Cold, wet and windy conditions at Korrine saw the riders do it tough on Saturday for the 2 laps (35km) race. The 21 senior riders included new rider Justin Matthews come along with last week’s new starter Steve Allan. Whilst Steve has a mountain bike background he was at least on a road machine this week and this allowed him to be more competitive.

The lone scratch rider, Nick Aitken had 3 riders on 11.30min, followed by 2 at 7.30 minutes, 3 riders at 3.30min, 6 riders at 1.30min and a further 6 riders at 30 seconds. The first 2 km of the circuit involves riding into the wind prior to a tail wind run past the Lance Creek abattoir prior to the long climb up the McGraws Road hill. The front trio had gone well through this section whilst Paul Taranto riding on 3.30min was going like a rocket and dropping his co-markers. Nick Aitken had closed the gap to around 15 sec by the hill top and the 30 sec bunch was holding the margin to the 1.30 sec bunch. The climbs on the run back to the top of the hills at Glen Alvie saw new rider Justin Matthews ride away from the other limit riders whilst Nick Aitken caught the 30 sec bunch and was starting to drive the pace. The lead was back to around 4 minutes after the first lap.

The second lap saw Nick Aitken doing the lion share of the pace making and pulling riders along with him until the climbs quickly sorted out the bunches. Over Glen Alvie the second time and it was Nick in front with a handy break and the only a few of the stronger back markers within striking distance. At the line it was a clear win and fastest time to Nick, claiming the Sprag Trophy for the second year running. Next home in a sprint finish was Thierry Roland just ahead of David McFarlane and a gallant limit marker in Justin Matthews in 4th. Neil white lead the next bunch home for 5th just ahead of the consistent Tom Debenham in 6th, Paul Taranto 7th, Peter Hollins 8th, Jamie Grenville in 9th and rounding out the top ten was Steve Piasente.

With school holidays and the cold and flu season impacting numbers the 2 junior starters opted to ride a lap of the senior circuit, starting with the limit riders. In the dash to the line after their lap it was Thomas McFarlane edging out Matt Dudley for the honours.

Next week racing is at another tough circuit starting at Mardan riding back via Leongatha, Nerrena and climbing back up to Mardan for the finish. With the season around half way last weeks leading rider on the club aggregate, David Lumby has been passed by Peter Hollins whilst Neil White and Phil Camenzuli are all well in contention. The aggregate rewards those who ride consistently and have a reasonable run of results. Points are awarded for each riders finishing place each week.

Race report by Lindsay Love