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Southern Districts Veteran and Ladies Cycling Club

McLaren Vale, South Australia, January 2, 2005

Russell makes it clear

Any doubts about the battle between club giants James Russell and John Giles not continuing in 2005 were dispelled this weekend with the duo once again fighting for sprinting honours in a race when scratch reigned supreme, with Russell the victor. Near perfect conditions greeted the surprisingly large field of riders for this first club event of the year. A stiff westerly wind made some sections of the circuit course difficult for the outmarkers and enabled a fast finishing scratch to claim the field on the last lap.

Russell has made the best possible start to the year after leaving his run too late in 2004. Last year he had a victory early in February and then a very long gap until July. Between July and December Russell claimed eight victories, including a State Title in the Road Race in Male Category 1. This year he will be on track to challenge his record breaking 98 points in the club rankings, set in 2003, especially if he continues to regularly compete at the club rather than focus on the Open division racing with the younger professionals. Giles had to be content with second place, but he will be a constant thorn in Russell's side this year and is certain to claim his share of wins, adding to his five in 2004. Giles is the state champion in male category 4 in the road race. He gives Russell a huge age advantage of 14 years, and will be sure to take his share of the spoils this year.

Con Bastiras took third after starting with what looked like the stronger six-minute group before the scratch riders did their catch and sprint to claim victory. The bunched sprint had nine riders in contention and Bastiras held out a number of his fellow starters as well as riders from the earlier seven and a half minute group. These two starting groups took up all of the minor places and looked like they would hold out on the road until the final stages of the race. Bastiras has had limited success with only one victory with the club, taken last May. He has made the very best start to the year and should certainly surpass his previous this season given this very acceptable starting form. Fourth place went to Geoff Bate who made a very consistent effort last year, finishing in the top ten riders for 2004. He is one of the most consistent riders since 2000 with five victories. New rider Mark Shuttleworth finished fifth for his first result with the Southern Vets. The sprinting bunch was made up of number of familiar names who will feature again this year with Justin Dawson, Alistair Smith Stan Bastiras and Gavin Mc Mahon, to mention a few.

Results

Scratch Race, 45km

1 James Russell        
2 John Giles           
3 Con Bastiras         
4 Geoff Bate           
5 Mark Shuttleworth    
6 Justin Dawson        
7 Alastair Smith       
8 John Hood            

Local results 2004

January	February	March
April	May	June
July	August	September
October	November	December