Updated Results: Summer Crit Series - Round 6
Under direction of GCC handicapper James “Fitzy” Fitzgerald the favoured “Zig Zag” course was established, entries graded by Fitzy to the dismay of the promoted and finances ably handled by Catherine.
Consequently racing began on time with the schedule maintained for the day.
C Grade
Twenty One riders contested “C” Grade under first lap control by Phil Sparks who enjoyed his time “on the front” as he was conspicuous by his absence from that position for the remainder of the race.
Eventual winner Craig “Too Strong For C” quickly put the bunch in the “Pain Lane” inflicting carnage in the ranks, the bunch splitting in two and several “out the back” including Chris Gillespie causing deep embarrassment to son Ashley but as we all know too well, there is nowhere to hide at Torquay for father or son.
Breakaway junior Stefan Boss fell at the West turn while 50m ahead but recovered quickly on his mate Braden McKay’s bike giving the leaders a target for a few laps.
To avoid confusion and danger, the trailing bunch was finished 5 minutes early to allow a clear run for the leading eight riders. Despite clear instructions, Paul Baretta sprinted clear in a powerful display having heard the 3 laps call intended for the trailing bunch.
Paul tried again for the real finish but was overwhelmed on the line by Craig Strong and Brian Happ in the first of three tight finishes for the day.
B Grade
A competitive group contested “B” including “Promoted” “C” riders Liam Mc Gary and Braden Mc Kay, Handicapper Fitzgerald not entering into any correspondence. Darryl Suter adopted a curious strategy, shadowing the bunch some twenty meters astern, neither losing nor gaining ground for some twenty minutes then when on equal terms led for several laps. One way to keep the spectators talking.
Internationals Adi Yuseof and Tim Lim took turns to attack the bunch with minimal damage but contributed to the stress on riders already hurting rebuilding speed out of the two “U” turns.
A hectic bunch sprint became inevitable, Tim leading out Ada for the win in a blanket finish from Anthony Reyntjes and Klaus Rehbein.
A Grade
Raiders from the West promised a serious treat to the local stars and so it proved to be. A few laps of testing each others mettle saw eventual winner Rhys Gillett (son of Simon) move away trailed by series leader James Fitzgerald and later by Garry Wearmouth. The pace smashed the unity of the bunch as it fractured into four sections, Fitzy also falling away leaving Garry to fly the flag for Geelong.
The youthful Brad Young rode doggedly in a strong display to regain the chase bunch only to suffer as they surged again.
Alas, Ballarat riders prevailed, Rhys followed at a distant second by Jay Bourke, the only un-lapped rider then Garry third.
Sport
First timer Patrick Wood came away a winner from Jamie Edwards in a desperate sprint for the line after seeing off Craig Dowling. Tim Van Slagren, Ashley Gilespie and William Key completed the field after “Mentor” Steve Young set then free after ten minutes under his control and instruction.
Thanks to Steve and we hope to see his charges racing in the rest of the series and into the future.
