Dumbalk 1st Sept 2019

The club managed to get some great weather on a weekend for a change and it even stayed around so that the racing on Sunday morning, starting at Dumbalk, could be run. Riders skipped the Fathers Day activities to be out at Dumbalk by 9.30 and enjoy a morning with just some light northerly winds blowing. The senior riders faced the challenge of an out and back course racing through Mirboo, Limonite out to Boolara Sth – mostly an uphill effort on the outward journey.

The limit rider was Alex Welsh on his hand-cycle sled having a last run before he heads to Holland on Wednesday for the World Titles – go well Alex. The handicapper gave Alex a 22 min start on the scratch duo of Brian Sing and Chris Joustra. Mark Bensley and Rod Cheyne were on 14min, Syd Jackson and Peter McLean on 8min and Brett Franklin and Leigh Stott were on 3min. At the turn, Alex still had a 5min gap to Mark and Rod with both of these riders not having a great winter prep. Just 1 minute in arrear was the rest of the field – 6 riders strong – and ready to fly on the return run. Alex kept a good tempo up but the scratch bunch quickly flew past Rod and Mark and chased hard to reel in the leader. This happened at around 3km from the finish near the Loves Lane and Farmers Rd junction which set up a sprint for the win with only 3 contestants as Leigh, Syd and Peter had all been dropped over the few climbs on the return leg. The dash to the line saw Brett take a narrow win ahead of Chris Joustra and Brian Sing. Chris claimed fastest time in 74minutes. Leigh Stott finished 4th, Syd Jackson 5th, Alex Welsh 6th and Peter McLean 7th. Rod led mark in to complete the field.

In the Junior race over 6km out and back on the Dollar Rd, Bastian Jefferies riding from Scratch chased down the 2min 30 sec to Stephen Spencer and then moved away to come in 1st and Fastest in a time of 19.04min whilst Stephen clocked in at 22.28min.

The Cycling Club is busy chasing up all former members and supporters to get them along to a 60th Anniversary Dinner Dance on Oct 19. Details are on the club web page but we need supporters to make a booking for this catered event. Numbers are building so come and enjoy the tales from the past.

Lindsay
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