UCI codes explained

Results and Reports for June 15 - 21, 2002

Australia

Promoters wishing to submit results should send them to cyclingnews

NSW Criterium Championships

Mudgee, June 16, 2002

Slippin' in the rain

Report courtesy of Shaun Hopkins

With the threat of rain, and a bumpy slippery course, the scene was set for a very difficult NSW Criterium Championship held in the main street of Mudgee. With many riders backing up from a 100km handicap on the Saturday, the race surely had to be easy. How could I have got it wrong.

Rolling out from the start with some 18 starters, and in the freezing pouring rain, it only took half a lap before Brent Skippen from Parramatta and Rod McGee from FDJ/NSWIS started on the attack. Having shortened the distance from one hour down to 40mins + 3 laps, and with the wind now starting to pick up and wreak havoc with the barricades, it was going to be a seemingly long day at the office.

A break of two went away with Rod McGee in the drivers seat, which was then shortly followed by Brent Skippen and another fellow out in hot pursuit. This left a group by this stage of around six to pick up the pieces and soldier on. After being lapped by the first group, and our larger group dwindling under the pressure, it wasn't long before the main group was down to two, with two groups of two leading the bike race.

With three laps to go and only myself and Adrian Estriech left to sprint out the finish out for 5th place and the last of the money, I made sure that it was mine. With a solid sprint and not much contest, I was able to cross the line in 5th place.

Although a good result for me, I was a little disappointed the race clashed with the tour in Mt Isa with all of NSW's major riders venturing up to some sunnier conditions. I know where I would have rather been.

Anyway, a short five week break from racing for myself to hopefully get some solid training in before Sydney's first criterium to be held at Fox Studios on the July 20.

Results

Senior Men
 
1 Rodney McGee (Parramatta)
2 Nick Wood (St George)
3 Brent Skippen (Parramatta)
4 Todd Sinclair
5 Shaun Hopkins (Parramatta)
 
U23 Men
 
1 Jono Davis (St George)
2 Simon Holcombe (Hunter District)
3 Luis Trueba (Marconi)
 
Senior Women
 
1 Natalie Bates (Parramatta)
2 Christine Riakos (St George)
3 Zoe Southwell (Parramatta)
4 Jessica Ridder (Bathurst)
5 Natasha Harrigan (St George)