Despite the underwhelming response to my first "Blog" I will persist. The following report was available within the Ross Bush Memorial Race Report but may have been missed so here it is again.
Background.
Saturday September 6, 2009 marked the eleventh running of “The Bushy” to mark the training death of talented, respected and much loved cyclist and triathlete Ross Bush in 1998. This race is far and away Geelong Cycling Club’s biggest event with fields of ninety riders common.
To accommodate this large field Road Committee Chairman, Rudolf Schmitt had arranged a full compliment of corner marshals, lead car, bunch follow cars, sag wagon and Commissar Mark Zanatta from Footscray. GCC handicapper, James Fitzgerald formed nine bunches, all documented and registered by Club Treasurer Jonothan Meadows. Rider welfare being paramount, the services of St Johns Ambulance were engaged for the race.
Forgoing his chance of victory in this prestigious event selfless Club Secretary Danny Connor despite being by his own assessment “in the form of his life” volunteered to direct the day however a health crisis involving his elderly Mother saw Danny rush to Adelaide to be with her. All here at the GCC wish Mrs. Connor and Danny’s family the best possible outcome.
On The Day.
A classic Sutherlands Creek, Pringles day, damp with a chilled Norwester of 25Kph. greeting riders. An “on time” start was foiled by the appearance of a large slow moving tractor towing a wide plough behind the start line invoking a 5 minute delay.
Having been read “the riot act” by Commissar Zanatta bunches departed in succession without further incident. Immediate past President Jane’s arrival for the start marked the importance of this race and inspiring enhanced confidence in all involved, particularly new Race Director Burtt.
Out to check race progress, Director Burtt was concerned to discover limit was yet to reach the King of the Mountain line after almost an hour of racing. Club optimist Donny Wilson failed to calm the Director with his observation that the field should have been past his marshalling position at the top of the dangerous decent on Thompsons Road by this time and they must be almost to Anakie by now, then reinforcing the Directors culpability for this monumental stuff up.
All was well though, the tough conditions slowing progress as the sight of Anna Sutton in the lead car ahead of now solo limit man Fred Dagg of Footscray was most welcome. More drama though, Baby Sutton was now wide awake and screaming for a feed. The ever-resourceful Anna hijacked spectator, GCC junior Vincent Glynn for baby bottle duties averting a dire threat to the race. Good to see a young man comfortable in a nurturing role.
Hot topic about the course was “will the scratchies get up”? and what a shame Handicapper Fitzy wasn’t present to see how wrong a handicapper can be as the Herculean task before the Scratch Bunch seemed insurmountable.
Second lap on Ballan and Pringles roads saw a dramatic compression in the field as the tough conditions favored the strong. Limit man Dagg was picked up shortly after the turn onto Stiglets Road by all but the combined 2nd scratch and scratch but not before he claimed both King of the Mountain prizes and the intermediate sprint.
Many riders suffered in the wind failing to find cover and quickly loosing contact. Our two International entrants from Singapore felt the pressure commenting that the race was “very fast”.
Three kilometers from home the race was all together, the powerful scratch combine hurtling down wind at over 55kph swept all before it dragging any rider with remaining legs into a super bunch, the rest shedding in their wake.
News that the race was together was greeted with dismay at the finish line as extra judges were hastily requited to register finishing order and marshals posted down the road to warn approaching traffic.
A truly awesome sight greeted those assembled for the finish as some forty riders wound up over the brow of the long decent to the line. A mass of straining lycra clad muscle and whirring machinery flashed across the line at an estimated 75Kph causing mayhem and confusion for the identification of the top ten.
It was like a lion trying to choose a wilderbeast in a Serengeti stampede however all was not lost.
Past president Jane to the rescue with his Hi Tech video camera so, riders claiming, eyewitness judges and the video review confirmed the top 10 in a timely and co-operative manner to the satisfaction of all, phew.
No doubt about the top three, Footscray’s Dom Dudkiewicz a clear winner from Steve Pilson (FCC) and Mark Bellew (GCC)
The hungry hordes descended on a bountiful afternoon tea provided by the lovely and talented Lori and Helen, many thanks for your selfless efforts ladies, expect a call next year.
Summary.
The 2009 Ross Bush Memorial Road Race had something for everyone, Limit had some glory, the larger middle bunches in the main stayed intact till late in the race and the strong men at the back always knew they were a chance in the conditions.
Handicapper, James Fitzgerald is to be congratulated for his remarkably astute assessment of the field giving everyone a thrilling race.
Chief Commissar, Mark Zannata controlled the race with his no nonsense good humored approach so contributing to an incident free event,
Common sense prevailed as our follow car fleet self adjusted to the ever changing situation on the road, again strongly contributing to the safe conduct of the day as did our vigilant marshals on that chilly windswept course.
Finally Club Treasurer Jonothan Meadows deserves recognition for his meticulous management of registrations and calm control of the departing bunches. It all went without a hitch and all this from a man who hasn’t slept for 4 weeks since a new arrival moved into his home. (The Meadows have just had their first child, Mia in mid August)
And, it didn’t rain during the race.
John Burtt
