ACT Veterans Weekly Bleat, Monday 19th August 2019

Hello Vets,

In the Bleat this week;

• Racing this Week
• Race Report
• From the Race Committee

Please send me your contributions at: TheBleat@actvets.cc

Jan Koehler (standing in for Ian Morton)

RACING THIS WEEK:

Saturday 24th Aug 2019: Sutton Driver Training Centre Criterium

Where: SDTC is located approx 0.5 km along Sutton Rd from intersection of Sutton Rd and Pialligo Avenue
When: 1:30 pm.
Sign on: 15 mins before scheduled start time wearing your registered number

Race Description:

C/D: 1.30pm 40 mins + 1 lap
E/F/G: 2.20pm 30 mins + 1 lap
A/B: 3.00pm 50 mins + 1 lap

Race Director: Roger Northcote email: roger.northcote@homeaffairs.gov.au, ph: 0467736580

Marshal: Mike Hayes

RACE REPORT:

Old Federal Highway Graded Scratch – 17th August

Race Director’s Report

The weather was perfect for the Graded Scratch at the Old Federal Highway. Clear skies, not too cold and a gentle breeze.

A total of 49 Riders signed on for the 4 laps of the Gravel Pit to Lake George race including a trial rider, Carmine Spagnoletti.

A Grade

6 riders lined for A Grade. The day turned into the Steve Crispin show – breaking away after just one lap into the race and extending his lead on each lap to finish a clear 4:29 minutes ahead of Brendan Byatt with Mathew Corby coming in third.

B Grade

The 14 rider B Grade bunch, the largest of the day, mostly held together for the race. In the final sprint for the finish, Seymour Savell-Boss edged out Aaron Sedgmen with Matt Hinchcliffe finishing a close 3rd.

C Grade

The 13 riders in C Grade mostly held together but by the start of the last lap Owain Tilley had established a solid lead. Despite closing in, the bunch were unable to reel Owain back in and he held on for the win with John Paul de Sousa finishing second and Stephen Schwenke in a tight battle for third.

D Grade

7 riders lined up in D Grade. A core group held together with our visitor Carmine Spagnoletti winning the sprint for the finish over Ross Robinson with Des Brown close behind for third place.

E Grade

The 8 riders in E Grade, who did 3 laps, mostly held together but in the final lap had started to spread out with Don de Smet finishing clear of Linda Stals and Howard Moffat coming in third.

Thanks to the officials who helped make the day a success, Peter Horch – lead car, Ross Scutts – turn marshal, Kirsti and Ian McVay – trail car, Ed Logue- turn and finish chute, Bernie Crowe – finish chute and Graham Hendrie for the van and results as well as Simon, our First Aider.

Ian Morton

Addendum to the Bleat;

We were approached at the start/finish line by a local who offered some advice.  He felt that riders who dressed in dark colours were difficult to see on the road and could be at risk particularly in areas of shadow.

It wasn’t clear whether he was referring to racing riders or just individuals out for training rides.

We explained that we did not have any control over the colours that riders choose to wear however we did agree that riders wearing lighter colours are easier to see and would be safer on the road.

Ian Morton

From the Race Committee

Upcoming Marshal Roster

Thank you to those who have already volunteered to help. Nominees, in blue have been selected based on results from the previous race season and the period since they last helped at a race. Nominees are requested to advise their availability/unavailability to the race committee (race.committee@actvets.cc) as soon as possible.

Summer series crit races are held at Stromlo Forest Park on Tuesday evenings and road races are held on Sunday mornings.

* denotes ETC required for ACT races.

Ian McVay
Race Committee