Poowong 23rd September 2017 (combine series)

‘A’ grade set-off on 4laps of the circuit.

The Leongatha club hosted a Gippsland combine at Poowong on Saturday with fine sunny spring weather prevailing. Riders had to contend with temperatures in the mid 20’s as well as the hills on the triangular circuit between Poowong, Nyora and Loch. Some 32 starters were split into 4 groups. The A grade field raced 4 laps of the circuit (68km) and hence had 4 times up the steep pinch into Poowong. Whilst the bunch of 13 starters stayed together for the first 2 laps the bunch disintegrated over the last 2 laps so there were just 4 left for the last ascent. The win went to visiting European rider Stefan Michalicka ahead of Leigh Hauxwell with local Thomas McFarlane taking 3rd place just ahead of Harrison McLean.

The B grade field raced over 3 laps and kept a steady pace. However, the undulating terrain and a puncture meant there was only a small group of contenders at the finish. Local rider Leigh Stott thought the climb into Poowong had him done but made a last effort just before the top which enabled him to grab a slight break on Glen Marriott. That was enough to take him to the line a clear winner. Glen came in second with Jason Tubnor in 3rd.

The C grade riders raced over 3 laps also and once again the terrain saw just 2 riders contest the major places. Leigh Jamison took the win from Jarrod Croxford. Shaun Donaldson rode in for 3rd with local riders Kevin Feely 4th and Thomas Fitzgerald 5th.

In the D grade race over 2 laps, Peter McLean and Rod Cheyne managed to get away from the others and ride through to contest the finish. Rod took the win over Peter. Michelle Scurr managed to latch onto the A grade field for a short while and rode in for 3rd place.

The Club will now move onto preparation for track season. There is an introductory session scheduled for Oct 12 with the Club coach. Any people interested in giving the track a try can see the Club and get fitted onto a club track bike. Check the club web page for details

Lindsay

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