Recently on Cyclingnews.com |
 Giro finale Photo ©: Bettini |
Results and Reports from Australia
Promoters wishing to submit results should send them to Cyclingnews
Carnegie Caulfield CC
Sandown Raceway, November 11, 2003
Tolhurst takes A-grade in perfect attack
By Mal Sawford
|
|
|
|
|
|
The forecast evening showers held off long enough for the big field of 136 riders to test themselves on a typically windy night around the 3.5 kilometer Sandown Raceway circuit.
The southerly change helped riders tackle the nasty drag up the back straight for a change, but the twisting course provided plenty of cross wind sections for the stronger riders to inflict some damage on the bunches. A three rider break went clear early in the elite A Grade field, with regular Canberra rider Michael Tolhurst joined by Andy Naylor and Paul Richards (Team MG-ZT).
The trio combined well, and opened a gap of over thirty seconds on an apathetic bunch, and it wasn't until the closing stages that any urgency appeared, with Leigh De Luca towing the peloton back into contention. The leaders were still fourteen seconds clear at the bell, but Tolhurst, sensing the danger attacked his companions soon after the start of the final lap.
His timing proved impeccable, and the climbing specialist held on to take a good win, with the unlucky Naylor and Richards swallowed up by the bunch. Sprinter Dylan Boone (Fitzroy Cycles) easily led the field home, with Simon Walker (Victorian State Homeloans), Warren Knevitt (O'Mara Cycles) and Tommy Nankervis (Fitzroy Cycles) very close for third. Rob Young (Team MG-ZT), fresh from his ride in New Zealand's Tour of Southland claimed the final place.
The early break in B Grade had more luck, although their impressive early lead was also whittled down to twenty seconds heading into the final lap. All five riders survived to take the spoils, with Danny Kah sprinting home to take the win ahead of Tom Crebbin, Mick Buckley (Bicycle Superstore), Geoff Whiter and Russell Newnham.
C Grade started with the night's biggest field, and resisted all attempts to split the field. Cam Winton's last lap solo effort was unsuccessful, with the result decided by a very close sprint. Andrew Wyatt timed his sprint best on the long finishing straight, finishing ahead of Tony McGarrigle and the newly promoted Simon Lancaster. Cheryl Walker (Victorian State Homeloans), led the women home ahead of Catherine Allen (Giramondo) who had overcome a broken gear cable in a free lap out to complete the race.
Renato Liucci took out the D Grade race, with his win earning him promotion to C Grade. Luke Postlethwaite sprinted into second, ahead of Under 15 star Pete Johnstone (O'Mara Cycles), with Michael Boyce (whose age is similar to the combined ages of the first three finishers) taking fourth. Lisa Friend (Bianchi) led the Women home, ahead of Series Leader Ferne Walklate.
Simon Lancaster's third place points from his first ride in C Grade moves him into the lead of the $7000 Team Alex series, with another Junior, Michael Downing only two points behind. Warren Knevitt leads the A Grade competitors.
Carnegie Caulfield Criteriums continue every Sunday at Glenvale Crescent (Melways map 80B2). Twilight racing continues on Tuesday evenings at Sandown racecourse, on the car racing circuit, 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, 31 starters 1 Michael Tolhurst (Canberra) 2 Dylan Boone (Carnegie Caulfield) 3 Simon Walker (Carnegie Caulfield) 4 Warren Knevitt (Carnegie Caulfield) 5 Leigh De Luca (Carnegie Caulfield) 6 Robert Young (Lavington) B Grade, 1 hour + 3 laps, 39 starters 1 Danny Kah (Carnegie Caulfield) 2 Tom Crebbin (Italo Australian) 3 Mick Buckley (Carnegie Caulfield) 4 Geoff Whiter (Carnegie Caulfield) 5 Russell Newnham (Carnegie Caulfield) C Grade, 50 minutes + 3 laps, 41 starters 1 Andrew Wyatt (Blackburn) 2 Tony McGarrigle (Noble Park - Dandenong) 3 Simon Lancaster (Carnegie Caulfield) 4 Bruce Trew (Chelsea & Peninsula) Women 1 Cheryl Walker (Carnegie Caulfield) 2 Catherine Allen (Blackburn) D Grade, 45 minutes + 3 laps, 25 starters 1 Renato Liucci (Carnegie Caulfield) 2 Luke Postlethwaite (Carnegie Caulfield) 3 Peter Johnstone (Chelsea & Peninsula) 4 Michael Boyce (Carnegie Caulfield) Women 1 Lisa Friend (Blackburn) 2 Ferne Walklate (Carnegie Caulfield)
