The Race and Series Comes Together

In handicapping to Rolex precision, all three grades came together in the final straight and it was by the narrowest of margins that five C grade riders took the places as the B grade fast men were cutting up the remaining C grade pack. Hot on the heels of both C and B grade was a fast finishing A grade who entered the straight as Tim Rice of Sydney City took a narrow victory over Easts David Cobcroft.

The win by Rice and 2nd place by Cobcroft changes the look of the Summer Series Pointscore board as Cobcroft moved into 2nd place overall and Rice into 4th place.

After weeks of rain and threatened rain, fine conditions returned to Heffron Park and a large group of riders in every grade fronted up to get some much needed racing in their legs. The pace was on in every grade from the gun. The unrelenting A grade pace continued as it does every week and seemingly through osmosis it has now rubbed off onto both B and C grades. A solid handicap gave B grade the motiviation it needed and the effects were obvious. Anyone who did not put their turn in at the front was told to please move to the back (or words to that effect). Similarly, DS Concy and a fired up Eastern Suburbs posse kept C grade ticking over.

On the final lap B grade caught C grade at the pimple with help from a monster turn by Warwick Edwards. Coming into the straight the B grade sprinters were threading through the C grade detritus and only the welcome appearance of the yellow finish line stopped B grade from taking out the weeks points. The early jump by Cobcroft almost paid off but Rice kept a cool head and some powder dry and was able to come of Cobcrofts wheel with 50 metres to go.

Matt Backhouse scored a solid third place with previous 2008 winner Andy Matthews taking fourth place ahead of Steven Forster. Nick Rathbourne took advantage of the earlier tow by Warwick Edwards to take out first B grader. Series leader Peter Fitzpatrick won first A grader but did not score any points to add to his series lead.

With a month and a bit to go the leader board is as tight as ever and whilst some people bemaon that A grade has not been able to continue its 10 race winning streak, the fact is that racing is tight and unpredictable and definitely wide open.

Click on images to see larger version.

Results

1.  Tim Rice (Sydney)                                   7

2.  David Cobcroft (Easts)                          5

3.  Matt Backhouse (Easts)                        3

4.  Andy Matthews (Randwick Botany)    2

5.  Steven Foster (Southern Highlands)  1

First A Grade over the line - Peter Fitzpatrick - St. George

First C Grade over the line - Nic Rathbourne - Easts

Overall Pointscore Tally

Peter Fitzpatrick            13

David Cobcroft              12

Tim Willing                      10

Tim Rice                           9

Shaune Higgerson         7

Brad McGarry                  7

Aaron Richardson          7

Andrew Matthews           7

Luke Cridland                  6

Anthony Spurgeon          6  

Matthew Backhouse       6

Peter McDonald              5

Adam Goc                         5

Nathan Saunders            5

Shane Howley                 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

Steven Foster                   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.

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Archived Reports

12 February 08

5 February 08

29th January 08

22 January 08

15 January 08

8 January 08

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The A grade Express

Dave Evans leans into the corner

Dave Stevens added some firepower to B grade after his top 5 place in the Australian Triathlon Championships