Riders were treated to conditions not usually associated with Paraparap, ideal temperatures & virtually no wind for the first race of 2012. A strong field of 28 riders was keen to burn off some their Christmas and New Year indulgence. Up and coming junior riders Bradie Thomas (U17) & Rylan Bird (U15) were keen to take on the seniors. Rylan one of the experienced juniors and Bradie competing in his second race got things under way.

Riders took on a new 40K course with the usual Paraparap loop being extended to include Nobles road. A challenging variation that proved popular with riders despite a few sprinting for the line from the wrong direction. It was looking ominous for the early bunches including new rider Dean McLean and the consistent Geoff Maurer being furiously chased by the larger following bunches. As 2nd, 3rd & 4th Scratch came together it would prove to be a powerful combination with only the strong surviving.

Scratch never real got working smoothly despite the strong work of Greg Stewart, Leigh Clifford & Liam McGarry, despite him complaining of too much work and not enough riding. This and the fact they begun infighting looking for fastest time proved fatal and scratch came away with nothing.

The strong work of the evergreen Tony Ross, Adam Cullen (2nd SCR), Anthony Reyntjes, Lee Burchell (3rd SCR) help propel this bunch through the field. In the end it came down to a sprint between the 12 remaining riders. Erik Holt hit out early pushing a massive gear. Despite a late surge by strong new member Scott Simon Erik was able to hang on by the slimmest of margins 0.022 for 1st & fastest. In third place was Nathan Goss, proving that he is more than just a strong time trailer. Special mention goes young Mark Kelly in 4th and Stefan Bos (U17) finishing a strong 8th. Jamie Leigh Edward (U19) was the fastest female.

The new electronic timing proved a winner, leaving no questions of bragging rights between riders and their finishing position. Phil Millar looking to pull one back on Simon Diderrich next race after 0.028 separated them on the line.

Thanks to all the Marshals on the day who freely gave their time so we could all indulge passion of racing bikes.

The summer criterium series continues this Saturday evening in Ocean Grove. Keep an eye on the web site for full details and race start times including juniors.

Brief Results

1. Erik Holt
2. Scott Simon
3. Nathan Goss
4. Mark Kelly
5. Anthony REYNTJES
6. Tony ROSS
7. Jermery Kelly
8. Stefan BOS
9. Simon DIDERRICH
10. Philip Millar

Fastest Time Erik Holt

Click here for full results.

More to come.

 

A couple of the Bike Hub Boys, Steve Young and Lee Burchell caught up with Geelong Cycling Club riders Jill Dassing and Gen Sutherland for a lovely pedal around the Bellarine 100 on Saturday December 3rd.

It was a very relaxing and social catch up.

We chatted about how everyone needs 'LSD' on the bike for training - Long Slow Distance.

The photo is at one of our toilet and water top up spots nearby the Ocean Grove Surfclub. A great ride - thanks guys!!!