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Port Fairy Cycling Club
August 7, 2004
Mentha quick to record comeback victory
Port Fairy Cycling club's efforts to recruit new members were highlighted during Saturdays 31-kilometre Handicap race. Under clear skies and light North Westerly winds, Peter Mentha made a triumphant return to cycling after a long hiatus from the sport.
Mentha had an ideal build up to his return Victory. Firstly, undertaking a solid base training regime. Secondly, updating his machinery. Thirdly, showing good form in his first two attempts at Port Fairy Races and finally by saluting the judges in a bunch sprint to confirm that all the preparation was working. Peter's victory shows that the handicapping system allows for new riders' abilities and gives all-comers an equal chance at winning the day.
Before the start of Saturday's event, approximately 30 riders prepared to be categorised by Handicapper, Nick Lee and his assistants. The fine conditions would once again make the going tough for the back-markers. Accordingly, the time gaps were reduced compared to the previous weeks.
Darryl Rae had the pleasure of company this week in the form of Gary Spencer, the two trailblazers took off, working in perfect harmony in their efforts to thwart the rest of the field.
As has been the case for the last few weeks, a group containing Danny Boyd, Lou McLaren and Jill Edwards set off in pursuit of the limit markers some eight minutes later.
Three minutes further back were the industrious group containing Neil Hyland, Keith Mcleod and Brian Raymond. They were being chased by an ever-improving 'chopping block' group, headed by John Blair, Chris Burridge and Mark Winnen. This group of six were only one and a half minutes ahead of the two scratch men, Jade Frankel and David Tozer. Pre-race consensus was that this gap would not be enough to hold off the backmarkers but in what turned out to be an indication of the strength of these riders, the scratch men would again have a lonely day at the rear of the field.
The critical point of the race occurred within five kilometres of the finish. The brave efforts of Spencer and Rae were snuffed out at Peter's Pass. The Mentha lead group had already excused Boyd and co. off the pursuit duties and had taken control off the race.
In a vindication of the handicapping team's pre-race deliberations, all groups were in the Bam Stone straight at the same time. However the two back groups were not going to be able to reign in the leaders.
The lead group turned the corner with 500 metres to travel with only one goal in mind. The spoon was theirs to sprint for. Danny Boyd made a brave attack, as he had done the previous week but once again a stronger opponent was able to surpass his finishing speed, the sight of newcomer Mentha, would have been demoralising for Boyd, to be so close for a second week in a row. Brian Raymond picked up third position behind Mentha and Boyd.
The fortunate thing for all of the unsuccessful riders is that another chance will arrive this Saturday. Riders will be able to put their past experiences and training to the test when entries will be taken at the Port Fairy Showgrounds, prior to the 2pm start time.
