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'Rider's Choice' Australia Day Criterium
Perth, Western Australia, Friday January 26, 2007
By Brett Russell
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Over 40 riders in both the support race and feature race braved sweltering conditions on Perth's Swan River foreshore. Large crowds lined the barriers to watch the 'hotdog circuit' racing, many draped in Australian flags, carrying eskies, as they made their way to the best vantage points for the Australia Day skyshow to follow later in the night.
The support race was a good lead up, and an indication of what was to follow, with riders being strung out along Perth picturesque foreshore, although riders didn't have time to take in the scenic surroundings. 16 year-old Michael Freidberg was in all the main breaks of the race and was then strong enough to ride away from the field and finish with plenty of time to raise his hands in victory, a very good ride in such hot conditions.
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The main field got away at 1:30pm in the hottest part of the day, and immediately Travis Meyer (Drapac Porsche) wanted to heat things up even more, so attacked the field. This got the race well and truly started and riders were strung out around the course as attacks came and went for the first 20 minutes of the race. Midway through the race the winning break made their move, and opened up a sizeable gap very quickly, with Cameron Meyer (South Australia.Com), Phil Reiman (Riders Choice), Doug Repacholi (Cycle Mania) and Wim Botman (B&E - Koopmans Cycling Team) from the Netherlands all sharing the workload, along with their team-mates policing the front of the main field this made this move a sure thing.
A few tried late in the race to get things going in the hope of bringing the break back, but it was to no avail and the break stayed clear with Wim Botman sprinting clear for the win, followed closely behind by Phil Reiman and Cameron Meyer, with Doug Repacholi coming in a few seconds behind to hold off the main field for 4th place. All riders were quick to get to the tent to rehydrate on cold drinks after what can only be described as a sizzling event!
Photography
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by Brett Russell
- Tyson Lawrence (TBE) all smiles before the start of the Riders Choice Criterium.
- Michael Friedberg takes a great solo win in the support race.
- Carlo Barendello (Glen Parkers) 'warming up' in 40+ degree heat.
- Travis Meyer (Drapac Porsche), attacking the bunch in the opening laps.
- The main field begins to stretch out.
- Tyson Lawrence (TBE), The heat starting to take it's toll.
- Cameron Meyer (SouthAustralia.com) leads the break in the closing laps.
- The four man break with eventual winner Wim Botman (Netherlands) leading.
- Nice shady trees didn't help the field much today in 40+ degree heat.
- Nathan Jones (TBE Brooks) puts the hammer down, with what's left of the main field.
Results
1 Wim Botman (B&E - Koopmans Cycling Team) 2 Phil Reiman (Riders Choice) 3 Cameron Meyer (SouthAustralia.com) 4 Doug Repacholi (Cycle Mania)
