03/05/2008
Warragul Cycling Club members were racing back on home soil this week with a Handicap at Cloverlea. Under leaden grey skies the riders first wish was to complete to the course without getting too wet. As it turned out the rain held off and close race was enjoyed by all.
First off with 12 minutes head start on the scratch men were Dave Axford, Lawrence Maskill and Travis Parker. Next away, 6 minutes ahead of scratch, were James Lalor, Trevor Rollinson, Richard, Karen Munro and Paul Kennedy. This bunch would be hard to catch if they worked together. Next with 2 minutes on scratch were Matt Kennelly, Rob Monk, Steve Muggeridge and Callan Barker.
Last away were the A grade trio of Paul Yeatman, Geoff Thomson and Brett Rollinson.
The 12 minute bunch completed their first lap in 22’25” an average speed of 30.5km/hour. The 6 minute bunch were flying and completed their first lap in 20’15”. This is an average of 33.7 km/h. The 2 minute bunch completed the first lap in 19’20” at an average of 35.3km/h and the scratch men rode a conservative first lap in 19’03” , average 35.9 km/h. If the bunches could maintain this pace it was clear the scratch men were in for a tough day of chasing.
Trevor, Karen and Richard were the strongest of the 6 minute bunch and they completed the second lap still averaging 33.6 km/h. The 2 minute bunch were closing and could see the leader with a lap to got. Rob, Steve, Callan and Matt averaged 35.4 for the first two laps. The limit markers were struggling especially when Laurence withdrew after the second lap.
Richard drove hard and ensured that Karen and Trev would be fresh for the sprint and ensured the chasing groups would not catch them. The track specialist, Trev and Karen were happy to have Richard lead out the sprint. Trev took it out from Karen and Richard will benefit from the experience and third position. They rode the 34.2 km in 1’0’56”, an average speed of 33.7 km/h.
Next to finish were the B grade bunch where Matt Kennelly crossed the line less than 40 seconds behind the winners. Matt’s group completed the journey averaging 35.7 km/h.
The scratch men were not far away either coming in less than a minute behind B grade having averaged 36.3 km/h. Paul Yeatman took out the quickest time of the day.
