Track cycling for the 2012-2013 season managed to get underway on Friday nights although a bit of light misty rain just before the scheduled start time had officials wondering whether it would clear. After 2 nights of training sessions where there have been good turn outs the holiday weekend saw less starters for racing.
First event of the nights was a 1 lap time trial and it was interesting to look back at last seasons results to see where riders were at. Best effort for the night went to Thomas McFarlane who posted a slick 31.40 sec. Kevin Feely clocked in at 35.96 with Will Lumby at 36.39 sec. Hamish Bissett went round in 39.90 sec, Austin Timmins at 40.54sec, Alex Bennet 42.32, Matt Winchester 45.49 and Fleur Timmins 48.11 sec. Friday night was the first night of track racing for Austin and Matt after both having tried out over the road season. It was only the second time for Fleur to be active with the club so it was a big learning curve for her.
The Junior riders had a 3 lap scratch race and Will Lumby made the most of his chances to score an easy win ahead of the fast finishing Austin and Hamish. With only 2 A grade riders it was left to a sprint match race for Thomas and Kevin. Thomas kept control of the event never giving Kevin a chance to try and use the bank to his advantage and scored a convincing win.
The Juniors then had a 1 lap handicap. Will Lumby riding from scratch had a chase of 70 m to Matt Winchester but with regular gaps to the other riders. The field came together in the last 100m and Will came through for win number 2 just ahead of Matt and Hamish Bissett.
The A grade duo fronted up for a 3 lap pursuit – 1 rider starting on the opposite side of the track. Thomas showed he not only has the speed in his legs but has some stamina also as he also claimed win number 2.
“Fleur tried her hand at another time trial”
Fleur tried her hand at another time trial and managed to take almost a second of her first effort, this time stopping the clock in 47.30 sec.
The Juniors fronted up for a second handicap. This time Will had a slightly longer chase and some bigger gaps to bridge. Austin Timmins made the most of his starters push and hit the front in the last 15 m from a wall of riders to claim the win. Matt Winchester also finished well to take another 2nd whilst Hamish Bissett just managed to get his wheel in for third place.
The junior riders were given some sprint events. The first heat saw Austin claim the win over Alex. The second heat saw a determined Fleur grab a win from a tiring Matt whilst in the last heat Will proved too quick for Hamish.
“12 lap motor paced scratch race for the A grade riders”
The last events for the night were a 5 lap scratch race for the juniors and a 12 lap motor paced scratch race for the A grade riders. In the Junior race it was Will Lumby who scooted home the winner from Austin Timmins and Hamish Bissett. In the A grade it was Thomas McFarlane coming from behind this time to score the win.
Training will be on again on Wednesday night weather permitting. With 3 girls at training we need to see some more girls step up and try racing with Fleur. The Club can put a bike under any girl or boy wishing to try the sport. Just be at the track on Wednesday night by 6.30 pm and we will get them onto the track. Club coach Tony Smith works with the new riders to make a safe start to the sport.
Lindsay
updated 8am 2nd June
Will you be posting a track calendar online? I would love to race on this grand track but coming from Melbourne need to plan ahead.
Track racing will resume after Xmas break on Friday 18 Jan and then weather permitting we will race every Friday night through until mid march. Racing starts at 8.00pm. Training on Wednesday nights from 6.30pm starting again from Wed 16 jan.