Capital Region Masters Cycling Club

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Masters Cycling Dear Capital Region Masters Cycling Club Members, Well, 2021 certainly provided some interesting challenges for everyone didn’t it?! Globally, Nationally, and locally, everyone was impacted in some way by the Covid-19 pandemic. For us, we missed a large chunk of the race calendar, a race calendar already affected by the lack of race approvals coming from NSW authorities, something that the committee has been working tirelessly on getting reinstated. Let’s hope that 2022 brings more positivity on that front. Of course, one of the biggest changes came with the change of name. A lot of work went into organising the vote, and the committee has since been working hard on updating the IT, financial and corporate records to the new name. Such an exciting time for us as a club. Jimmy Carrol is helping with putting together some fantastic new kit design options – more information on that will come out in the New Year. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all the members of the committee for their efforts again this year, including our two newest members, Chris and Craig; Chris has been slogging away working with the NSW situation – the amount of work Chris has gotten through is astounding. Craig has been helping with fresh views, corporate insurance related expertise and most recently with getting some cooling into the club shipping container. Rob managing the welfare officer role as well as the handicapper, keeping the racing buzzing with the required considered approach to such duties, Andy has been working on the first aid training, as well as liaising with ACT trainers for ETC training with Dougal. Kim, for organising the club medals and trophies for all the applicable races – I get to hand them out usually, but it is Kim that does the hard part ensuring my job is easy!Ian Morton, for all the comms that comes to you Dougal, manages our race approvals for the ACT and is working with Chris on NSW approvals including trying to find a trainer that can provide ETC certification for NSW. Ian McVay, for all the work getting Race Directors, Marshalls, ETCs and first aiders to commit to providing services just so we can race, he has also developed the app which logs the race details including timing and results – great innovation. Kirsti, for all things membership and treasury related, keeping the club running financially and supporting new members and old with all things club related.  Finally, Russel Marston, Club Secretary. And 2021 Club Person of the Year! Choosing club-person of the year is always a difficult task given the amazing work members contribute to ensure the club runs as smoothly as possible and this past couple of years have shown that running smoothly is some challenge! During my time as President, the club has been ably supported by the Secretary, Mr Russell Marston. He has been such a diligent officer for the club. Developing many new governance systems and procedures for us. The above list will always fall short of the full extent of work carried out by the Committee, and club supporters like Graham Hendry, Andrew Remley and Allan Bontjer to name but a few – but I hope they know the respect that they all have from me, great work everyone!Lastly, a massive thank you to all the race directors, marshals, first aiders, van drivers. Your time, expertise and support has always been respected and appreciated. As racers, we all like to turn up and pin on a number and get out there to compete. None of it happens without the work of those roles mentioned above.As President, I am asking all our members to consider helping where they can, several current Committee members, including myself have indicated they will be stepping down at the next AGM in February. I would encourage all Club Members to consider nominating for a position on the Committee to ensure the club can continue to function and provide great racing for all members, continuing the great work already completed. It is hugely rewarding and to give your time and knowledge to the club by being on the committee is an awesome feeling. Please let me, or any of the current committee know if you are interested.Best wishes and seasons greetings to you all, stay safe and rubber-side up! See you in the New Year!Best Regards, Seymour Savell-Boss, Capital Region Masters Cycling Club President

Season Medal Presentations

2021 Winter Season – WomenRosemary Robinson 1st, Liz Lowe 2nd, Terry Moore (not in picture) 3rd

2021 Winter Season – MenRob Langridge 1st, Allan Bontjer 2nd, Gerard Tiffen 3rd

2020/21 Summer Season – WomenPenelope Anderson (not in picture) 1st, Pat Rooke 2nd, Rosemary Robinson 3rd

2020/21 Summer Season – MenGerard Tiffen 1st, Lance Purdon 2nd, Marc Vroomans 3rd

From the Desk of the Handicapper

Farewell Lance Purdon

In the American tradition we should thank ADF member Lance Purdon for his service to our nation, but more importantly we should praise his enthusiasm for competing in 70 races in just over two years! The Army are sending him north for a spell where he won’t need his thermals or booties. Lance has been a regular in D company since 2019 and although more at home on the crit circuit where he could use his powerful sprint, he wasn’t shy of taking on the winter races in sometimes less-than-ideal conditions. Let’s hope the Army posts him back soon.

Boxing Day Club Run

The Boxing Day Recovery Ride starts at 8.00 am sharp outside the Jolimont Centre on Northbourne Ave. This year’s ride will follow the “somewhat” successful format of recent years: two nominated sensible riders will lead along Federal and Old Federal highways with slower riders positioned immediately behind the leaders (so they don’t get dropped if the bunch is broken up by traffic light changes) and faster riders go to the back. All riders are responsible for preventing the bunch from splitting up. If half the bunch suddenly disappears from behind you, it’s your responsibility to pass this message to the front of the group so that they know to stop and wait. This will be a relaxed ride and not a race.

We all stay together until the top of Washingmachine Hill. There, riders have a choice of going on to Lake George, the gravel pit or wherever. Those who’ve had too much Christmas cheer can wait in the shade at the top of the hill. They can then join one of the bunches on the return leg. All keen to make the most of this once-a-year club ride can gather at a nominated coffee shop at the end of the ride. Note that it’s much harder to find an empty cafe now that Canberra is overrun by rabid Boxing Day shoppers at that time.

Please use the Vets Facebook page to publicise group rides over the holidays. I’m sure everyone’s keen to do at least one Corin-Tidbinbilla-Cotter-Uriarra-Black Mountain-Collector-Gunning ride over the break and would like to share the experience, not that I’ll be there.

CRMs out and about

Fitz’s Challenge honour roll;

• 105km Bryan Holloway, Greg Mitchell, Tony Beasley, Dan Lekhac, Michelle Hodgetts, Rico Fitch, Russell Marston, Sean Ifland (FIRST), Steve Simms
• 130km Michael Langdon (2nd), Boyd Stratton (3rd)
• 165km Anthony Dick, John Paul de Sousa, Clinton Porteous, Eoin Rothery, Peter Merrick
• 210km Craig Lindenmayer
• 255km Jeremy Schieb and Emma Padovan–our kings and queens of craziness! Emma, the current ACT elite road champion, was 6th overall in 9:09, while club newcomer Jeremy, who not only has climbed the crit ranks to A grade in a handful of races, now has demonstrated his road endurance, battling away for over 10 hours! That’s four hours longer than volunteering to be a van driver for a road race, and well exceeds my longest Netfix session.

Apologies if I’ve missed anyone, but you’re welcome to submit your own FItzs story.

Rob Langridge
Handicapper

RACE REPORTS:

Christmas Wheel Race – 14th December

It was an interesting evening of racing with the weather playing a bit of a wild card. Possible storms had been forecast but otherwise a nice warm evening with light winds. On arrival there were some storms showing on the radar, but these seemed to be passing the other side of Mt Stromlo and heading to the NW. However, another set came through about half way through the A/C grade heats with moderate rain for about 5 minutes or a little more. Thankfully there was no lightning and almost all riders stayed out there without incident. Subsequent reports indicated that the A graders averaged just under 40kph, which is on the low side for A grade.

First up on the track was E, F and G grade with 7 riders starting in E grade and 2 in each of F and G grade. E grade split after 8 minutes with Pat Rooke, Paul McKay, Geoff Ellicott and Rosemary Robinson dropping the others, and finishing in this order at the end. The sprint prime came with about 10 minutes to go and was easily won by Paul McKay.

In F grade, Bob Miller and Mike Hayes stayed generally together with Mike winning the sprint prime and Bob getting the better of Mike at the finish. In G grade Gai Monahan and Bernie Crowe split up early with Gai soloing to the sprint prime and the win.

A and C grade were next on track and while there were a few attacks in both grades, the rain event generally helped to settle things down and both packs mostly stayed together. In A grade, there was an early attack by James Meadley, Michael Payne and Mark Terracini with lasted a couple of laps, then later on Ben Carmody had a bit of a go. It was all together when the bell was rung for the sprint prime and Al Raitt managed to hang on to win the $50. On the bell lap, Kristopher McCreath jumped early on the back straight and opened up a decent gap and managed to hang on to win by half a bike length. James Meadley was second followed by Steve Crispin, with Nicholas Stewart and Gerard Tiffen joining them in the wheel race.

The main action in C grade was a couple of solo attacks from Dom Romano, which mostly didn’t excite the others too much and he was reeled back in after a lap or two. Paul Clare picked up the sprint prime. The finished was won by Michael Rowland (a new rider that may attract the interest of the handicapper) followed by Dom Romano and Craig O’Neall, joined by Scott Tozer and Ian Preston in the wheel race.

B and D grade completed the heats, with their races reduced by a few minutes to allow enough time for the wheel race, with the clouds ensuring it was going to get dark a little early. In B grade, club president Seymour Savell-Boss wanted to get his sponsors colours out there early and opened up a useful gap for a few laps. Darren Blackhurst was next to go, then a little later Todd Sowter and Simon Priest. Todd Sowter also managed to get off the front for the sprint prime. The efforts clearly didn’t take too much out of the legs, with Simon Priest winning the final sprint, followed by Todd Sowter, then Simon Junakovic, who were joined by Travis Hicks and David Parker in the wheel race.

D grade generally stayed together, with a small split happening after the sprint prime, but things regrouped soon after. Lance Purdon won the sprint prime. The finish was won by Michael Larkin, followed by Craig Kentwell and Alison Hale, who were joined in the wheel race by Lance Purdon and David Hennessy.

Wheel race

In the wheel race final, C grade stayed together and worked well as a group, and were the main contenders at the finish. A grade’s handicap was perhaps 10 to 15 seconds too much, and while they also worked well as a group, they didn’t quite bridge the gap at the end. As they passed the start line on a couple of the laps, Steve Crispin was a key player on the front of the A grade group.

Gai Monahan was the lone G grader in the final and lasted out front until about a lap to go and may have done better if she had some more company to work with. There were only 2 F graders with Bob Miller looking a little stronger and getting to the front with about a lap to go before the C grade+ bunch swept him up.

Both the E grade and D grade bunches split relatively early, to be swept up by C grade and some of them hung to the bunch until the finish, with a couple of D graders finishing in the placings.

The B grade bunch mostly hung together, but didn’t look quite as motivated as the A graders and were swept up with around a lap to go, with some hanging on to finish with the A graders.

C grade had a few players in the frame, but the Dominator (Dom Romano) has been sprinting fairly well of late and managed to jump nicely clear of the group coming down the finishing straight for a fairly clear win. He was followed in by David Hennessy and Michael Larkin.

Wheel Race Final: Dom Romano 1st, David Hennessy 2nd, Michael Larkin 3rd

And finally, thanks to Daniel Crocker for his fine service as a marshal, and Simon Whitehead for the first aid, which was thankfully not needed, despite the rain event. There was also plenty of good help from some members of the race committee including Ian McVay and Robert Langridge.

Dale Kleeman

Track racing – 15th December

Unfortunately the final Track event for the year was washed out.

Mt McDonald Time Trial – 19th December

27 riders fronted the final road race of 2021, an individual time trail starting on Cotter Road and then climbing up Mount MacDonald along Brindabella Road towards Urriara Village.

The morning began pleasant enough but clouds were gathering before the fianl rider has left the start chute. Thankfully all riders had completed the race and returned to the start before the weather turned unpleasant.

The only reported incident was a dropped chain which cost D grader Alex Sommavira dearly.

Final results:

• A grade. Steve Crispin finished first with a time of 10:54.08 followed by new comer Michael Rosser 11:42.30 and and Brendan Byatt third at 11:52.01.
• B grade gave a close race which saw Tom Hartley (12:01.94) hold out against Emma Padovan (12:07.75) and Christopher Short (12:17.60).
• C grade. Another close race with Ian Preston at 13:06.89 edging out John Paul de Sousa on 13:47.88 and Matt Hincliffe 13:52.78.
• D grade. Our biggest field (9) saw Anthoy Dick fastest at 13:31.05, over David Hennesy at 14:04.03 and Anthony Beasley at 14:17.09.
• Chris Copeland as the sole F grader put in a highly creditable 18:42.36

Big thanks to Matt for van driving duties, Simon, and Andy at the finish chute, Simon the First Aider and the ETC crew without whom the race simply could not run.

Michael Golding

Racing Resumes

Racing will resume in 2021 with the first Crit on the 4th January and Track Racing on the 5th January. The Road Racing Calendar is still to be advised.

Till then, have a great Christmas Break.

Hello Masters,

We’ve had a few technical problems with The Bleat. It can happen that some ISPs blacklist the SportsTG email domain as spam. This occurred last week for OptusNet users. If you don’t receive the Bleat, you can always check the website for a copy at https://capitalregionmasterscyclingclub.org.au/category/the-bleat/.

The image server is also not currently available so pictures can’t be displayed.

In the Bleat this week;

•  Web Site Change

•  From the Desk of the President

•  From the Desk of the Handicapper

•  From the Race Committee

•  Racing this Week

•  Race Reports

Ian Morton
thebleat@actvets.cc

Web Site Change

The cycling club has changed it’s name to the Capital Region Masters Cycling Club

You can find the new website at capitalregionmasterscyclingclub.org.au

RMS calendar is still at https://rms.actvets.cc/calendar

or https://rms.actvets.cc/index for results

Watch up for updated URLs for the RMS soon

From the Desk of the President

Committee Changes

Members,

A number of the current Committee members have indicated they will be stepping down at the next AGM in February.

I would encourage all Club Members to concider nominating for a position on the Committee to ensure the club can continue to function and provide great racing for all members. Please let me know if you are interested.

Seymour Savell-Boss
ACT Vets Cycling Club President.

From the Desk of the Handicapper

This week’s promotions

Heath Chester B to A (Permanent)
Jeremy Schieb B to A
Tom Stewart-Moore C to B
Dale Dummett E to D

CRMs out and about

Well done to Peta Brill and Vanessa Judge, who were 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in the Bowral Classic women’s division 2 criterium over the weekend.

Rob Langridge
Handicapper

From the Race Committee

Late Entries

When racing resumes in January, we will not be accepting late entries.

This is to ensure that all riders have re-registered and are fully financial so that all participants are covered by the Club’s Insurance.

Race Committee
race.committe@actvets.cc

RACING THIS WEEK:

Tuesday, 14th December: Stromlo Criterium

Note: Pre-registration required by 14 Dec 2021 3:50 pm.

Any requests for Grade changes should be sorted out with the Handicapper prior to registration.

Where: Stromlo Forest Park
Race Description:
Christmas Wheel race Qualifiers
E/F/G 5:50 25 m 2 laps
A/C 6:20 A 30m 2, C 25m 2
B/D 6:50 B 30m 2, D 25m 2
$50 prize money for the winner of each grade
 
Wheel Race Final
1st 5 riders of each grade from qualifying races – 7:35 – 4 laps with each grade handicapped
$50 prize money for the winner of the final

Race Director:  Dale Kleeman Contact: Email: dalek011@gmail.com    Ph  0438 516 382

Marshals:Daniel Crocker

Wednesday, 15th December: Track Racing

The Program for Wednesday is;
5.30pm – 6.00pm: Warm-up and free practice;
6.00pm – 6.20pm: 8-lap graded scratch race;
6.20pm – 6.40pm: Christmas Wheel Race (6-lap handicap).

This track session will be the last for 2021. There will be drinks and nibbles at the conclusion of the wheel race – all welcome. Track racing will resume early January in the new year.

IMPORTANT NOTICE – NARRABUNDAH TRACK RACING – CHANGE OF RACE DAY

The track group has an option to change the race session from Wednesday evening to Thursday evening for the new year. The group has favoured this change for several years but could not previously implement it, as the Thursday evening track booking was held by another cycling club.

In general, Thursday evening is preferred, as it would allow a rest day between the Tuesday crits and the track meeting. If any club member has a strong preference for either evening, please email your comments to gon@netspeed.com.au before 20 Dec 2021. If your happy with either evening, we don’t need further input. After we have reviewed member comments, a final decision will be made by Graeme O’Neill and Phil Coulton in time for the near year race program. This will commence on either 5 or 6 January 2022.

Sunday, 19th December: Cotter Reserve Time Trial

Reminder: All riders must pre-register on the ACT Vets website (https://rms.actvets.cc/calendar) by 18/12/2021 6:00 PM prior to the race. There is no registration on the day.

Any requests for Grade changes should be sorted out with the Handicapper prior to registration.

Where: Van will park at the Cotter Reserve just south of the smaller bridge over the Cotter river.
When: 9:00 am.
Race Description:
Free event for XMas
Cotter Reserve to Mt. McDonald. Start just south of the smaller bridge over the Cotter River. Head east on Cotter Rd and turn left onto Brindabella Rd. Climb to the last rise opposite the entry to Cotter pines.

Race Director:  Michael Golding Contact: Email: magolding2010@gmail.com    Ph  0402 011 986

Marshals: Simon Priest, Darren Blackhurst ETC, Van driver – Matt Hinchcliffe

RACE REPORTS:

SFP Criterium – 7th December

The first race of the evening saw E & F grades go out in a gentle breeze.

E Grade began with a Rosemary Robinson & Paul McKay trying some early attacks, only to be drawn back in by the bunch fairly quickly. That was about it for hostilities until the sprint, with Dale Dummett finishing ahead of Geoff Ellacott and Cat Riley in third.

F grade began the race with a steady pace, but then began heating things up at the 5 to go mark. Michelle Hodgetts turned out to be the strongest finisher a took the win ahead of Robert Miller and Mike Hayes in third.

A Grade began with James Meadley and Iain Johnstone trying some early attacks, however without much wind the pack managed to close the gaps quite easily. Mid way into the race saw Jeremy Gillman-Wells get out to a promising 150m break, however again the pack reeled him in. Shortly after Matt Rizzuto and James Meadley made a strong combined effort, however James Meadley returned to the pack. At the 10 minutes to go mark the pack were all together and just as it looked as though everyone was resigned to a sprint finish Tristan Dimmock gave it one last go, but again was reined in. So it came to a drag race down the final straight with Jeremy Gillman-Wells pulling ahead of Kristopher McCreath and Matt Rizzuto in third place.

C grade began with an instant attack from Dominic Romano, only to be quickly pulled back by the pack. No to be perturbed the Dominator launched several more attempts, before Damian Copeland, Simon Porombka and Stephen Terracini also gave it a go, only to suffer the same fate. At the halfway point the pack split momentarily and just as they re-joined the Dominator again launched an attack, only to be again pulled back by the bunch. Tom Stewart-Moore launched one final attempt to break away, but the bunch were keen for a sprint finish, so they entered the final lap all together with Graham Tanton taking the win ahead of Tom Stewart-Moore and Dominic Romano.

Last up was B and D grades with the gentle breeze conditions holding out.

B grade got off to a gentle start and stayed that way until the 10 minute mark when few attacks were attempted. With the attacks proving unsuccessful, the bunch underwent a brief mid race acceleration, almost getting into single file for a moment, but stayed together for a sprint finish with Heath Chester taking the win ahead of Jeremy Schieb and Todd Sowter in third.

D grade got off to a very gentle start and had to deal with a few kangaroos coming down for an evening meal. The pace warmed up about midway with the bunch almost splitting just as even more kangaroos decided to cross the track. Luckily Conan Liu decided to make a quick switch from photographic duties to kangaroo herder to keep everyone safe. The race finished with Michael Larkin attempting a long distance sprint, only to be reined in by Craig Kentwell who took the win, with Alison Hale finishing third.

Tony Rowley

Track Racing – 8st December

The fifth track racing session for the 2021-22 season ran on Wednesday 8 December. The weather looked very threatening in the afternoon. However, as no rain had fallen by 4pm, it was decided to take a leap of faith and run the session. Fortunately, this proved to be a good decision, as the weather steadily improved over the racing session, eventually providing clear patches of sky and some sunlight. There was initially a brisk headwind in the back straight. This moderated over the session. Attendance was good in the circumstances, with 13 riders participating, 7 in A grade and 6 in B grade.

The 8-lap A grade scratch race started with Craig Kentwell leading out and gradually ramping up the pace to a good tempo over the first two laps. Turns on the front by Tony Beasley, Kerry Knowler and Marc Vroomans followed. On lap 5, Marc Vroomans attacked off the front. However, the attack was quickly shut down by a rapid reaction and pursuit from Kerry Knowler. The pack consolidated as the bell lap approached and eventually rounded into the bell lap with riders splayed up the high banking jockeying for a good position for attacking. The bell unleashed a furious pursuit with Marc Vroomans leading out. Steve Jones, Rowan McMurray and Tony Beasley were soon hitting top speed, motoring around the lead rider as the finish lap progressed. Steve Jones took the win from Rowan McMurray. Tony Beasley had a great ride to snaffle third place and the lead position for A2 grade riders.

The B Grade scratch race began with fairly orderly turns over the first six laps by Colin Calderwood, Bruce Griffin, Alison Hale, Ken Birch, Phil Coulton and Graeme O’Neill. The pace was seesawing until the penultimate lap when the final attack began. Alison Hale and Ken Birch led out, putting the pack under extreme pressure and dropping back markers. Alison managed to hold a great pace for the final two laps to take the win. Ken took a close second with Colin Calderwood holding out for third placing.

The next events were 2-lap, paired, match races. The handicapper tried to pair riders with near equal sprint ability, though this was never quite assured. Most riders rode tactically for 1 to 1.3 laps before launching into the sprint. However, Rowan Mc Murray went early on the first lap. This proved a winning strategy for Rowan, who is well known as an endurance athlete. The other match races were interesting in their own unique way. Match race winners were Tony Beasley, Rowan McMurray, Steve Jones, Ken Birch, Alison Hale and Graeme O’Neill.

The final event for the evening was, as usual, an Italian Pursuit. There were a few last-minute changes in team selection and unfortunately these ultimately had a negative effect on Team 1. Both teams made good starts and rode in disciplined fashion, with no major hiccups. Team 2 had a strong B grade contingent and these riders made their presence known by early pace, gradually establishing a quarter lap lead which Team 2 held through the remaining race. For the final two laps, Team 1’s anchors, Kerry Knowler and Steve Jones had no prospect of a win, though they both rode as aggressively as they could. Congratulation to Team 2 for an emphatic win.

Major place getters were as follows:
8-Lap Scratch: (A1 Grade) Steve Jones, Rowan McMurray, Marc Vroomans. (A2 Grade) Tony Beasley James Newhouse, Craig Kentwell. (B Grade) Alison Hale, Ken Birch, Colin Calderwood.
2-Lap Match Race Winners: (A Grade) Tony Beasley, Rowan McMurray, Steve Jones. (B Grade) Ken Birch, Alison Hale and Graeme O’Neill.
Combined Italian Pursuit: Winner Team 2 (Marc Vroomans, Craig Kentwell, Alison Hale, Phil Coulton, Tony Beasley, Rowan McMurray).

Season Point Score Update:
Alison Hale (100), Tony Beasley (90), Ken Birch (80), Craig Kentwell (77), James Newhouse (76), Michael Langdon (70), Phil Coulton (64), John Paul De Sousa (61), Steve Jones (61), Rowan McMurray (53), Bruce Griffin (52), Graeme O’Neill (52), Kerry Knowler (31), Karen Clutson (30), Warwick Wilson (30), Marc Vroomans (30).

Graeme O’Neill

Hello Masters,

In the Bleat this week;

•  Web Site Change

•  From the Desk of the President

•  From the Desk of the Handicapper

•  From the Race Committee

•  Racing this Week

•  Race Reports

Ian Morton
thebleat@actvets.cc

Web Site Change

The cycling club has changed it’s name to the Capital Region Masters Cycling Club

You can find the new website at capitalregionmasterscyclingclub.org.au

RMS calendar is still at https://rms.actvets.cc/calendar

or https://rms.actvets.cc/index for results

Watch up for updated URLs for the RMS soon

From the Desk of the President

Committee Changes

Members,

A number of the current Committee members have indicated they will be stepping down at the next AGM in February.

I would encourage all Club Members to concider nominating for a position on the Committee to ensure the club can continue to function and provide great racing for all members. Please let me know if you are interested.

Seymour Savell-Boss
ACT Vets Cycling Club President.

From the Desk of the Handicapper

This week’s promotions

Dale Riley B to A
Craig Lindenmayer C to B
Craig O’Neall D to C
Colin Calderwood E to D
Robert Solomon F to E

Rob Langridge
Handicapper

From the Race Committee

Correction to Results

There was an error in RMS with the calculation of the age groups for women in the Club Championships, which had all three women in the same category (F3). As Terry had a milestone birthday this year she should have been in the next age group (F4) which means that Rosemary and Linda came 1st and 2nd respectively in F3.

Dangerous Overtaking

There have been a number of complaints from lower grades of a dangerous situation that arises when being overtaken by higher grades.

As shown in the below diagram, there is a tendency in some situations, particularly on corners, for the lead riders of the overtaking bunch, once they have passed the lower grade to move across onto the racing line of the lower grade.

The remaining members of the overtaking bunch then tend to follow the racing line that the leaders have taken, resulting in the lower grade being cut-off.

To avoid this situation, the Lead Riders of the overtaking bunch are requested to remain on the opposite side of the Track Centre Line until the whole bunch has had the opportunity to pass (even if this means sacrificing some tactical advantage).

Your assistance in following this practice will help make racing safer for all competitors.

Late Entries

When racing resumes in January, we will not be accepting late entries.

This is to ensure that all riders have re-registered and are fully financial so that all participants are covered by the Club’s Insurance.

Race Committee
race.committe@actvets.cc

RACING THIS WEEK:

Tuesday, 7th December: Stromlo Criterium

Note: Pre-registration required by 7 Dec 2021 3:50 pm.

Any requests for Grade changes should be sorted out with the Handicapper prior to registration.

Where: Stromlo Forest Park
Race Description:
E/F/G 5:50 28 min + 2 laps
A/C 6:25 A 42m+2, C 38m+2
B/D 7:15 B 42m+2, D 38m+2

Race Director: Tony Rowley Contact: Email: tony.j.rowley@gmail.com    Ph  0421 453 062

Marshals:Vanessa Judge

Wednesday, 8th December: Track Racing

The Program for Wednesday is;
5.30pm – 6.00pm: Warm-up and free practice;
6.00pm – 6.20pm: 8-lap graded scratch race;
6.20pm – 7.00pm: 2-lap paired match races;
7.00pm – 7.20pm: Italian pursuit.

Sunday, 12th December

No scheduled race.

RACE REPORTS:

SFP Criterium – 30th November

A grade saw Gerard Tiffen and Tristan Dimmock attack early and hold a solid gap for most of the race. A late bridging attempt led by Mark Harris brought Matt Rizzutto and Stephen Blackburn to the front to form a group of 5. After doing a mountain of work, Gerard Tiffen was able to hold off a fast finishing Mark Harris for the win, with fellow breakaway companion Tristan Dimmock holding on for third.

B grade had an aggressive start, with Dale Riley and a fellow rider holding the bunch at half a lap for most of the race(??? I have Race number 300 written down but that’s clearly not right – does anyone know the name of this second rider who was part of the long breakaway in B. I think he was from QUON). Darren Blackhurst put in a number of attacks, but it was Chris Filitrault who managed to bridge across to the front two in the final few laps, and then soon after attack and hold a gap for the win. Daly Riley managed to hold on for second while Bruce Goodfellow sprinted home for third.

In C Grade Dominic Romano put in the expected attacks throughout the race, including some time of the front in the final few laps. Tom Stewart-Moore and visitor Sandford Beggs also had a few digs, but it ended up in a bunch sprint with Craig Lindemayer taking the win followed by Andrew Buick and Simon Porombka.

D grade largely stuck together as the wind started to pick up, with Anthony Dick winning the bunch sprint followed by Alex Sommariva and Anthony Dick.

Some attacks by Paul McKay saw E-grade split into two bunches, leading to some confusion in the dying laps with an early bell given – apologies to those forced to do a few extra sprints. Pat Rooke took the win followed by Colin Calderwood and Paul McKay.

F grade saw Robert Solomon take the win followed by Dennis Punniard and Robert Miller, with Bernard Crowe battling impending darkness and strong winds for another win in F grade.

Kieran Butler

Track Racing – 1st December

Wednesday 1 December saw the fourth track racing session for the 2021-22 season. Thunderstorms were predicted for the evening and threatening clouds gathered in the afternoon. However, the weather improved as the racing session approached, eventually providing fine, warm conditions for racing. There was a brisk headwind in the front straight, an unusual wind direction for the Bundadome. Attendance was satisfactory with 14 riders, 8 in A grade and 6 in B grade.

The 8-lap A grade scratch race started with Michael Langdon leading out at an easy pace. At half a lap Tony Beasley took over and raised the pace to a good tempo. Over the first 6 laps Michael Langdon, Tony Beasley, James Newhouse, John Paul De Sousa and Craig Kentwell took turns at the front, with the pace holding a good tempo. After Craig Kentwell’s lead out for laps 5 and 6, Steve Jones lifted the pace on Lap 7 and attacked hard on the final lap, with Craig and Kerry Knowler immediately taking up the pursuit. Steve held his pace for an emphatic win. Approaching the finish, John Paul De Sousa and Michael Langdon accelerated past Craig Kentwell and Kerrry Knowler to take second and third respectively.

The B Grade scratch race began with Phil Coulton putting in two laps on the front and holding a steady, tolerable pace. Bruce Griffin took over and raised the pace. Orderly turns by Ken Birch, Alison Hale, Graeme O’Neill and Pat Rooke followed. With two laps to go, the pace quickened and the pack began to string out. The final lap commenced with Ken Birch in the lead and the remaining pack quickly closing in. The final sprint saw Alison Hale riding strongly for the win with good efforts by Bruce Griffin and Ken Birch to take second and third placings in that order.

The next event was 2-lap, all-in handicap where 12 riders from A & B grades competed. Graeme O’Neill led out from limit. Phil Coulton put in a blistering start and overtook the limit rider in the first lap. By 1.5 laps, Phil was still holding a solid pace as three riders streamed past for a very fast finish. Tony Beasley put in a great effort to take a close win from James Newhouse and Alison Hale in that order.

The next events were graded snowball races. These are points races with multiple sprints (every 2 laps). The sprint points escalate as the races progress. The A grade race was 8 laps with 4 sprints and the B grade race was 6 laps with 3 sprints. Results in A grade were Steve Jones (12 pts), Michael Langdon (9 pts) and Rowan Mc Murray (7 pts). For B grade, the results were Alison Hale (11 pts), Bruce Griffin (6 pts), Phil Coulton and Pat Rooke (tied on 5 pts).

The final event for the evening was, as usual, an Italian Pursuit. There were some disingenuous groans from Team 1 when the team selections were announced. However, the handicapper held firm, knowing the difference between theory and practice in team strengths. The race confirmed this. Both teams rode in disciplined fashion, with no major hiccups. Phil Coulton and Bruce Griffin got Team 1 off to a handy start. Around mid-race Kerry Knowler took over the pacing for Team 1 and scorched around the track building an unbeatable lead. In the latter part of the race, John Paul De Sousa and Steve Jones did their best to recover the situation for Team 2. However, their rivals, Rowan McMurray and Michael Langdon would not give up any of Team 1’s hard earned lead. The result was a comfortable win to Team 1.

Major place getters were as follows:
8-Lap Scratch: (A1 Grade) Steve Jones, John Paul De Sousa, Michael Langdon. (A2 Grade) Kerry Knowler, Craig Kentwell, Tony Beasley. (B Grade) Alison Hale, Bruce Griffin, Ken Birch.
2-Lap Handicap: Tony Beasley, James Newhouse, Alison Hale.
Snowball Races: (A1 Grade) Steve Jones (12 pts), Michael Langdon (9 pts), Rowan Mc Murray (7 pts). (A2 Grade) Kerry Knowler (3 pts), Craig Kentwell (2 pts), Tony Beasley (1 pt). (B Grade) Alison Hale (11 pts), Bruce Griffin (6 pts), Phil Coulton & Pat Rooke (5 pts).
Combined Italian Pursuit: Winner Team 1 (Michael Langdon, Bruce Griffin, Alison Hale, Phil Coulton, Kerry Knowler, Tony Beasley, Rowan McMurray).

Season Point Score Update:
Alison Hale (80), Michael Langdon (70), Tony Beasley (70), Ken Birch (63), John Paul De Sousa (61), James Newhouse (61), Craig Kentwell (61), Phil Coulton (50), Steve Jones (43), Bruce Griffin (42), Graeme O’Neill (39), Rowan McMurray (34), Karen Clutson (30), Warwick Wilson (30), Ian Drayton (24).

Graeme O’Neill