's long serving past president (who can still be found directing traffic every week at Glenvale Crescent and Sandown), the traditional handicap format has become something of a rarity but close to one hundred riders were ready to test themselves over two laps of the Modella circuit.
The weather was very kind for mid winter, with mainly sunny skies, little wind and mild temperatures. Still conditions tend to favour the outmarkers, who set off 26 minutes ahead of the scratch bunch led by former Australian Road Champion Robert Tighello (Richmond Cyclery).
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Out front, the limit bunch were shown the ropes by experienced masters track specialist Mike Goldie, and made good use of their eight minute advantage over the first of six chasing bunches. When the big Scratch bunch were let loose they shot off the start line so quickly that riders began to lose contact within the first few kilometres.
By the end of the first lap, the rampaging scratch bunch had swept up and spat out the unfortunates off three minutes and were closing in on the middle markers, completing the 49km lap in just over an hour. Out front, many of the limit riders had stayed with the lead group as they were caught from behind, but it was only a matter of time before the back markers hit the front.
When the inevitable happened, no mercy was shown, and the Scratch riders continued their blistering pace which didn't allow any passengers. Approaching the final turn at Bayles with 15km to go, three riders jumped clear, with Metropolitan Road Champion David Kemp (Merida/QAS) attacking with Murray Spink (Gold Cross Cycles) and Darren Lapthorne (Lloyd Morgan). After waiting for a few moments to see whether anyone would chase, Tighello launched from the back of the group and quickly bridged to the leaders.
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On the long run to the line, Tighello shook off his companions and crossed the line alone to take out dual first and fastest honours. Kemp was too quick for Lapthorne in the sprint for second, with Spink rolling home a minute later. First woman home was Peta Mullens (BikeNOW/VIS), after a brave 10km solo effort from team mate Briana James, the last woman to lose contact with the scratch bunch, came to an end in sight of the line. Mary Rogers (Kathy Watt's Personal Training) also impressed to finish within the bunch with Mullens and James less than three minutes behind the winner.
A regular on the Open circuit, Tighello told spectators that he was delighted to have been able to contest the event, even if it came about due to the cancellation of the Shepparton Classic, but was amazed at both the turn out and the level of professionalism he had seen at a local event. His podium speech included a heart felt thanks to Jack McGowan, saying "I dug really deep to get the win to show my respect" for the man who had led Australia's biggest club since his days as a promising junior.
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In the Junior race over one lap of the circuit, four riders survived to contest the finish. Under 17 rider Dale Reith was too good for his younger rivals, crossing ahead of Aaron Eynaud, Peter Vlahos and Ryan Gallagher.
The extensive list of volunteers required to satisfy permit requirements and keep riders safe included Chief Commissaire and permit guru Matt Wright, assistant Handicapper Ann 'I didn't set the time gaps' Johnstone, judge and camera operator Doug Moody, head Marshal wrangler Darren Cathie and his road crew of Chris Boone, David Buntin and John Harrs, and lead car drivers Simon Vandestadt, Liz Chilton, Geordan Murray, Melissa Nichols, Scott Caraher, John Kohlar, Richard Cormick, David Eynaud and Peter Barbour. Even Jack himself got in the act keeping traffic at bay at the finish line!
Next week racing returns to Modella for the South East Regional and Club Championships, which will be held on the hilly circuit. Visiting riders are welcome but will not be eligible for Championship medals. Entries will be taken from 1.00pm for a 1.30pm start, and full details are available at www.carnegiecycling.com.au.
Results
Open, 98km - 93 Starters 1 Robert Tighello (Carnegie Caulfield) 2.32.06 2 David Kemp (Queensland) 3 Darren Lapthorne (Coburg) 4 Murray Spink (Dirt Riders) 5 Vaughn Bowman (Blackburn) 6 Nathan Wise (Carnegie Caulfield) 7 Pat Shaw (Ballarat) 8 Brendan Rowbotham (Carnegie Caulfield) 9 Cameron Wise (Carnegie Caulfield) 10 John Mackenzie (Latrobe City) Women Peta Mullens (Latrobe City) Fastest time Robert Tighello (Carnegie Caulfield) Junior, 49km - 6 Starters 1 Dale Reith (Blackburn) 2 Aaron Eynaud (Blackburn) 3 Peter Vlahos (Blackburn) 4 Ryan Gallagher (Carnegie Caulfield)
