Capital Region Masters Cycling Club

Masters, In this week’s Bleat

• Next Crit Race – Summer Series Evening Criterium Tuesday 02 January 5.50 PM
• Crit Race Report – Tuesday 19 December
• Boxing Day Club Run
• President’s Christmas Message
• President’s Award 2023
• Race calendar can be found here for other race dates needing Officials

RACING – Summer Series Evening Criterium Tuesday 02 January

Grade	Time	Race Duration [ sunset @ 8:17 ]
A/C	5:50	A 45mins + 2 laps; C 40mins + 2 laps
B/D	6:20	B 45mins + 2 laps; D 40mins + 2 laps
E/F/G	6:50	30mins + 2 laps

CRITS RACE REPORT TUESDAY 19 DECEMBER

2023 Christmas Wheelrace
The Tuesday edition of the 2023 Christmas Wheelrace was a washout but thanks to forward thinking
by club member and CCC President Steve Crispin, we secured the Wednesday night booking for the
show to go on. Many thanks to the shivering Dan Lekhac for keeping time and recording the results,
Paul Robey for blessing the riders and ensuring nobody crashed and for Chris Short and dog for
timing during the wheelrace.
With the diminishing numbers of E, F and G numbers, it was always going to be a battle for those
riders, although there have been times when an F grader puts in a blinder to take line honours.
Robyn Smallwood was our limit rider and she completed her first lap by the time C grade had
started. Lindsay Graham from F grade was one lap ahead when A grade set off. This year’s A grade
combination comprised riders who love a breakaway and suffering, so it was going to be a big task to
hold them off, especially with the strong wind up the home straight. Robyn rode strongly for the first
two and half laps but was swamped by D and C grades coming out of collarbone corner. The big
move was on the bell when A caught C and B on the home straight. (See Lucy Stewart’s video of the
chaos of the bell lap on FB). Trent Smyth was the first to attack from A grade, gaining a 30m gap by
the back straight, but it was the efforts of Stu Griffiths and Steve Crispin that brought it back
together for a three-up sprint in the home straight. In the dash for the line, Steve took the honours
over Trent and Stu. Luca Manson was the one rider to break A’s stranglehold on the race to claim
fourth, ahead of Jason Irwin.
Steve bagged a $100 Majura Trek Store voucher for first, while second and third were rewarded with
a bags of nuts from Chimida café in Lyneham.

Wheelrace qualifying rounds
The wheelrace qualifying rounds had reduced numbers but plenty of action.
A grade roared into action with Steve Crispin and Trent Smyth breaking away very early on. A very
strong group of Stu Griffiths, Michael Tolhurst, Jason Irwin and Denis Mungoven tried chasing but it
was to no avail. Trent took out the sprint from Steve with Stu taking third ahead of the over
pursuers.
B grade followed a similar pattern. Krusty Bryant got away early with Ed Pellegrino, quickly
establishing a huge gap over the bunch, despite the efforts of Darren Blackhurst. Ed took the win
from Krusty, with Matthew Pooley the bunch sprint winner in third.
C grade rolled around conservatively, perhaps saving their legs should they qualify for the
wheelrace. Bruce McMillan won the sprint from Terry Danaher and Mark Vardy.
Similarly, D grade were content to cruise along while counting down the minutes. Owing to the
proximity of the grades, I decided to finish C before D, which might have caused some confusion,
especially when I held up the wrong sign but was quickly correctly by the ever-observant Ian Morton.
With the bell ringing Tony Sheehan shot to the lead, quickly putting in a gap over his rivals. Despite
being a miscalculation on Tony’s part, he held off the chasing mob to score his greatest D grade
victory. Knocking-on-the-C-grade-door Liz Lowe won the bunch sprint from Ian Morton.

Point Score Winners

Road winter 2023
Women
Lowe Elizabeth 67
Powell Sue 55
Taylor Shirley-Anne 44

Men

Crispin Steve 107
Taylor Mark K 82
Irwin Jason 72

2022-2023 Road Summer

Women
Stals Linda 79
Lowe Elizabeth 73
Riley Cat 55

Men
Crispin Steve 130
Hanbury Michael 108
Tiffen Gerard 107

Rob Langridge

Boxing Day Club Run

Masters,
Should it not be bucketing down on Boxing Day, the recovery ride will start at 8.00 am sharp
outside the Jolimont Centre on Northbourne Ave. This year’s ride will follow the usual format:
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 those 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.

David Parker and Rob Langridge

President’s Christmas Message

The club has now been in existence for 30 years, quite an achievement in times of change with many
administrative and compliance issues added in the last few years. Our cycle racing is always about
friendly safe competition and will be the objective of the club for the future. Thank you to those who
celebrated the achievement at our social event at the Statesmans Hotel in Curtin recently. While a
small crowd it was a happy and convivial group.

A thank you to all committee members who have kept us on track through 2023. The race committee
lead by David Parker our Vice President, well assisted by Chris Short, Ed Logue, Rob Langridge and
Conan Liu for their persistence and ensuring all requirements are met. Much has been achieved and
while some challenges, the year has been a success with the variety and number of events completed.
Sadly a few cancellations due to weather or lack of sufficient participants/volunteers to run the event.
We completed a modified Gunning/Breadalbane Tour – reduced to one day and only the 2 races.
While the lowest number I have experienced in this event it was a great day, including good weather
for racing/cycling.

Another challenging year with our race program and thank you to everyone who has contributed
including all our race day volunteers and those from the Race Committee, Membership, Secretary and
Bleat editor. Apart from our open race program all racing has been attended well throughout the year
when weather was fine. A special thank you to those behind the scenes support with van maintenance
from Chris Nolan, photographs at many events from Ian Hutchings, web support from Andrew
Remely and Allan Bontjer.

By now you should have already received your renewal for 2024. There has been a modest increase
which is attributed to the club component being increased from $0 to $20 to allow us to cover planned
increase in administrative overheads with road racing in 2024 in the hope to attract more participation.
This year the national body has decided to save money by moving to a new platform for registration
which means we all will have to create a new login for the new application called Hello Club member
registration system.

Our race program is now set for 2024 and we will need your continued support to ensure its success.
If you have any suggestions for improvement please direct your thoughts to a committee member or
write an email to committee@actvets.cc

Early in February is our AGM and a few committee members are retiring or stepping back. All
positions are available including a role for The Bleat compiler. The club likes to have about 10
members on the committee to cover all the roles. If you wish to find out more about roles and have a
copy of the nomination form please contact our secretary Craig on secretary@actvets.cc
The AGM is scheduled for Monday 5 February, details to follow.

A big thank you goes to Ian Morton who was our Bleat editor and on the committee for many years,
our Secretary Craig who was a committee member for about 4 years and Kevin our treasurer who will
join me in stepping down at the AGM. It is time for a renewal on the committee and to take a

reinvigorated and renewed direction for the club. If you feel like you can contribute and are up for a
challenge please nominate for the committee. I am happy to discuss with anyone wishing to find out
more and you can contact me via email on president@actvets.cc
I also thank all of our committee and their contribution this year.

Thank you all for choosing to be part of the Capital Region Masters Cycling Club and I hope you will
continue to do so as long as you can while you enjoy cycling and racing and the camaraderie of the
membership.

Some of the other challenges we have experienced apart from the continuing reduction in
participation of the open road racing has been the introduction of parking fees for events at Stromlo
Forrest Park, the late notification of the building of the new school which will take away the
Swallowtail Road from any extension to the criterium track and the continued reduction in ETCs
without training to replace new and interested volunteers. I will be attending a meeting in early
February about the changed conditions to temporary traffic control nationally.

We have implemented an approach of managing events and registration with more flexibility to
volunteer as race marshals etc or change registration. Due to the large number of late registrations we
implemented a late fee. People are always able to shift race entities if circumstances change. This
has been done with great help from members of our race committee and made it easier for you all.
Where possible we have tried Sunday and Saturday events and luckily been able to shift our Xmas
Wheel race to a day later after poor weather.

Our race program resumes on 2 January with a criterium. Please see the event calendar to sign up to
participate.

I wish you all a happy and safe break and Merry Xmas and a prosperous New Year to all. May you
stay upright and have a great experience with your cycling.

Kim Malcolm

President’s Award 2023

This is an award made to someone who contributes to the club, is determined by the president and it
enables the recipient to have their fees reimbursed for next year.
Rob has made a consistent contribution to the club all the time I have been a member, either as a
mentor to other cyclists or to running of the club at committee level.
We all know him as our club handicapper and this he has done for sometime and does it with good
grace and command of his experience as a competitive cyclist.
We appreciate the efforts he has put into the club as a cycle racer and committee member to keep our
race program running.
Robert’s knowledge of the sport and the history of the club has helped us to deliver the events we
have during the years. He is also the one to go to if we need advice on situations or events and he
usually has a balanced view and effective solution.
This year has had many challenges as our open road race program has fallen to very poor attendances.
Rob suggested changes and some have helped keep racing going with Sutton Series this year
encouraging more participation.
He also fills gaps when we have roles to fill whether it be a Race Director/Referee or ETC or
Marshall. This included him stepping up for our Xmas Wheel Race tonight.
His skill at keeping groups separated on the criterium track at the finish is legend. He makes some of
us feel it is a skill we don’t have a chance of acquiring.
This year Robert has also contributed to arranging race prizes, running the Downtube Shifter Derby
and organising our one social event for our 30th year at The Statesmans Hotel in Curtin.
Robert is also our Welfare Officer who keeps track of former and old members and following up on
those injured in a race.
He does this with no fuss and is always calm and usually collected when going about our cycling
business.
Congratulations Robert and well deserved.

Kim Malcolm

The 30^th Anniversary Bleat has been posted on the Club Website.

Please see the following link:

30 years of CRMCC racing – 1993 to 2023

The Bleat

If you would like to contribute to the Club and put the Bleat together each week, please reach our to us!

thebleat@actvets.cc

Masters, In this week’s Bleat

• Next Crit Race – Summer Series Evening Criterium Tuesday 19 December. 5.50 PM
• Crit Race Report – Tuesday 12 December
• Narrabundah Track Race Report – Thursday 14 December
• Uphill Time Trial Race Report – Sunday 17 December
• Race calendar can be found here for other race dates needing Officials

RACING – Summer Series Evening Criterium Tuesday 19 December

Grade	Time	Race Duration [ sunset @ 8:17 ]
E/F/G	5:50	25mins + 2 laps
C/D	6:20	25mins + 2 laps
A/B	6:50	30mins + 2 laps
Wheel Race	7:35	First 5 riders from each Grade – 4 laps with each Grade handicapped

C

CRITS RACE REPORT TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER

Coming to the end of 2023 and leading into the Wheelrace, the most colourful round of CRMCC criteriums took place with annual Downtube Shifter Derby seeing 20 entrants rolling out together for a ceremonial start to the race. I certainly don’t miss any of my of downtube shifter bikes but there were some beautiful machines, captured as always by the CRMCC Official Photographer Ian Hutchings.

Once the racing proper kicked off Paul Scherl, Dale Kleeman and Ian Preston came together with a few others, including Darren Blackhurst. Gears were fiddled and gaps grown as Ian Preston was the first to fall out of this group, followed a little bit later by Dale. Meanwhile, the bulk of the others were rolling around in two and threes and much conversation was heard. It did seem like a very social race away from the pointy end, where Paul Scherl managed to shake Darren off his wheel to lead the field home by a good margin, followed by Darren Blackhurst and Dale Kleeman rounding out the podium. Rob Langridge was the first of the non-A/C graders home and Simon Milnes leading his E grade fellows and Mick Donaldson rounding out the grade leaders.

E/F/G started together with six entrants and five starters across the grades with only Lindsay Graham being a sole entrant (F grade). In E grade Chris Copeland and Rico Fitch were joined by Lindsay for most of the race length, before the E graders dropped Lindsay and came to the line in a two up sprint with the sharp looking Rico getting over the top of Chris for the win with Lindsay doing a fair portion of the race solo for an F grade win and third across the line. The battle of G grade mirrored E grade with Gai Monahan and Robyn Smallwood keeping each other company with Gai taking the win.

D grade has 16 starters with 14 finishers once Simon Milnes and Dale Dummett found the heat oppressive and didn’t make it to the end. Not a lot to report in D with the bunch sticking together for the first third of the race, breaking into two groups shortly after that before splintering into four for the last few laps once the pace heated up to make the temperatures. Elizabeth Lowe took a great win ahead of Steven Simms and John Stokman completing the podium. It was a very hot race, and those backing up from the Downtube Shifter Derby deserve an extra chapeau.

C grade saw 17 entrants with a couple of ring ins, including Dale Kleeman forsaking his usual B grade (after backing up from the Downtube Shifter race) and Bruce McMillan being a late entrant. This race stayed together the whole evening with Terry Danahar emerging victorious ahead of Wayne Benham and Craig O’Neall.

B grade had the largest field of the night with 28 starters and it escalated from the beginning with Krusty Bryant and Kate Vandenburg putting in an almighty effort with an early break, their lead waxing and waning with Mick Rose attempting to bridge across but not quite making it and being absorbed back into the group. Aaron Thompson put his good form to use (nice podium at the CCC Cart’s Crit Aaron) and got across making the pair a trio with Andrew Chamberlain chasing, but with not a lot of luck, or support. At about 20min to go the B grade bunch had split into two with a group of about eight away and a couple of riders, including Stephen Terracini who weren’t able to sustain the lead group’s pace fell back to the main bunch. This led to the big move of the night with Andrew Chamberlain and Paul Scherl putting gritting their teeth, splitting the larger group and bridging across, taking a couple of others with them, with a dozen rider comprising the break. There was some minor confusion toward the end with D grade being given the two laps to go sign and some B graders believing their time was up (apologies from your humble race director) with the winner being Matthew Pooley getting a great sprint win with Krusty Bryant a very well deserved second and Paul Scherl taking his second podium of the night for third. B grade saw a few DNFs due to the heat and hard racing splitting the group and Gareth Downey suffered a blown tyre at toward the end of the race who came back to the start/finish area finished missing some bark, hope all is well Gareth.

A grade was fast and furious from the beginning with the racing interrupted a couple of times due to kangaroos crossing over to the running track for their evening dinner. Stu Griffiths lit it up early with an attack before it all coming back together… which only led to another attack with Steve Crispin and Daniel Lekhac drilling it and opening up a maximum of 15 seconds. The bunch got close a couple of times and after about ten minutes eventually it was all back together, only for Tristan Dimmock to take a turn attacking the field and opening up a small gap, being caught and allowing Stu Griffiths to try again. Then it was déjà vu all over again with the bunch re-forming only for Jason Irwin and late entrant Seb Mueller taking their turn to attack, with Jason staying away a bit longer than Seb, with Jason being joined by Steve Crispin, an aggressive Mark Harris, Steve Crispin and Jason Irwin. These four stayed away with Stu Griffiths kicking ahead of Mark Harris, Tristan Dimmock and Jason Irwin holding on to the chocolate podium spot. Noted fast twitch QUON Elder Nathan Spillane led the rest of the bunch home for fifth, an unlucky Daniel Lekhac was forced to DNF with a slow leak and Mark taking the Harris Cup ahead of Greg.

Ben McDuff

TRACK RACING REPORT- THURSDAY 14 DECEMBER
Firstly, a correction from last week. Last week’s 2-lap handicap saw Hamish Anderson take the win over
John Paul De Sousa rather than the other way round, as incorrectly reported.
Thursday 14 December was the last track session for 2023 and hosted a major trophy event, namely the
Christmas Wheel Race (a 6-lap handicap). Conditions were good for racing and 11 riders showed up for
the session. It was also good to have one of our former regulars, Ken Birch, visit for the Christmas
celebrations.
The Christmas wheel race was first up. Graeme O’Neill was on limit and led out for almost two laps.
Graeme’s intention was to jump on the first passing group. However, when the B grade group (Hamish
Anderson, Alison Hale and Sarah Stephens) caught Graeme they blasted past in a blur that left Graeme
just making up the numbers. Meanwhile the (A grade) limit group were working well together, taking half
lap turns and slowly advancing on the leaders. It was a good contest at the finish with several riders in
contention. John Paul De Sousa has been in good form this season and took out a good win from the
bunch. Conan Liu and Martin Graham have also been in good form and took the major placings in that
order. It was pleasing to see Hamish Anderson and Alison Hale salvage something for B grade by
finishing fourth and fifth. The handicapper was happy, as it was a good, close contest.
The evenings final event was a 200m fly (flying start time trial) that was postponed from last week’s rain
affected program. The 200 fly is a popular event, particularly with riders in the fast twitch muscle group.
Time for the event were very close with five riders in A grade all within a 0.7 second margin. B grade’s
Hamish Anderson set the best overall time at 13.17 seconds (54.7 km/hr). The best 3 times in each
grade are listed in the results below.
The sessions race program was shortened, as usual, to make time for drinks and nibbles to celebrate the
festive season. A great time was had by all.
Merry Christmas to all club members on behalf of the track group.
Note that track racing will resume in the new year on Thursday 4 January.
Major place getters were as follows:
Christmas Wheel Race (6-Lap Handicap): John Paul De Sousa, Conan Liu, Martin Graham, Hamish
Anderson, Alison Hale.
200m Fly: (A1 Grade) Steve Jones (13.29s), Conan Liu (13.69s), John Paul De Sousa (13.76s) (A2
Grade) Gavin Stephens (13.43s), Craig Kentwell (14.40s) (B Grade) Hamish Anderson (13.17s), Sarah
Stephens (14.55s), Alison Hale (14.89s).
Season Point Score Update:
Conan Liu (139), John Paul De Sousa (131), Alison Hale (89), Graeme O’Neill (85), Hamish Anderson
(63), Craig Kentwell (62), Warwick Wilson (61), Wayne Benham (58), Phil Coulton (57), Martin Graham
(49), Ben Davis (47), Ian Drayton (45), Steve Jones (45), Ed Garnett (43), Sarah Stephens (42).

Graeme O’Neill – Chief Commissaire

Uphill Time Trial Race Report

It was a pleasant start to the day, with mild temperatures and no wind to speak of.  12 riders turned up at the last road ride before Christmas.  It was an uphill TT from Cotter Bend to the top of Mt MacDonald a distance of 6.7km.  The first rider home and the winner overall was Steve Crispin, followed by B Grade winner Simon Costello, and A Grade second place, Brenton Clark.

Thanks to Sue Powel as the ETC, Robert Craine as Marshall, Paul Robey for providing first aid and Andrew Murrel as van driver.

Well done everybody and Merry Christmas.

Chris Copeland

Race Director

The 30^th Anniversary Bleat has been posted on the Club Website.

Please see the following link:

30 years of CRMCC racing – 1993 to 2023

The Bleat

If you would like to contribute to the Club and put the Bleat together each week, please reach our to us!

thebleat@actvets.cc

Masters, In this week’s Bleat

• Next Crit Race – Summer Series Evening Criterium Tuesday 12 December. 5.50 PM
• Narrabundah Track Racing – Thursday 14 December, 5:30 PM
• Next Road Race – Sunday 17 December, 9AM
• From the Committee
• Race calendar can be found here for other race dates needing Officials

RACING – Summer Series Evening Criterium Tuesday 05 December

Grade	Time	Race Duration [ sunset @ 8:12 ]
Downtube Shifter Criterium	5:25	20mins + 2 laps
B/D	5:50	B 42m + 2 laps, D 38mins + 2 laps
E/F/G	6:45	28mins +2 laps
A/C	7:25	A 42m + 2 laps, C 38mins + 2 laps

(Volunteers are needed for various sessions so please check dates at the link)

Crits Race Report – Tuesday 05 December

E Grade got underway with Ross Heazlewood setting tempo on the front and stringing the riders out behind. After a few minutes, the leaders had been whittled down to a bunch of four comprised on Ross, Chris Copeland, Bruce Griffin, and Rico Fitch. Having established the decisive break, the quartet worked constructively to deny the chasers any opportunity to return. Chris put in several decent accelerations down the back straight but wasn’t able to snap the elastic, the surge in pace nonetheless proving too much for Bruce who slipped out the back with just two laps remaining. Chris took the leaders across on the bell with Rico well positioned in second. Down to the final dash to the line and Rico proved the fastest, rounding the bend out wide and holding his charge to the line to edge out Chris, Ross holding on for third. Lindsay Graham, meanwhile, took home the honours in F Grade ahead of Robert Miller and Paul Robey.

A Grade saw Tristan Dimmock testing the bunch with an early attack before Dan Lekhac brought things back together. With splits appearing left, right, and centre, 6 riders found themselves out front; Dan, Tristan, Matt Corby, Stu Griffith, Ben Morrison, and Stephen Blackburn. Sensing the danger, Jason Irwin got stuck into the chase ably supported by the Team Tiffen duo of Gerard Tiffen and Mick Tollhurst. Up ahead, Moshy was looking in ominous form as he almost accidentally rolled off the front on more than one occasion, the pace and the oppressive heat proving too much for Tristo and Matt who looked to return to the relative safety of the chase. As Moshy and Stu drove the break, GT and Mick Tollhurst were relentless in their pursuit, the pace proving too much for many with several riders retiring early. Into the closing stages and two huge pulls from Mark Harris and GT down the home straight brought it all back together, before Jason Irwin immediately countered with an attack of his own, GT offering succinct if not audible commentary as he astutely noted ‘oh, f#@king hell Jason…’ before promptly blowing up. With just six riders left in contention at the 2-minute mark, Dan looked to try his luck with a late escape but wasn’t given much rope, Moshy drilling it back together. Round the final bend, the pundits were left debating whether it would be Stu or Moshy to reign supreme for the fast men, before Moshy put it beyond any doubt with a dominant display of speed going clear by several bike lengths for what proved a comfortable victory. Stu held on for second as Mick T nabbed third in typically determined fashion.  

By comparison with A Grade, C Grade was considerably more civilised (and sensible given the forty degree track temperature…) to begin with, before Claire Aubrey through caution to the wind with a well-timed attack. Taking Mark Bauer with her for company, Clare extended her lead to good 100m before the duo evidently reasoned 30 minutes out front might be a bridge too far, opting for a tactical retreat to the bunch. For the next 15 minutes, relative order prevailed, with Andrew Hislop and Michael Hanbury regular fixtures up front. With around 10 minutes to go, Claire was off again but couldn’t quite establish a decisive gap, the bunch strung out single file behind. Down to the final lap, Duncan McDonald lit the jets coming onto the back straight, quickly going clear and holding his advantage all the way across the line. Claire was a deserving second place after animating the race throughout, Simon Porombka best of the rest in third. 

Rounding out the night, B Grade saw Andrew Chamberlain quickly to the fore as the bunch were lined out behind, before the My Ride mafia put their stamp of control on proceedings, Krusty Bryant setting a steady tempo that saw several riders pop out behind. Gregory Harris was also prominent during the early stages, Kate Vandenberg showing great race craft as she surfed wheels near the front. Rowan McMurray put pay to the relative order My Ride had established with a blistering attack around the 20 minutes mark, before Krusty steadily mowed him back down. Ben Healy was next to try his luck alongside Craig but once again, Krusty was up to the task of chasing them both down. With around 5 minutes left on the clock, Ben was at it again as Nathan Monck and Darren Blackhurst looked to bridge. With the trio giving their all, it took a huge effort for the bunch to ride them down with David Roberts leading a much-reduced bunch across the line on the bell. Andy Yates looked to steal a march with a long range attack up the back straight but in the end, it was Nathan Monck who timed his run best, crossing the line a bike length ahead of Gregory H, Andy Yates managing to hold on for third.

D Grade meanwhile followed a more consistent script with a steady pace that kept the bunch largely intact throughout much of the night. Tony Sheehan, Ian Morton, and Greg Mitchell were all early contributors, with Wayne Shippley an occasional disruptor as he looked to get away. With around 5 minutes to go, Liz Lowe put in a full throttle attack but couldn’t get the gap she needed, the pace once again settling as the riders resigned themselves to the sprint finish to come. Poupee Lam lit the fuse early on the bell lap but couldn’t sustain the frenetic pace, Wayne Shippley using the surge as a springboard to mount his own escape and staying clear to snatch victory. Greg Mitchell led the chasers’ home, with Liz Lowe rewarded for her earlier efforts in third.       

Brad Peppinck

NARRABUNDAH TRACK SESSION – THURSDAY 14 DECEMBER 5:30 PM

The Program for Thursday is as follows:
5.30pm – 6.00pm: Warm-up and free practice.
6.00pm – 6.20pm: Christmas Wheel Race (6-lap handicap, trophy race).
6.20pm – 6.50pm: 200 fly.
There is no charge for this event and riders are not required to register. The racing will be followed by the
usual drinks and nibbles to celebrate the festive season. All welcome!
This will be the final track event for 2023. Track racing will resume in the new year on 4 January.

Graeme O’Neill – Chief Commissaire

TRACK RACING REPORT- THURSDAY 7 DECEMBER
Thursday 7 December was another track day with uncertain weather. By the start of the warm-up at
5.30pm, it was warm with little wind. There was rain in the distance, though it seemed to just hang there
stationary and did not seem threatening. Attendance was low (9 riders) as expected given the uncertain
conditions.
The 8-lap A grade scratch race commenced with Steve Jones leading out for a full lap at an easy pace.
The bunch stayed together for the next 5 laps with the pace picking up as riders rotated to the front,
mostly doing half lap turns. By lap 6, the bunch was compressed with riders clearly looking to launch off
the banking. Kerry Knowler was the first to attack, surging out to a 15m lead on lap 7. Initially Martin
Graham pursued with Steve Jones and Conan Liu starting to accelerate. The catch came on the final lap.
As soon as Martin caught Kerry, Steve Jones and Conan Liu came barrelling around the outside at terrific
speed. Steve and Conan contested a close sprint with Conan slipping past for a narrow win. John Paul
De Sousa came in third. Kerry was overtaken by Martin Graham. However, as the sole representative of
A2 grade, Kerry had the consolation of earning maximum points.
The B Grade scratch race had 4 riders and was quite orderly up until lap 7 with riders doing full lap turns.
Sarah Stephen found herself leading out at a good pace on lap 7. However, Sarah could sense that
something was about to happen, so she climbed the banking to prepare a launch around half lap. At this
point, the whole bunch accelerated to contest a very long sprint. Sarah, Hamish Anderson and Alison
Hale surged around three quarters of a lap with a momentary pause before accelerating into the final half
lap sprint. Hamish took the win from Sarah with Alison a close third.
Just as riders were preparing for the evening’s second event (200m fly) a short cloud burst completely
wet the track. Fortunately, there was enough stored heat in the concrete track, to dry it within 20 minutes.
The 200m fly requires a completely dry track for a safe launch from the high banking. Consequently, the
2-lap handicap was moved up to the second event. This was an all-in event with both A and B grade
riders equalised by handicaps. Sarah Stephens started this event with an incredible surge over the initial
lap. She passed the limit rider within three quarters of a lap and went on to a significant lead. However,
Hamish Anderson and John Paul De Sousa ran Sarah down in the final lap with John Paul taking the win
from Hamish. Sarah hung on for a creditable third place.
The 200m fly event was abandoned with riders electing to finish the evening with the usual Italian Pursuit.
This race had teams of 4 riders. On paper, Team 2 looked stronger. However, Team 1 were not fazed,
as anything can happen in a pursuit. In the event, both teams rode with exemplary teamwork. However,
as expected, Team 2 had gained a small margin by the time the anchor rider took over. Conan Liu was
anchor for Team 2. Conan is an enthusiastic rider who has so far been impossible to catch with a head
start. Conan took the win for Team 2, with Team 1’s anchor, Steve Jones, a few metres adrift.
Major place getters were as follows:
8-Lap Scratch: (A1 Grade) Conan Liu, Steve Jones, John Paul De Sousa (A2 Grade) Kerry Knowler (B
Grade) Hamish Anderson, Sarah Stephens, Alison Hale.
2-Lap Handicap: Hamish Anderson, John Paul De Sousa, Sarah Stephens, Conan Liu, Kerry Knowler.
Italian Pursuit: Winner Team 2 (Conan Liu, Joh Paul De Sousa, Hamish Anderson, Alison Hale).
Season Point Score Update:
Conan Liu (126), John Paul De Sousa (118), Alison Hale (80), Graeme O’Neill (79), Warwick Wilson (61),
Wayne Benham (58), Phil Coulton (57), Craig Kentwell (53), Hamish Anderson (49), Ben Davis (47), Ian
Drayton (45), Martin Graham (39), Ed Garnett (36), Steve Jones (35), Kerry Knowler (34).

Next Road Race – Sunday 17 December

Format: Uriarra Homestead
Uriarra Homestead – Uphill to Short turn before the climb – downhill to top of Uriarra Crossing – back up to Homestead. 3 laps for a handicap.
Directions: Assemble at Uriarra Rd / Brindabella Rd, T-Junction. From North Canberra slightly faster Coppins crossing & right onto Uriarra Road. From Sth Canberra follow Cotter Road down to bridge crossing, turn right onto Brindabella Road.

The 30^th Anniversary Bleat has been posted on the Club Website.

Please see the following link:

30 years of CRMCC racing – 1993 to 2023

The Bleat

If you would like to contribute to the Club and put the Bleat together each week, please reach our to us!

thebleat@actvets.cc

Masters, In this week’s Bleat

• Next Crit Race – Summer Series Evening Criterium Tuesday 05 December. 5.50 PM
• Narrabundah Track Racing – Thursday 07 December, 5:30 PM
• Next Road Race – Sunday 17 December, 9AM
• From the Race Committee
• Race calendar can be found here for other race dates needing Officials

RACING – Summer Series Evening Criterium Tuesday 05 December

Grade	Time Week 01	Race Duration [ sunset @ 8:07 ]
E/F/G	5:50	28mins +2 laps
A/C	6:25	A 42m + 2 laps, C 38mins + 2 laps
B/D	7:15	B 42m + 2 laps, D 38mins + 2 laps

(Volunteers are needed for various sessions so please check dates at the link)

Crits Race Report – Tuesday 28 November

With rain falling in the afternoon, registrations for crits were well down on previous weeks, and a disappointing total of 9 racers actually turned up to SFP. After an assessment of the track it was confirmed that racing could proceed.

A and C grades came to the start line in light rain and the 6 participants happily agreed to reduce the duration to 30/25 mins +2 laps. The 4 A graders, Stuart Griffiths, Toby McLenaghan, Nathan Spillane and Seymour Savell-Boss stuck together for the majority of the race. The rain eased off throughout the race and with only 2 laps to go Stuart and Toby broke away and it was a 2-up sprint for the line. Stuart took it by a bike-length over Toby, and Nathan took 3rd. In C grade the 2 riders, Simon Porombka and Rob Langridge, rode together for the duration, with Simon powering ahead in the final sprint.

The rain paused for the commencement of B and D grades and 3 participants took to the track, Andrew Yates and Ian Preston in B grade, and David Gunther the only D grader willing to brave the conditions. Perhaps feeling shortchanged from the reduced length of the previous race, Toby requested to ride with the B grade pair and they agreed. The trio stayed together for the entire race and in the final straight Andy won the sprint over Ian. David rode a strong ITT in high spirits for the full duration.

Quote of the evening: “all this for only 2 points!”, a sentiment I agree with as the courageous riders who turned up and raced in the sub-optimal conditions should be rewarded with full points for their commitment to CRMCC racing.

Thanks to Sebastian Mueller for marshalling and herding what seemed like the entire kangaroo population of the ACT, and to Simon Whitehead for first aiding (thankfully his skills were not required!).

Gavin Stephens

NARRABUNDAH TRACK SESSION – THURSDAY 07 DECEMBER 5:30 PM

The Program for Thursday is as follows:
5.30pm – 6.00pm: Warm-up and free practice.
6.00pm – 6.20pm: 8-lap graded scratch race.
6.20pm – 6.50pm: 200 fly.
6.50pm – 7.10pm: 2-lap handicap.
7.10pm – 7.30pm: Italian pursuit.

Please register and pay $10 for this session by looking up the calendar entry in the RMS
https://rms.crmcc.org.au/calendar

Graeme O’Neill – Chief Commissaire

Next Road Race – Sunday 17 December

Format: Uriarra Homestead
Uriarra Homestead – Uphill to Short turn before the climb – downhill to top of Uriarra Crossing – back up to Homestead. 3 laps for a handicap.
Directions: Assemble at Uriarra Rd / Brindabella Rd, T-Junction. From North Canberra slightly faster Coppins crossing & right onto Uriarra Road. From Sth Canberra follow Cotter Road down to bridge crossing, turn right onto Brindabella Road.

From the Race Committee

Tour of Bright

The race attracted 350 riders over a range of grades for men and women. With road racing waning in popularity it’s fascinating that this race still holds an attraction among many tough-nut Victorians and few old campaigners from the ACT. The Canberra highlight was Denis Mungoven’s son, Eddie, winning B grade overall, with dad in 42nd place. Also in B grade were Michael Tolhurst, 18th, and Steve Blackburn in 47th. Alana Forster was 20th in Women’s A Grade. VP David Parker was 40th in Masters B, while Nathan Spillane was 12th in Masters C, along with Marc Vroomans, 44th. There was also a Masters 6+ category, which had a faster overall winning times than Masters C. Chris Short was 7th in this category, along with Candelo member John Gardner who was 27th.

Free stuff!

Chimida Coffee Bar and Bistro at the Lyneham shops is offering $25 vouchers for meals and coffee for lucky barrel draw winners on Tuesday night. There are 10 vouchers to give away. Listen up for announcements of winners during the race briefing. You can claim your prize from the race committee member Rob Langridge tomorrow night.

Downtube Shifter Derby on 12 December

Men and women of steel, mark your calendars for 1725 on December 12 for the second annual Downtube Shifter Derby! Yes, it’s back by popular demand (well, there have been two inquiries to date)–same rules: a road worthy bike with downtube shifters. 20 minutes plus two laps will ensure fast and furious racing, so don’t miss out. Once again there’ll be a barrel draw after the race, and one winner will take home the coveted tube of Autosol Metal Polish or the choice of many other fabulous prizes. Entry via the RMS.

Don’t gain advantage from the other grade!

It may be tempting to join on the tail of a passing grade or hide among a faster grade when in a solo breakaway, but it is cheating. To maximise everyone’s racing experience, we run multiple grades on the course at the same time. With this comes the responsibility to allow the faster grade to pass safely and cleanly. The rider of the bunch being passed should not try to tag on the back of the faster bunch nor should riders in a breakaway join the faster bunch. These actions result in gaining an unfair advantage and may result in disqualification.

Rob Langridge

Race committee

The Bleat

If you would like to contribute to the Club and put the Bleat together each week, please reach our to us!

thebleat@actvets.cc