Post date: Feb 29, 2016 10:12:4 PM
Hello Vets,
In this week's Bleat;
• Stolen Bike
• From the Desk of the Handicapper
• Interstate Events
• Racing this Week
• Race Reports
Please send me your contributions at: TheBleat@actvets.cc
Ian Morton
On Tuesday, while I was at Stromolo, a 14 - 16 year old youth was observed removing my road bike from my house. I had taken it out of my car to make room for the old red cannondale I use for crits.
Full description and pictures HERE
If anyone spots the bike, could they please let me know.
Paul Robey (paul.robey3@gmail.com)
The handicapper has been on holidays so just the one change this week;
- Alison Hale D to E
• Tour De Riverina interclub dates;
- 13 March - Dean Carter Memorial - Griffith CC
- 20 March - Stockinbingal Fair - Cootamundra CC
- 3 April - Butch Menz Memorial - Wagga CC
- 24 April - Geoff Dixon Memorial - Albury CC
For more information http://riverinainterclubracing.com/tdr/.
• Newcrest Orange Challenge
- 20 March
An epic 170km ride through stunning NSW scenery finished of with some of the finest food and wines from the Orange region. Details Here
• 2016 South Pacific Veterans Cycling Championships
- 25-28 March
A combination of aged based events (the Time Trial and 300 metre sprints), and graded road race and Criterium events. In the age group races, riders are grouped in 5 year increments. Women start at 30 years and men at 35 years of age. Click HERE for details and online entry.
• Tolland Cycling Club Wagga Wagga
- 16-17 April
90 km Handicap and 71km/54km Graded Scratch. Details and registration https://eventdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=main&EventDesqID=16484&OrgID=20999. For more information contact Barry O'Hagan 02 69252404 or 043191803.
Where: Stromlo Forest Park
Sign on: 15 mins before scheduled start time wearing your registered number.
Race Description:
Note that we are now back to rotating grade start times.
A/C 5:50 A 35m+2, C 30m+2
B/D 6:35 B 35m+2, D 30m+2
E/F/G 7:10 20 m + 2
Race Director: Robert Miller
Contact: Email: photo@bobmiller.com.au Ph 0411 271 656
The nominated marshals for this event are;
• John Wilson,
• Russell Marston
The Program for Wednesday is as follows:
5.30pm – 6.00pm: Warm-up and free practice;
6.00pm – 6.20pm: 10-Lap graded scratch race;
6.20pm – 6.40pm: 4-Lap Handicap
6.40pm – 7.00pm: 2-Lap Sprints
7.00pm – 7.20pm: Italian Pursuit.
No Race this weekend due to the Amy’s Big Canberra Bike Ride.
One of Canberra’s premier cycling participation events, Amy’s Big Canberra Bike Ride was developed to provide an opportunity for cyclists of all abilities and ages to celebrate safety and cycling in Canberra. Details at http://www.bigcanberrabikeride.com.au/.
The nominated marshals for upcoming events are;
- 8 Mar @ Stromlo: Brian Chugg, Liz Lowe
- 15 Mar @ Stromlo: Phil Anderson, Seymour Savell-Boss
- 20 Mar @ Stromlo: Peter Laffery Sue Frost
- 22 Mar @ Stromlo: Dennis Puniard, Tanya VanderPutt
Wednesday, 24 February was exceptionally hot and dry. Track practice was, initially, a challenge. However, the temperature eased over the session and overall conditions for racing, were quite good. The solid attendance continued, with 18 riders enjoying a great evening’s racing.
The initial scratch races were 12 laps, with rider numbers allowing separate A and B grade races. As expected, the A grade race was enlivened by Kerry Knowler and Lindy Hou, who made a break with 6 laps to go. Rowan McMurray and Alec Millett took up the pursuit and soon had Kerry and Lindy back under control. With three laps to go, Michael Langdon feigned a break, but thought better of it and sat up. He waited until the bell lap to launch a genuine attack. Unfortunately, he had Steve Jones on his wheel. The result was inevitable, Steve first, Michael second. The surprise was Alec Millett, who had just moved up to A grade, taking third. Well done Alec!
In B grade, Steve Hirsler and Ross Scutts took a flyer in the first few laps and soon gapped the field. The pursuit of this pair raised the pace and saw riders struggling off the back. Phil Coulton and Phil Anderson managed a strong pursuit and overcame the field, in the final laps. Phil Coulton took a fine win from Phil Anderson. Steve Hirsler managed to hang on for third.
The next event was a team pursuit with teams of three in each grade. This was a hard charging event in both grades. In A grade, Michael Langdon, Alec Millett and Rowan McMurray took the win. In B grade, Phil Coulton, Linda Stals and Steve Hirsler were winners.
The next event was a 4-Lap, handicap. The A grade race pleased the handicapper by being a close run affair. Kerry Knowler and Lindy Hou, on the tandem, took the win from Rowan McMurray and Michael Langdon. In B grade, Linda Stals had the pace for most of the event. However, pursuing riders were able to draft her and stream around in the final sprint. The winner was Ross Scutts, followed by Bruce Griffin and Phil Coulton.
As usual, the evening’s final event was an Italian Pursuit. This event is always great racing. It provides an opportunity for the also rans, like yours truly, to contribute. Team 2, with fewer A graders, recognised their best chance for a win, was to make a good start and gain time in the early laps. This strategy ran like clockwork, with Graeme O’Neill, Bruce Griffin, Phil Anderson and Ross Scutts establishing a good lead. They were helped by a little disorganisation in Team 1’s initial pursuit. The outcome was a convincing win to Team 2. Its anchor rider, Michael Langdon, was around 15 metres ahead by the finish.
Major place getters for the 24 February races were as follows: 12-Lap Scratch: (A Grade) Steve Jones, Michael Langdon, Alec Millett,. (B Grade) Phil Coulton, Phil Anderson, Steve Hirsler. Team Pursuit: (A Grade Winners) Michael Langdon, Alec Millett, Rowan McMurray (B Grade Winners) Phil Coulton, Linda Stals, Steve Hirsler. 4-Lap Handicap: (A Grade) Kerry Knowler & Lindy Hou, Rowan McMurray, Michael Langdon (B Grade) Ross Scutts, Bruce Griffin, Phil Coulton. Combined Italian Pursuit: Winner, Team 2 (Michael Langdon, Alec Millett, Rowan McMurray, Ross Scutts, Phil Anderson, Bruce Griffin, Graeme O’Neill).
Season Point Score Update: Michael Langdon (225), Alec Millett (204), Steve Jones (196),), Steve Hirsler (164), Ross Scutts (157), John-Paul DeSousa (155).
Please note that the last few weeks in March (from Wed 9 on) are likely to present a challenge in ensuring we have qualified first aiders present. If you are qualified, your attendance for these last few track sessions would be much appreciated.
Graeme O'Neill