C grade under-way on 2laps of the circuit (35 event images)
Club racing was held at Poowong on Saturday using the Nyora-Loch-Poowong circuit with riders split into 4 grades. The club enjoyed the company of some of the Warragul club members along with some juniors checking out the circuit prior to the Junior tour next weekend. With no wind and warm conditions the riders were able to enjoy some great riding although a few found the steep climb up to Poowong very demanding.
A grade complete the second lap.
The A grade field had 9 starters including Cyrus Monk who is currently one of the top elite riders in the National Road Series. The riders raced 3 laps of the circuit and the undulating terrain meant riders were under pressure all race. Cyrus had a puncture just as he rounded the corner into the main street at Poowong but a quick wheel change from a supporter enabled him to regain the bunch. Cyrus did not waste the opportunity as he easily lead the field in at the finish. The steep climb made the judging easy as riders generally finished alone. Second went to Daniel Thurston (Warragul), 3rd to Shane Stiles (Warragul) just ahead of Brett Franklin in 4th. Mirboo North teacher Chris Joustra claimed 5th just ahead of Harry McLean, Peter Hollins, Will Lumby and Oliver McLean.
In B grade there was a field of 8 riders and they also rode 3 laps. Leigh Stott, who just prior to Easter rode the Baw Baw Classic finishing in the snow showers atop the mountain found the climb in to Poowong was not quite as challenging. He was able to have a clear win at the finish from Alan McCulloch (Warragul) and Geoff Thompson (Warragul), 4th place went to Rob Monk (Warragul) who had led the field through on laps 1 and 2. Chris Rowe was home in 5th followed by Kevin Feely and Jayman Prestage (Warragul).
” In a dash to the line Michael Park grabbed 3rd just ahead of Xavier Hart”
The C grade field of 10 riders only had 2 laps to race. This group were split up after the first lap with Thomas Fitzgerald and Bryce Edhouse (Warragul) doing the damage. Bryce managed to dig deep and shake Thomas on the second climb into Poowong to score a clear win. In a dash to the line Michael Park grabbed 3rd just ahead of Xavier Hart, 5th went to Brad Bouquet, 6th to Damien King, 7th Morgan Barnes, 8th Tony Giles and Kerry Pritchard was 9th.
The D grade field of 4 riders also raced 2 laps and after the first lap it was Peter McLean and Kaleb Jans who led the field through Poowong. The climb into Poowong saw Peter dig deep to lead the field home and take the win. Kaleb was easily home in 2nd with Nash Snooks in 3rd and Greg Bradshaw persevering with the climb taking 4th.
Next weekend the club has the 2 day junior tour to host. Saturday will see racing at Kernot from a 9.00am start whilst Sunday will see a 9.00am start at Poowong. All club members are needed for help over the weekend.
Lindsay
updated 9am 25th Sept.
