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Murwillumbah CC

Crystal Creek, May 10, 2003

Nothing sticks in A Grade attacks; Goewie takes sprint finish

By Phil Ruge

A good field of 60 riders turned out in overcast but dry conditions on Saturday 10 May 2003 for the Murwillumbah Cycle Club's weekly road race over the Upper Crystal Creek course.

This 55 kilometre course takes riders out through Chillingham to the foot of Bald Mountain before returning back via Upper Crystal Creek to the finish at Dulguigan. Whilst this is a straightforward course with no major climbs riders still need to be vigilant as the twisting, narrow roads often see the bunch stretched out and those at the back struggling to keep contact with the front runners.

A Grade boasted a large field of 15 riders for their race. The pace was on almost from the start with multiple attacks being launched throughout the race. None of these proved to be successful however and a relative intact bunch lined up for the finish. First across the line after a good sprint was Ashley Goewie with Steve Rooney second and Ben Mockridge in third place.

B Grade also had a good field of 11 riders. These riders also got down to racing quickly and kept the pressure up out to Bald Mountain and back to Upper Crystal Creek. Sensing some tiring legs amongst the other riders Jeff Collier jumped away at this point and set about establishing a comfortable lead over the pack. This he did quite well and was able to coast home under brakes some 15 kilometres later for a solo win. David Barber was the best of the chasing bunch to take second place with Stuart 'I've got no choice' Ellick taking third after a great ride at this level.

There were 15 starters in C Grade. The usual protagonists were evident again stirring things up whenever the road became more difficult. Their efforts saw a few riders dropped but a good sized bunch were still together coming into the finish. A fast sprint saw Keith McCormack get up over a fast closing Frank Schirmer who pulled his foot but recovered quickly to take second place just ahead of the consistent Stan Brims in third spot. At this rate 'young' Frank Schirmer may not go back to D Grade!

Seventeen riders lined up for D Grade and decided from the outset to make a race of it. This persisted not only over the flatter sections of the course but into the hills as well! A few riders found this pace a bit much and dropped off on the run up to Bald Mountain but the rest scrambled back together and looked set to stay that way until the finish. Col Ryman had other ideas however and attacked the bunch with 3 kilometres left to race. Aided by the tactics of his Murwillumbah team mates Ryman's lead gradually grew to several hundred metres and he was clear for the win. Second home shortly after was Fred Mason with Bruce Syme putting in another good ride for third spot. The first woman to finish with this group was Gail Zinn.

Just two riders started in E Grade for the 45 kilometres to Chillingham and Upper Crystal Creek. Alan Sultmann guided his compatriot Len Grey, who was having his first race, over the length of the course. Alan had some second thoughts about his encouragement at the end when Len stayed with almost to the line for a very close finish!

Racing next week is over the 55 kilometres of the tough Nobbys Creek course. Start time is 2.00 pm from Pat Smith Park, Dulguigan. All riders are also reminded that the second round of the Johns Cyclesport Cup will be held on Saturday 31 May 2003. These races will start promptly at 2.00 pm due to the longer distances to be covered by all grades. See you there!

Just two riders started in E Grade for the 45 kilometres to Chillingham and Upper Crystal Creek. Alan Sultmann guided his compatriot Len Grey, who was having his first race, over the length of the course. Alan had some second thoughts about his encouragement at the end when Len stayed with almost to the line for a very close finish!

Racing next week is over the 55 kilometres of the tough Nobbys Creek course. Start time is 2.00 pm from Pat Smith Park, Dulguigan. All riders are also reminded that the second round of the Johns Cyclesport Cup will be held on Saturday 31 May 2003. These races will start promptly at 2.00 pm due to the longer distances to be covered by all grades. See you there!

Results

A Grade, 55 kilometres
 
1 Ashley Goewie (CATS)             1.25 (38.8 km/hr)
2 Steve Rooney (CATS)
3 Ben Mockridge (CATS)
 
B Grade, 55 kilometres 
 
1 Jeff Collier (Murwillumbah)      1.28 (37.5 km/hr)
2 David Barber (Gold Coast)
3 Stuart Ellick (Murwillumbah)
 
C Grade, 55 kilometres 
 
1 Keith McCormack (CATS)           1.32 (35.9 km/hr)
2 Frank Schirmer (Murwillumbah)
3 Stan Brims (CATS)
 
D Grade, 55 kilometres
 
1 Colin Ryman (murwillumbah)       1.36 (34.3 km/hr)
2 Fred Mason (CATS)
3 Bruce Syme (Murwillumbah)
 
First woman - Gail Zinn (GoldStars)
 
E Grade, 45 kilometres
 
1 Alan Sultmann (Murwillumbah)     1.30 (30 km/hr)
2 Len Grey