21 Oct 2009
There was a big rollup of riders for the opening round of the 2009/10 Criterium series on Wednesday evening. Kolodong was the venue for graded Criteriums over a timed period of 20 minutes + 2 laps. It was pleasing to see such a large roll up, including a comeback ride for Max Eden. Max is currently battling cancer & has been given the OK by his doctor to "test the lungs". Well done Max. The Lewis family made the pilgrimage from Gloucester to compete. Thanks guys. Also a big welcome to the new members & some old faces in Brett Provost, Sam Alley, Mario Caires, Judy Corbett & Brian Louden.
A Grade & C Grade were first away with Josh Blick & Rhett Pattison breaking away early to take a race winning advantage over the chasers. With two riders away, the rest played a cat & mouse game to take the final position on the podium. With riders of the calibre of Glen Mathiske & Stephen Lewis in the bunch, it was going to be a close sprint. Lewis prevailed for third position after a winter season of hard racing at state level which has made him a tough campaigner. Of course the same can be said of the winner, Josh Blick who continues from strength to strength & Rhett Pattison, after his results in the Iron Man in Hawaii. Special mention must go to Bruce Anderson who stepped up to ride A Grade from his normal B Grade & managed to the finish in the main bunch. Well done Bruce.
C Grade had a large field of riders, including two new riders, Wayne Callaghan, who made the trek from Tea Gardens & Grant Webster who has moved to the area from Victoria. Both proved to be strong riders & put the other C Graders to the test. Mario Caires & Shane Dowsett rode strongly & looked to be in a strong position for the podium. In the sprint finish, Grant Webster led the pack to the top of the hill where Shane Dowsett took over & went to the line for the win with Ian Budden in tow for second place & Wayne Callaghan in third.
B Grade was packed with former A Graders in Mick Cross, Daniel Clinch, Sam Alley, Brett Provost & Troy Croker it looked to be an interesting race. Old stagers in Noel Mathiske & Greg Walmsley found the pace tough but hung in till the end. Tanya Cross was also in the mix in her first B Grade ride in many years & continues her steady comeback. In the bunch sprint, Mick Cross led out over the hill with Dan Clinch in second wheel & Peter Lewis in third. At the line, the positions had changed with Lewis showing pace to take the win from Clinch in second and Brett Provost in third. Cross faded towards the line, playing it cautious with his reconstructed knee.
D Grade was taken out by Russell Davis, outsprinting young up & coming David Cowley with the consistent Robert Alley in third. Tyler Nicholson rode well but found Criterium racing a different proposition to the road where he rode so well. Alicia Norris is a new rider in this grade & proved she is a "chip off the old block" by showing the same grit that Dad, Graham "Chuck" Norris, displays in the A Grade ranks.
Brian Louden worked his charms on the handicapper & received an E Grade start & in true "old fox" style, took the win from Jahl Nicholson in second place & Stephen Nicholson in third. Max Eden raced steadily & made it to the finish in good shape. Everybody was pleased to see Max back on his racing bike & wish him the best in his continued recovery.
Results for the Juniors are not to hand as Junior Development Officer, Dan Aldridge works on a program of events for our future champions. A later report will follow.
Next Wednesday we return to the Kolodong Circuit for more graded races. Juniors will be on first at approx 5.45pm with B.D & E grades on at 6.00pm. A & C will be on second.
Thanks to Pres. Gary Piper & Vice Pres. Al Provost for organising a great opening day of competition & thanks also to Rob Alley & Sue Hart for doing the sign-ons & last but not least, the traffic marshalls & trailer person. 'Bewdy All"
MANNING VALLEY CYCLE CLUB