Club racing on Saturday was at Pound Creek for the running of the McIndoe Cup over 2 laps of the 24km circuit. The light showers earlier in the day lifted so riders only had to contend with the cold conditions and a light wind. The riders were split in 3 grades with a classy field contesting the Cup including Stuart Smith who normally races with Melbourne fields. He was joined by regular riders, Brett Franklin, Will Lumby, Leigh Stott and Ollie McLean. Unfortunately for Ollie’s older brother Harrison he was out of action with glandular fever.
With nothing much between abilities it was bunches still together for the 6km run down Pound Creek Rd to the finish. Ollie Mclean did a big turn that shook Leigh Stott out the back however when it came to the dash to the line it was Brett Franklin who did an early lead out which in turn dropped Ollie. This left just 3 contesting and Will Lumby eventually came over Stuart and Brett to take the honours again.
In the B grade race, also over 2 laps, the pace was on right from the start with the in-form Damien King driving the pace. Damien had raced the ironman titles in Cairns in mid-June so is still in good shape. Also racing was Phil Hanley who was also a competitor in Cairns and Kevin Feely, just back from 6 weeks riding around the mountains in Spain. This trio were too strong for Peter Mclean and Thomas Fitzgerald who decided they would enjoy the day more by riding with the C grade riders. By the time the riders came past the golf course on the 2nd lap it was Damien away by himself with a handy gap to Kevin and a further gap to Phil which was the finishing order.
In the C grade race, Rod Cheyne, the 68 year old marvel, also just back from riding in Spain, kept the tempo ticking along and the bunch together so that they could enjoy the day. He had enough in hand to win the sprint in ahead of Kara Landells, whilst Kerry Fitzgerald and Alex Welsh called it quits after the first lap. Tom Fitzgerald edged out Peter McLean for 4th in the B grade group.
The Club is promoting a CycloCross event on Sunday Aug 19 at Coal Creek village. Already there has been a great deal of interest from riders both locally and Melbourne. Club president, Mark Bensley has been making arrangements with staff at Coal Creek and has plotted out a course through the village. It should be reasonably challenging with the hilly nature of the village and varying surfaces to navigate, all on a closed location. A mountain bike will be the preferred mode for riding. Come and have a try.
Next Saturday, racing will be held at Dumbalk with racing starting at 2pm. This will also be a Gippsland combine event.
updated 9am 25th Sept.
