38 riders made the trip to Winchelsea for the fist time in 4 years to tackle the challenging Kermesse.  Windy conditions made racing difficult but the riders response seamed to indicate that the day was a great success.  Looks like we may have to make in the regular event.

Jonathon Meadows also took a small group of riders out to show them a few tricks of the trade in the "Sport Grade" bunch. 

A grade:

Blustery conditions meet A grades riders for the start of 1 hour and 10 minutes of racing around the 3.8km Kermese circuit at Winchelsea.

Things started quickly when resident Ironman Mark Bellow attacked from the gun to string the bunch out into the first and second corners. Unfortunately Mark did not account for the block headwind up Barwon Terrace and things quickly settled back down to a more sedate pace.

Due to the lack of any serious cross-wind, things kept together for most of the day, minus a notable few who took their chances with gutsy attacks including Mark Bellow, no.1 wear Daniel Wilson, recent A grade winner James Stokie, Cam Stewart, Rudy Schmidt and even recently prompted ex-B grader Daryl Sutter.

Coming into the final lap Cam Stewart and ex-VIS rider Duncan Murray attacked hard only to be brought back by the bunch before Darren Grey slipped off the front coming into the penultimate turn. Everyone was content to look to others to do the necessary work before Daniel Wilson surprised the bunch by attacking aggressively to quickly bridge across.

Finally, the remaining peleton began to wake up as James Stokie attempted to command the other rides into chasing with some hasty shouting. But it was too little too late as Darren took the sprint from Daniel, followed by Sprint specialist Greg Matthieson taking 3rd from a disorganised bunch.

Results:

• 1st Darren Grey
• 2nd Daniel Wilson
• 3rd Greg Matheson

B Grade:

B grade started with 12 riders and in the end would finish with the same.  Race tactic’s from the start where fairly negative with most content to stay within the safety of the bunch and out of the block head wind that greeted the riders each time they hit the back straight. 

Shaun Gilbert started the proceedings with the first attack on lap 2 only to be left out to dry.  This set the tone for the rest of the race with Shaun trying a number of times (I think I tried about 10 times) to entice a couple of riders to go with him and try and break up the race.  Brad Young and Damien Harris did respond and attempt to bridge across and get a break going but each time this happened the bunch realised that it wasn’t a good idea to let to many guys go in a break.   

It wasn’t until the 2nd last lap when Shaun attacked again and got a decent enough gap that may have been sustainable.  It wasn’t enough as the bunch again regrouping just after the top corner.  A bunch sprint was in order.  Shaun tried his luck one last time but the bunch didn’t give him an inch.  Knowing he cookie’s where all spent he tried to sustain a high pace for the sprint.  At one point first time B grade rider Brian Happ tried to roll over but could and all that could be heard was dry reached and a lot of gasping for air (very funny he he).  

In the end Rockhampton expat Damien Harris took his first win with Geelong with Greg Hoskings second and ever consistant Brad Young on third.

Results:

• 1st – Damien Harris (Rockhampton CC)
• 2nd – Greg Hosking
• 3rd – Brad Young

C Grade:

• Report to follow

Results:

• 1st – Liam McGarry
• 2nd – Suzanne Always (3 day)
• 3rd – Craig Strong

Sport Grade

• Report to follow

If you are a first timer and interested in getting involved please log onto the club website and register you interest, alternatively contact the club via \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Make sure that you also check out our "getting started" section.