Fitzy Stops the Great Escape!
The C grade break away trio of Robert Rychter, David Reed and Alex Hinds came so close to an upset win in the first race of the Cycling Projects series when their cheeky breakaway was reeled in on the back straight with about one kilometre to go. With the break caught the race ended in a bunch kick so close that a blanket could have been thrown over the first three riders. St George fastman Steve Fitzpatrick started off 2008 where he left 2007, on the winners dais. Fitzpatrick took the win over serial place getters Luke Cridland and Tim Wiling. Brad Mills and Anthony Spurgeon took out the minor places.
A small but committed bunch of about 50 riders threw off the excesses of Christmas and New Year to take the start line. B grade worked well together and put together some fast and flowing laps but was hampered by a couple of Muppets who insisted on rolling off at third wheel and refusing to hold their lines around corners. Despite the presence of Kermit and Gonzo, B grade was not caught until four laps to go. With A grade being driven the usual posse of Early, Bozunovic, Cridland, Willing and Co, a fast and furious pace was set to prevent C grade from getting first dibs on the Scapin frame up for grabs.
Meanwhile the trio of Rychter, Reed and Hinds had taken matters into their own hands with four laps to go having established a handy lead over the remainder of C grade. It looked like it had been timed just right and that C grade was going to get its first victory since early 2007. The momentum of the bunch was slowed on the bell lap with a nasty fall caused by a rider making some enthusiastic but poorly timed shoe adjustments in the middle of the pack. Fortunately he was the only one rider that came down and following some burning brakes and quick turns no else was injured .The break was caught this week but do not be surprised if C grade win a race or two in the near future.
In the battle for B grade, good positioning by Craig Dempsey saw him take out the B grade win over fellow club members Warwick Edwards and Mark Ardouin. Martin Dunkerly scored first blood in the C grade points score over Andrew Mathews and Roy Gruenpeter.
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.
Results
1. Peter Fitzpatrick 5
2. Luke Cridland 4
3. Tim Willing 3
4. Brad Mills 2
5. Anthony Spurgeon 1
First B Grade over the line - Craig Dempsey
First C Grade over the line - Martin Dunkerley
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
Are you coming? Alex Hinds and Rob Rychter set out on their attempt to take the race.
The break away trio of Reed, Rychter and Hinds worked well to come so close.
A grade lead by Luke Cridland hits C grade at netball courts with just over a lap to go.
Roy Gruenpeter had a good race and showed that climbing big hills in the Alpine region pays off.
With the break in sight, A grade put down the hammer.
The bunch sprint is a close affair as Fitzpatrick takes it over Cridland and Willing.
