Masters,

In this week’s Bleat;

•  From the Desk of the President

•  2022 Annual General Meeting

•  Chris Short assistance

•  From the Race Committee

•  From the Desk of the Handicapper

•  Racing this Week

•  Race Reports

Ian Morton
thebleat@actvets.cc

From the Desk of the President

New Cycling Gear

I am very pleased to provide the link to the Club Kit Portal https://mvmnt.club/collections/crmcc. To access, please use the passcode CRMCC22

Capital Region Masters Cycling Club

When you open the portal, you’ll note there are three kit options all available in men’s and women’s specific cut.
  1. ECO – 87% recycled material.
  2.AEROLITE – aero kit (if you see me racing tomorrow, it’s the fit I wear in size medium).
  3. CLUB CLASSIX – which is relaxed fit version.

You can also purchase socks, and an aerosuit [the full tilt] version.

Jimmy has also provided some other jerseys and if you use the club specific discount code of MVMNT25 you can receive 25% off the purchase price.

Please allow 6 weeks for delivery from time of ordering.

I think it would be awesome, once members have purchased the new kit for the club to organise a photo opportunity in a couple of months showing off the new kit.

So please check out the kit, make a purchase and get out and about in the kit to show off to the rest of the cycling world that CRMCC is here!

Final Thanks

As this is my final message as CRMCC President, I wanted to thank you all for your support, and specifically to all the members of the committee that keep the club running. We have done some fantastic work over the last couple of years, which I’ve mentioned before.

Thanks everyone.

Of course, it is not too late for members to volunteer for the committee, we would also welcome more female representation on the committee, with Kirsti stepping down after several years on the committee. Supporting female participation was one of the key findings from the club’s evaluation last year. If you’re interested and would like to discuss, please email me (president@actvets.cc). Alternatively I’ll be opening up the office tomorrow at crits and would love to have a chat with anyone interested in joining.

Seymour Savell-Boss
Capital Region Masters Cycling Club President.

2022 Annual General Meeting – Held in a COVID Safe Environment

The AGM for 2022 will be held on Monday 14th February 2022 at 7:00pm in the Loft Meeting Room at the Raiders Club Weston.

Those attending the AGM will be required to wear a mask.

NOTE: Any Apologies should be advised to the secretary (secretary@actvets.cc).

ZOOM attendance

For those who can’t attend in person, the following ZOOM meeting has been setup;

https://zoom.us/j/94894269430?pwd=RVBXK1M1ZFFtMHR6cjJzNkcvVmxrQT09

When you join the meeting, your audio will be automatically muted and you will not have the option to UnMute. If you wish to ask a question or make a comment please do one of the following;

1. Raise your hand

Click on the Reactions Button at the bottom of the screen then click Raise Hand

Capital Region Masters Cycling Club

The ZOOM moderator will enable you to UnMute your microphone;

Capital Region Masters Cycling Club

2. Via Chat

Click on the Chat Button at the bottom of the screen

Capital Region Masters Cycling Club

Select my name from the dropdown list;

Capital Region Masters Cycling Club

Type your question or comment and it will be passed to me.

Thinking of Joining the Committee

You’d be very welcome. Talk to a current committee member to find out more and submit a nomination form (DOWLOAD) 7 days prior to the AGM (which is today) on the 14th February 2022.

The following positions are being vacated this year so we are looking for members to step in and fill these roles;
– President
– Vice-President
– Treasurer/Membership
– Secretary.
New office holders will be supported by experienced members of the Committee.

Thanks to those who have already nominated for Committee positions.

Russell Marston
Secretary Capital Region Masters Cycling Club
secretary@actvets.cc

Chris Short assistance

Chris Short is seeking some assistance in preparing street level race map images with something like OpenStreetMap.

If you have some knowledge of this or other GIS tools, please contact him at chrisd.short@icloud.com or 0421 586 228.

From the Race Committee

It is important to ensure all members who race are properly registered so that we can enure that we have Insurance coverage. Could all members who intend to race please ensure they are fully registered well in advance and ensure they have entered the online race enrolement in advance of the cutoff.

From the Desk of the Handicapper

Promotions

Ross Goggin B to A
David Parker B to A
Elizabeth Lowe D to C
Terry Danaher E to D

Rob Langridge
Handicapper

RACING THIS WEEK:

Tuesday, 8st February: Stromlo Criterium

Note: Pre-registration required by 8 Feb 2022 3:50 pm.

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

No late entries accepted.

Where: Stromlo Forest Park

Race Description:
E/F/G 5:50 28 min + 2 laps
A/C 6:25 A 40m+2, C 35m+2
B/D 7:20 B 40m+2, D 35m+2

Race Director:  Paul McKay Contact: Email: mckayfamily1993@gmail.com    Ph  0418 244 077

Marshals: Chris Reis

Thursday, 10th February: Track Racing

The Program for Thursday is;
5.30pm – 6.00pm: Warm-up and free practice;
6.00pm – 6.20pm: 8-lap graded scratch race;
6.20pm – 6.50pm: 200m-fly (flying start TT – Omnium Event);
6.50pm – 7.10pm: 2-lap handicap race;
7.10pm – 7.30pm: Italian pursuit.

Sunday, 13th February: No Scheduled Road Race

RACE REPORTS:

SFP Criterium – 1st February

A and C grades were up first and enjoyed the best of the conditions of the night, overcast but still and dry.

A grade was marked by consistent attacks, with Gerard Tiffen, Christope and Daniel Crocker trying their luck early on. They were able to get a gap on the bunch, but with a few in the pack taking responsibility for chasing, including Matt Corby and Ben Carmody, the early breakaway broke up. Christope’s companions were absorbed by the pack and he was then joined by Dale Riley. The pace to stay ahead of the bunch was high and with 22 minutes remaining Christope was left out the front solo. Gerard Tiffen attacked the bunch, crossed the gap and made it across to Christophe with 17 minutes remaining. They rode together for several laps but with 11 minutes remaining GT dropped Christophe and settled into a solo time trial to the finish. Mat Corby jumped across to Christope but they weren’t able to make an impact on GT’s lead. GT took the win solo by the length of the straight, with Mat Corby second and Nick Stewart third.

C grade was surprised (or not?) by an attack by The DOMinator on the first lap. Dom was able to build a small lead but was inevitably caught by the bunch after a couple of laps. Rod Welch picked up the pace but the bunch didn’t let him get away. After a few laps of recovery, Dom had another rush of blood and attacked again, with some help from Ian Preston, but the bunch was back together within a couple of minutes. Several other riders tested the bunch but none were able to make attacks stick. There was a coming together at the left hand corner at the top of the straight, with a couple of riders needed to take to the grass for a little extra racing room, but thankfully all remained upright. The DOMinator, having rested in the bunch for a bit, tried yet another attack with 15 minutes remaining, and was joined by Rod Welch. The bunch closed in again after a couple of laps, and was all together for the final few laps. Paul Clare took the win in the bunch sprint, followed by Eoin Rothery just edging out The DOMinator.

B and D grades were up next, with rain starting just as riders were called to the start line. Gentle rain continued through the race but there was not enough to cause any trouble. After the start, the timing crew realised that there was an inconsistency with advertised race start times and durations, and adjustments were made on the fly to shorten the race.

B grade was quite a civilised affair for the first third of the race, perhaps the drizzle discouraged riders from leaving the warmth of the pack. The pace started to lift about 10 minutes into the race, but nobody really managed to break free. With about 15 minutes remaining, Peter Merrick put in a strong attack and strung out the bunch, but was unable to cause a break. The bunch stayed together for the remainder of the race with Ross Goggin taking the win, followed closely by Dave McCook and Michael Langdon.

D grade also had a fairly calm start. With 30 minutes remaining, Jon Chowns put in a strong attack and got a small gap, but was chased down within a lap. Greg Mitchell also tried his luck but was not able to get away. The pack was pretty much together until the 2 lap board was shown and the pace lifted and strung out the bunch. Elizabeth Lowe managed to pip the bunch for the win, with Steve Harrison second and David Hennessy third.

Due to the timing issue, E, F and G grades started slightly behind schedule. The track had dried out but the wind had picked up.

E grade stuck together for the first 10 minutes of racing, but then Terry Danaher and another (#?sorry) split the bunch. Geoff Ellacott chased and managed to bring the field back together. With 12 minutes to go, Bob Miller had managed to get off the front, but he wasn’t away long. Geoff Ellacott had another dig in the final few laps but wasn’t able to hold the bunch off and they were all back together for the final two laps. Terry Danaher took the win, with Paul McKay second and Geoff third.

F grade was animated by Michael Spoljaric putting in the first attack and getting a gap on the others. He was joined by Adrian Breen with 16 minutes remaining, and they rode together for a couple of laps, before Michael dropped off. After several laps off the front by himself, Adrian was caught by Michael, with the group coming back together in the final few laps. Adrain Breen took the win, with Ross Heazlewood second and Michael third.

Gai Monahan represented G grade solo, circulating consistently strongly, untroubled by the goings-on in the other grades.

Ed Pellegrino

Track Racing – 3rd February

The ninth track racing session for the 2021-22 season ran on Thursday, 3 February. The weather was cool and overcast with no rain during the session. The wind was strong, with a head wind in the front straight. Sixteen riders participated, 10 in A grade and 6 in B grade.

The 10-lap, A grade scratch race started with Dougal Torrance leading out and quickly motoring off the front, pursued and soon caught by Tony Beasley and Craig Kentwell. On lap 3, Michael Langdon rolled to the front and took off, establishing a 20m lead for one lap, before backing off. After solid turns by Craig Kentwell, James Newhouse, Wayne Benham, Tony Beasley and Steve Jones, Michael Langdon attacked again, this time getting a 30m gap by the entry to the bell lap. Craig Kentwell and Steve Jones pursued relentlessly but could make no inroad into Michael’s lead. The finish order was Michael Langdon, Craig Kentwell, Steve Jones, a particularly creditable performance by Craig Kentwell from the A2 group. Worth mentioning from this race was a gutsy performance by Kerry Knowler and Lindy Hou on their tandem. The pair got off to a slow start and hung 15-20 metres off the pack for the entire race. However, they did not give up pursuing and even managed a sprint at the end, to avoid the wooden spoon – a fine example of commitment from both riders!

The B Grade scratch race was led out by Alison Hale at a solid pace. The race ran smoothly for four laps with turns from Sarah Stephens, Karen Clutson, Ken Birch, Bruce Griffin and Graeme O’Neill. The pace began to hot up on lap five when suddenly there was a touch of wheels and Ken Birch hit the deck, solidly. Bruce Griffin swerved instantly and just managed to skirt the fallen rider, likely also saving the pursuing rider from a fall. The race was abandoned, so that Ken could receive first aid treatment. He was soon on his feet, a little shaky and worse for wear. Normally crashes are quite rare at track. We all wish Ken a speedy recovery and hope his injuries are no worse than bruising and abrasions.

When Ken’s treatment was completed, riders lined up for a 1-lap flying start, time trial. This was an exhilarating event commencing with a plunge down the banking for a flying start and then a short, flat chat effort. Overall, the times were quite close with most of the field under 26 seconds. The honours were taken by Michael Langdon (22.23s) in A1 grade, Kerry Knowler / Lindy Hou (23.47s) in A2 grade and Karen Clutson (24.88s) in B Grade.

The final event for the evening was, as usual, an Italian Pursuit with combined A and B grade riders. There were five riders per team and both teams had good, disciplined rides. However, Team 2 got off to a fantastic start, with blistering turns by Bruce Griffin and Karen Clutson. After that, it was all over. The rest of team 2’s riders just kept winding up the pace, leaving team 1 in their dust.

Results correction from 27 January;
8-Lap Scratch: (A1 Grade) Steve Jones, Michael Langdon, Wayne Benham.

Major place getters for 3 February were as follows:
10-Lap Scratch: (A1 Grade) Michael Langdon, Steve Jones, Dougal Torrance. (A2 Grade) Craig Kentwell, Ben Davis, Tony Beasley. (B Grade) Race abandoned.
1-Lap Flying Start, Time Trial: (A1 Grade) Michael Langdon (22.23s), Steve Jones (23.37s), Dougal Torrance (24.01s). (A2 Grade) Kerry Knowler / Lindy Hou tandem (23.47s), Craig Kentwell (23.92s), Tony Beasley & James Newhouse (tied at 25.50s). (B Grade) Karen Clutson (24.88s), Alison Hale (25.31s), Sarah Stephens (25.37s).
Combined Italian Pursuit: Winner Team 2 (Wayne Benham, Craig Kentwell, Tony Beasley, Bruce Griffin, Karen Clutson).

Season Point Score Update:
Alison Hale (171), Tony Beasley (164), James Newhouse (132), Craig Kentwell (129), Michael Langdon (124), Ken Birch (119), Steve Jones (110), John Paul De Sousa (99), Graeme O’Neill (83), Bruce Griffin (82), Kerry Knowler (74), Phil Coulton (64), Warwick Wilson (62), Karen Clutson (58), Rowan McMurray (53), Wayne Benham (52).

Graeme O’Neill