B Grade Takes First Win
Tuesday 12th February 2008
In scenes reminiscent of 2005, Aaron Richardson has topped the podium again, however this time with a B grade number on his back. The 2005/06 winner won the tightest of sprints on a night when Sydney’s weather again threatened to call off the race.
A late shower at around 4:30pm convinced many to stay back at the office rather than get on their bikes. A grade was most affected with only about seven riders fronting up, the other grades had slightly more riders but still only about 40 riders made it to the track. With luck on their side the majority of the track dried up and while there were a few puddles, it was safe and dry racing.
With the knowledge that there was a depleted chase group, B grade put the bit between their teeth and got down to business. Meanwhile C grade did the same and it was not long before a three man breakaway including C grade strongman David Cobcroft took matters into their own hands and moved off the front. Meanwhile B grade worked well together with some strong turns by Kevin Black, Peter O’Connor and Scott Simpson, Warwick Edwards and Aaron Richardson and with some 3 laps to go B Grade had started to pick up C grade stragglers.
One lap later B grade had caught the C grade bunch. It only took a few retirements from A grade until the A grade bunch was reduced to a handful of riders. The C grade break away of three held a narrow lead on the last lap and it was touch and go to see if they would stay out. As history would have it the breakaway was caught in the straight on the last lap and Richardson wound up his big motor to take the sprint over Nathan Saunders and Kevin Black. Matt Bazzano and Warwick Edwards took the minors. David Cobcroft was able use his position in the breakaway to be first C graders home and Liam Kelly was able to redeem his entry fee by taking first A grader home.
At the half way point the identity of the series winner is harder to pick than a broken nose as every week the points are spread amongst a new batch of names.
Click on images to see larger version.
Results
1. Aaron Richardson (ESCC) 7
2. Nathan Saunders (St. George) 5
3. Kevin Black (Sydney) 3
4. Matt Bazzano (St. George) 2
5. Warwick Edwards (ESCC) 1
First A Grade over the line - Liam Kelly - Sydney
First C Grade over the line - David Cobcroft - ESCC
Overall Pointscore Tally
Peter Fitzpatrick 13
Tim Willing 10
Shaune Higgerson 7
Brad McGarry 7
David Cobcroft 7
Aaron Richardson 7
Luke Cridland 6
Anthony Spurgeon 6
Peter McDonald 5
Adam Goc 5
Andrew Matthews 5
Nathan Saunders 5
Shane Howley 3
Matthew Backhouse 3
Kevin Black 3
Brad Mills 2
John Ebeling 2
Chris Jory 2
Tim Rice 2
Rogert Shackleton 2
Matthew Bozzanno 2
Stewart Campbell 1
Doug Hammond 1
Guilian Robertshawe 1
Warwick Edwards 1
To view the progressive tally across the series click here.
The Cycling Projects Series continues every Tuesday at 6pm during day light savings. A 2008 racing license is required as is an Australian Standards approved helmet and some ticker. A Scapin frame is the major prize for the winner of the point score series.
Wet Weather Line
In the event of inclement weather please call 0424 824 959
For information on Tuesday night racing at Heffron Bike Track, Maroubra, visit the Cycling Projects Race Series page.
Cycling Projects are the new sponsor for the Point Score Series hosted by ESCC. Read more about their products and services at their official website.
Our generous sponsors make it possible for our local youth to discover the magic of cycling. Visit our Sponsors page for more details on their respective areas of industry.
Archived Reports
B Grade with a bit between their teeth
Shane Howley takes on some fluids
A Grade had reduced numbers but stil gave it a go
The C Grade break away
Aaron Richardson winding up to take the sprint (far right)
Fitzpatrick & Kelly bring home the remainder of A grade
