21/03/2009
Warragul Cyclist endured some hot conditions on the Burke Street Criterium Circuit on Saturday. Despite the heat, break aways were on the menu with both races decided by solo efforts.
The A grade race comprised of a strong field of Warragul riders plus recently crowned Gippsland Criterium Champion Ash Lucas from the Latrobe City Cycling Club. The local boys were in no mood to let Ash take a race on their home circuit. Kane Walker, James Henry and Shane Stiles ensured the pace was high and big Ash found the King Street hill too long to keep in touch. Kane, James and Shane soon established a commanding lead. James struggled to hang on and soon retired from the race. Kane and Shane worked together until the final lap where Kane attacked hard up the hill and gapped Stiles. He went on to record a commanding 15 second win. Stiles rolled home for second and Paul Yeatman powered home in third in front of Callan Barker and Geoff Thomson.
B Grade had large group but he heat seemed to sap any desire for an early breakaway. Eventually Simon Baxter took a fly up the hill and Pete Finlayson easily worked across to him. The pair established a reasonable lead and when Rob Monk jumped across to them a break looked like it may stay away. Neil Walker, Bret Rollinson and Ross Henry worked hard to bring the race back together but the acceleration saw last weeks winner Jarryd Jones and James Lalor lose contact with the group. With two laps to go Rob Monk was allowed to roll off the front and when his lead grew to 50 meters he hit the gas and made the field chase. At the bell his lead was still 50 meters. Pete Finlayson chased hard up the hill and managed to bridge over to Rob by the end of the back straight. The pair swapped turns until the run to the line where Pete showed he had too much left and went on to take a good win. Matt Kennelly also caught Rob but tired near the line. Rob took second from Matt third. Then followed Simon Baxter, Ross Henry, Neil Walker, Brett Rollinson, James Lalor and Jarryd Jones. Grub Melnyk was a DNF.
In C grade Cy Monk and Greg Horbowicz completed 40 minutes plus a lap. Greg was a bit quick for Cy.
The next week’s race will decide the Criterium series.
