07/02/2016
By Rob Monk
A record field of 64 riders beats the Chesterfield Park record by 1.
It was a crack A grade field that contested Sunday’s 5th race in the Land Safe Criterium Series and the race did not disappoint. In a combative affair there always seemed to be a breakaway up the road. Brett Kennedy was in most of them, as was Glenn Marriott. The pace was on and some suffered. Alan McCulloch Will Lumby and last weeks B grade winner Dylan Adams were popped off the back when the chase was in “full gas” mode. Jayden Manintveld was back to his aggressive best and he “put the hurt” into many in the bunch. Big Jim Timmer-arends and Chris Joustra, the strong men from the Latrobe City Cycling Club, were in everything too. Breaks were still going and being caught right up until the mid way point of the final lap. At this point Glynn Marriott seemed oblivious to any other grades on the course and attacked past C grade who were on their bell lap. Kennedy followed, of course, meaning everyone else needed to go to. In the end it was Brett Kennedy who was just too fast in the sprint for Jayden Manintveld. The combative Glynn Marriott was third. Then followed Chris Joustra and Jim Timmer-arends.
The B grade race consisted of many short lived solo breakaways that were chased down almost entirely by Matt Malacarne, Paul Yeatman, Justin Gravett, Pete Whelan and Jason Tubnor. The rest of the field enjoyed a lovely ride and did absolutely nothing. The intermediate sprint was fiercely contested and Latrobe speedster Darren Spiteri was too quick for Simon Baxter. Jason Tubnor took a tumble mid-race but was able to rejoin after a lap out. At the bell the pace picked up as Harry McLean tried to drop the field on the King St hill. He could not get away and Justin Gravett then took on the role of leadout man. Gravett towed the whole field into the main straight before Paul Yeatman opened up a long sprint. Spitzy loomed up to him and looked like he’d fly past but Yeatman kicked again and recorded a strong win. Spiteri was second. Then followed Rob Monk, Greg Spencer and Craig Skinner.
Scott Keeble appeared miffed that he was demoted to C grade. He won’t be there long. He attacked from the gun making sure the field would notice his presence. Thomas Sandner was pleased that someone else was trying his signature move. There are many willing chasers in the C grade bunch, so attacks rarely succeed. The bunch were disinterested in the intermediate sprint and allowed Fred DeCosta and Thomas Sandner to take the points. The bell lap for C grade was a confused affair as A grade flew past them in the back straight. This prevented anyone trying the long range attack with 2k to the finish. A bunch sprint eventuated and Keeble brained the others. He’ll be back in B grade for the final race of the series. Fred DeCosta completed a solid race coming in second. Then followed Ross Henry, Jason Dastey and Thomas Sandner.
Declan Jeffery started the series in E grade but has consistently been in the points and was tied for first in D grade this week. C Grade beacons for young Declan. He won the intermediate sprint and able to follow all the moves to be well up there in the finish. Mark Mason and Declan tied for first. Race Director Pete O’Donnell was unable to separate them despite calling for a developed print. Ben Perry was third and continues to “rack up” the series points. John Batten cruised around and finished 4th. Batten is clearly looking for a good mark in a handicap later in the season and is hiding his form. Mariah Dastey sprinted well for fifth.
The E grade race started at a furious pace when Big D (Dwayne Needham)attacked from the gun. The field was lined out single file for the first three laps. Adele Whelan punctured and took a well needed lap out. David Smith was always able to follow Big D’s moves and add some pacemaking himself. Smith and Needam had the field strung out for much of the race. Unfortunately for them the ever green Snowy and John Davine were able to keep them close. Dave Smith was able to get a gap on the field in the sprint and managed to hold it all the way to the line to take out his first win. Cam Scheyer had been inconspicuous for the whole race but sprinted well to get second. The consistent Grace McLean was third with Snowy (Rod Cheney) fourth and Zac Trewin fifth.
With one race to go the series Top 10 is:
- 32.5: Declan Jeffery
- 31: Brett Kennedy
- 24.5: Jason Fritzlaf
- 23: Ollie McLean
- 22: Thomas Sandner, Mark mason and Ben Perry
- 21: Grace McLean
- 18: Ross Henry and Josh Akarsu
The final race of the series is on next Sunday starting at 8.15 near the Warragul Leisure Center.
Riders are encouraged to pre enter at the following link : series details and entry. $10 if you pre-enter. 15 on the day.
