The Northern Vets enjoyed splendid sunshine for the last race of the year from Longford along Panshanger Road. Good conditions meant fast racing. Scott Smith, Mike Walsh and Andrew Flanagan broke away towards the end in A grade and finished in that order. In B grade the big sprinters came to the fore with Marty Neu taking the win from Clinton Brown with Heath Bracey in third. Ty Farrow can’t top winning and took out C grade from Scott Watson and Darren Cook. Rob Tatchell motored to the win in D grade with one of the finest sprints ever seen in the history of NVCC. Michelle Dabner could only look on in admiration in second. Alex Robinson looked strong again and may need an upgrade, taking out E grade from Michael Dalton and Jen Booth. It was a good day for the Morgan’s in F grade, Craig taking out the win from brother Kevin. Michael Sulzberger had a good third. John Hillier took out G grade from the irrepressible Jeff Garwood and Deanne Hylton.
Some yearly awards were presented as follows:
Club members of the year: Phil and Doreen Stephenson
Aggregate racer of the year: Scott Smith
Tas Mobile Caravan Service KOM competition:
1) Michelle Dabner
2) Phil Stephenson
3) Ricky Allen
The kids also enjoyed the most unusual shaped Santa ever seen.
Thanks to all our great volunteers and riders for making another greatly enjoyable year of bike racing and friendship.
55 riders enjoyed good conditions for this year’s Adina Place 70km Blackwood Creek feature race. There was also a 40km dash for F and G grades. It turned out to be a good day for the front markers. It was the D grade group who rose to the top, catching the front group at the 40km mark. This combined group held off the chasing groups with relative ease. Tyrone Farrow went early in the sprint to take a fine victory from Michelle Dabner and John Frankling. Dave Bingley had a strong ride to take out fastest time. Peter Booth and Andrew Flanagan were stand out performers in the chasing groups. The 40km dash was taken out by ever improving Tony Savage with Bob Mason second and Kevin Morgan in third. Next week is the last race before the Christmas break at Longford. Santa will be making an appearance so bring the family along and enjoy a post-race BBQ. Duty riders are due to be James Proverbs, Dean Mason and Anne Wadley – Robertson.
Top 10 finishers:
1) Tyrone Farrow
2) Michelle Dabner
3) John Frankling
4) Julianne Smith
5) James Proverbs (tied for 4th)
6) Jen Booth
7) Ric Easton
8) Peter Booth
9) Doug Blackaby
10) Robert Wrigley
The Northern Vet’s were treated to nigh on perfect Spring conditions today at Hagley. With a rolling course that was to see all Grades finish in either reduced bunch or full grade bunch sprints. With a combined A and B grade, it was a sprint out at the end with Micky Dalton taking line honors from Ian Leighton 2nd and Tim Elmer 3rd.
In B grade it was a fast finishing Craig Woodfall taking the top step of the podium, with Andrew Flanagan 2nd and Pat Coe 3rd.
The C grade bunch sprint win was taken out by Simon Donovan, then Peter Booth 2nd and Scott Watson 3rd.
In what was the closest bunch sprint of the day, it was Michelle Dabner taking line honors in D grade, with John Franklin in 2nd and James Proverbs in 3rd.
The E grade race was taken out by a strong finish from Jenny Booth, with Ric Easton 2nd and Richard Wells in 3rd.
G grade saw Brian Finn stand on the top step of the podium with Andrew Hodson in 2nd.
KOM results saw from A through to E grades, Tim Elmer, Andrew Flanagan, Phil Stevenson, Michelle Dabner, Jenny Booth.
13th November 2016 Cressy – cancelled due to weather.
Despite inclement conditions, the Northern Vet’s Glenroy’s coffee 100km challenge went ahead. Riders received a 10 minute soaking on the first lap but were quickly blown dry by the wind. The combined A/B group split on Richardson’s Cutting on lap one. Dave Bingley and Pat Coe’s strength in the cross winds made sure that this group stayed away. Dave Bingley took the A grade honours. Paul Morgan out sprinted Ricky Allen and Pat Coe to win B grade. The combined C/D bunch stayed together for the first lap. The cross winds took their toll on lap two. New rider Matt Challis left nothing to chance, breaking away on Armstrong’s Lane to win C grade by a couple of minutes. Paul Rowlings took second in C grade, finishing with club hard man Tim Burford who was the D grade winner. Phil Stevenson took third in C grade and Michelle Dabner second in D grade. Well done to all the riders who competed in this tough event. Also special thanks to the numerous volunteers who gave up their time to allow this event to happen.
45 Northern Vets took on the 48km graded mass start form Carrick via Westwood. The stiff south easterly breeze made for tough racing. G grade was won by Jeff Garwod. In F grade Bob Mason pipped Kevin Morgan to the line. A strong finish from Alex Robinson took out E grade form Nigel Aylott and Jen Booth. D grade also finished in a bunch sprint with Brendan Spurr taking the honours from Nick Lawerence and Michelle Dabner. There was plenty of attacking from Pete Booth in C grade. The bunch reeled him in a few times and Simon Donovan looked strong in taking victory from Doug Blackaby and Scott Watson. Andy Wells and Paul Headlam rode off the front of the combined A/B bunch. Strong work from Pat Coe, Pete Oliver and Dane Leedham slowly closed the gap. Aaron Dunn jumped off the front of the chasing bunch to pip Andy Wells for the A grade win. Scott Murchison won B grade from Alister Woodrooffe and Ricky Allen.
16th October 2016 Symmons Plains Crits – cancelled due to weather.
Those Northern Vets with ‘Hardnut’ as their middle name took on 3 laps of the Bishopsbourne – Green Rises – Armstrong’s Lane course where the stiff northerly wind effectively turned Armstrong’s Lane into a wind tunnel. Ride of the day went to Jeff Garwood who outsprinted Brian Finn in G grade. Kevin Morgan won F grade. Michael Dalton outsprinted Peter Dadson in E grade. Another close finish in D grade saw Jim Knott edge out Coen de Gier. Pete Booth had a strong ride, wining C grade from Bob Bright. Pat Coe loves the wind and took out B grade from Paul Headlam. Win Mahar won A grade.
The Northern Vets who hadn’t drunk too much beer on grand final day enjoyed pleasant conditions for a 38 km graded mass start from Westbury along Biralee Road and return. The combined A/B bunch seemed a bit hungover on the way out. Normal service resumed on the return. Paul Butler’s attack 7km from home was decisive. He just about held on from chasing Win Mahar and Andy Wells. Dane Leedham had a strong ride to win B grade from Mark Tate and Ricky Allen. C grade split before the turn and Paul Headlam rode away from that front group. Bob Bright was second and Phil Stevenson third. Brendan Spurr rode strongly in D grade to beat Jim Knott to the line. The sprint finish in E grade was taken out by Nigel Aylott from consistent Jen Booth and Ric Easton. Good to see Michael Sulzberger back winning F grade and Brian Finn was again the winner in G grade.
On 25th September the Northern Vets held their most prestigious feature race of the year, the 62km Somercotes Longford to Campbelltown handicap. This was an occasion for the seven strong scratch bunch to show their class. They worked equally and efficiently to make light of the cross winds and catch the front markers with 18km to go. At this point about 30 riders had massed at the front. Ben Mather launched a searing solo attack on the climb about 10km from the finish. Only the strongest could mount any sort of a chase. It took a mighty effort from a group of about six riders to reel in Mather with 2km to go. The leaders must have been exhausted by this point and it was Scott Smith who showed why he is the club number one rider, taking out the win for his third feature race victory of the year. Dave Bingley was second and Richard Carroll third. The club also ran the 40km Campbell Town dash for the lower grades. Club favourite, Bob Mason had a great ride to take out the victory.
Overall results: Dash Results
1) Scott Smith 1) Bob Mason
2) Dave Bingley 2) Raelene Dowling
3) Richard Carroll 3) Kevin Morgan
4) Steven Brown
5) Andrew Flanagan
6) Ben Mather
7) Mike Walsh
8) Dane Leedham
9) Shaun Probert
10) Adrian Adams
KOM: Ben Mather
18th September 2016 Bishopsbourne – cancelled due to weather.
48 Northern Vets took on a 51km graded mass start from Rosevale. The new course with its tough finishing climb up Rosevale hill ensured there were no bunch sprints today. In A grade, Andrew Margison continued his 100% record in vets, riding away from the rest. Dale Woolston was second with Shaun Probert third. In B grade Scott Murchison attacked early on the climb and showed great strength to maintain that gap to the finish, winning from Andrew Flanagan and Kathryn Woolston. The C grade bunch had halved in size by the time they reached the finishing climb. Craig Woodfall continued his return to form to take out the victory from consistent Andrew Brown and popular course designer Darren Cook. In D grade Michelle Dabner, new rider Jim Knott and Kerry Newman rode away from the rest and finished in that order, Michelle extending her lead in the KOM competition in the process. Jen Booth proved she can climb, taking out E grade from Ric Easton and Ward Totham. Hilary Ivery had another good win in F grade from Kevin Morgan and Tony Savage.
The Northern Vets took on the scenic but testing 40km graded handicap from Deloraine through Montana, Meander and back to Deloraine. The blustery conditions ensured all groups worked tightly together. F grader Hilary Ivery rode courageously to lead for over 30km of the race. The other five groups merged just before the finishing climb up Buttery Factory Hill. Andrew Flanagan and Pat Coe rode strongly to get the five strong scratch bunch into the mix. B grader Ricky Allen attacked half way up the hill. Seven of the stronger riders, led by Craig Woodfall, gradually bridged the gap. These seven fought out the sprint finish. Scott Smith stepped on his power pedal to take out the win from Heath Bracey, Andy Wells and Adrian Cooper. Respective grade winners were Scott Smith, Heath Bracey, Craig Woodfall, Michelle Dabner, Justin Clements and Hilary Ivery.
40 Northern Vets could sense some Spring in the air as they took on three laps of the 16.5 km loop from Bisphopsbourne via Green Rises Road and Armstrong’s Lane. Tas Mobile Caravan Service King of the Mountain points were on offer on each lap which stretched the groups on Armstrong’s lane. All grades came back together for the finish, resulting in bunch sprints. In the combined A/B grade race, Win Mahar was the strongest rider, taking out A grade. Mark Tate had another good win in B grade from Scott Murchison and Ricky Allen. Simon Donovan looked impressive in the C grade sprint, winning by a few bike lengths from Lindsay Malley and Mark Bugg. Coen De Gier won D grade from Brendan Spurr and Dean Mason. Richard Wells continued his good form, winning E grade from Michael Dalton and Ward Totham. He also took all 15 KOM points on offer in his grade. Brian Finn rode well again to take out the combined F/G grade race.
21st August 2016 No racing due to the MVDCC Junior and Masters Mini Tour
54 Northern Vets took on a 48 km graded mass start, two laps of the Carrick/Westwood circuit. The strong Northerly breeze meant crosswinds for most of the race. Most grades splintered as a result, making for tough but interesting racing. In A grade Scott Smith, Nic Daley and Dave Bingley broke away from the rest and finished in that order. In what was possibly the ride of the year so far, Pat Coe rode off the front in B grade with 38km to go. A chasing group of six worked hard to catch him but didn’t get near. Mark Tate and Michael Wilson took the minor places. In C grade, Paul Healdlam rode solo for 15km to take a fine win from Craig Woodfall and Mark Wilkie. John Frankling still has plenty of spring in his legs and pipped James Proverbs for the win in D grade with Michelle Dabner in third. In-form Julieanne Smith won E grade form Peter Dadson and Shellie Wakefield. Brian Finn won G grade from Andrew Hodson and John Hillier.
The Sun came out for the 39 Northern Vets who took on two laps of the lumpy Porter’s Bridge Road circuit from Deloraine, a 46 km graded mass start. The hills of Porter’s Road encouraged some attacking by the climbers but the flat run into the finish brought most groups back together. In A grade attacks from Nic Daley and Greig Watson were not allowed to stick. Scott Smith was the fastest in the sprint, winning from Nic Daley. In B grade Garry Cummings rode strongly all race. He made an early dash for the line and couldn’t be caught, winning from Michael Wilson and Pat Coe. Nick Lawerence can’t stop winning in C grade and must be hoping the handicapper hasn’t noticed. He was first again from Phil Stevenson and Craig Woodfall. The small D grade bunch rode with C grade, Ty Farrow taking out the win. Ride of the day was from F grader Richard Wells who was first home in the combined E/F group. Shelly Wakefield took out E grade form Julieanne Smith. John Hiller was too strong today in G grade, winning
from Brian Finn and Andrew Hodson. Great to see Lynne Woodfall out and about and recovering well.
The Northern Vets enjoyed fairly pleasant conditions for the notoriously windy graded mass start form Longford’s Panshanger Road towards Mount Joy and return. The combined A and B bunch set off at high speed driven mainly by Pat Coe and Nelson Clarke. A number of solo attacks were reigned in to set up a bunch sprint. Club number one rider Scott Smith took out A grade. Steve Muir won B grade from Nelson Clarke and Mark Tate. C grade had to work hard to catch Paul Headlam who tool off at the turn. Nick Lawerence had another win in the resulting bunch sprint from ‘newcomer to watch’ Andrew Brown and Peter Booth. James Proverbs had a good win in D grade from Dean Mason and Michelle Dabner. Peter Dadson won E grade form Traci Lonegran and Ric Easton. Richard Wells won F grade and Brian Finn won again in G grade.
Green pasture, clear blue skies, snow-capped mountains… The 38 Northern Vets who took on the 45km graded mass start from Selbourne imagined they were at the Tour de France. Then they got out of their cars and realised the temperature was two degrees… Riders soon warmed up during the race, especially in the long climb up to Selbourne to the finish. Double Tas Mobile Caravan Service KOM points were on offer to the winners. Many riders are in the mix to take out the KOM competition this year. The strong men and women came to the fore with Nic Daley winning A grade from Greig Watson and Scott Smith. Dave Chaplin powered up the last incline like Richie Porte to win B grade from Kathryn Woolston and Paul ‘Zwift’ Morgan. Tim Scott looked ready for an upgrade, taking out C grade by a few furlongs from Phil Stevenson and Paul Headlam. Strong climber Michelle Dabner won D Grade. Hobart’s Mardy Ryan took out E grade from improving Julieanne Smith and Carl Hoddy. Tony Savage won F grade.
Those Northern Vets who have decided not to hibernate this winter took on a 44km graded mass start from Bishopsbourne to Blackwood creek and return. The cold wind blowing down from the Western Tiers made breakaways difficult and all groups finished in bunch sprints. Recently promoted Steve Muir had an excellent win in the combined A/B grade race from Pete Oliver and Gene Finn. Julian Clayton showed another strong sprint to win C grade from Phil Stevenson and Peter Booth. Nick Lawerence was in the money again in D grade, winning from John Frankling and Michelle Dabner. Ride of the day went to Ric Easton who edged out Peter Dadson in E grade. Ric is one of our most regular racers and it was great to see him take out the win. Andrew Hodson won the combine F/G grade race.
The fog lifted just in time for 38 Northern Vets who took on the 53 km graded handicap from Carrick. The loop via Hoggs Lane, Bracknell, Bishopsbourne and back to Carrick led to high average speeds. It was the D grade bunch who performed the best, holding off the large B/C combined group which had formed mid-race. Nick Lawrence took out a great win from Nigel Davies and weekly place-getter Coen de Gier. The multi-talented A grade bunch averaged over 41 km per hour and Andrew Margison won this grade in his first race with the vets. Next week we are at Bishopsbourne. Duty riders are Motor, Mark Tate and Kerry Leonard.
Full results:
Overall: 1) Nick Lawrence 2) Nigel Davies 3) Coen de Gier
Grade winners:
A) Andrew Margison
B) Peter Oliver
c) Donald Lehner
D) Nick Lawerence
E) James Down
F/G) Kevin Morgan
41 Northern Vets took on the notoriously windy 38km out and back graded mass start from Evandale along Nile road and return. As usual it was a tailwind out and headwind home. A and B grade started together. Adrian Adams attacked after 12 km and Scott Shilg bridged the gap to join him. These two know how to time trial and held off the chasing group of six with relative ease to take out their respective grades. In C grade Julian Clayton showed he is returning to form, taking out the sprint from Steve Muir and Phil Stevenson. The large D Grade bunch dropped a few riders on the undulations past Nile. Scott Watson must have caught the eye of the handicappers with a searing sprint to win by 10 bike lengths from Suze Dowling and Grant Murfet. New Hobart rider Mardy Ryan impressed in E grade, winning from the consistent Coen de Gier and fellow Hobartian David Darel. Richard Wells took out F grade from Tony Savage. Brian Finn rode well again to win G grade.
Next week we are at Carrick for a graded handicap. Duty riders: Mart Neu, Rob Nimmo, Gary Baker (for James Proverbs).
Full placings:
A grade Adrian Adams Dave Bingley Andy Wells
B grade Scott Schilg Brian Dabner Dale Ridgers
C grade Julian Clayton Steve Muir Phil Stevenson
D grade Scott Watson Suze Dowling Grant Murfet
E grade Mardy Ryan Con de Gier David Darel
F grade Richard Wells Tony Savage
G grade Brian Finn Rochelle WrightJohn Hillier
36 of the more hardy Northern Vets left the virtual reality trainers at home for a ‘real life’ graded mass start from Rosevale. The frost and fog lifted just in time for good racing conditions which led to plenty of attacking on the undulating 46 km course. A grade was ‘cat and mouse’ all the way with Adrian Adams taking the win from Richard Carroll and Andy Wells. B grade hard man Pat Coe took off into the wind with 15km to go. He held off the chasing group of 12 until 2km from the line. Michael Wilson then counter attacked but was caught meters form the finish. Matt Hibbs took a good win form Ricky Allen and Simon Ward. Phil Stevenson knows how to win bike races and continued his good form to win C grade from Mark Tate and Lyndsay Malley. James Proverbs won D grade from Dean Mason and Bendan Spurr. Coen de Gier had another win in E grade.
A cold start led to perfect conditions as the Northern Vets took on the tough 47km out and back graded handicap from Cressy. The long drag up to Blackwood creek sapped the legs and splintered many groups. The seven strong B-grade bunch hit the front of the race after 30km. They combined with a select group of the stronger C and D grade riders and shared the load to stay well ahead of the chasing A grade. Michael Wilson attacked with 3 km to go but was reeled in to set up a sprint finish. Mark Tate rode strongly all day and took out a great win from Andrew Flanagan. Phil Stevenson continues to ride like a man 40 years younger to take third.
Overall it was a glorious morning for a ride through the countryside. Thanks again to the volunteers who make our races possible. Also thanks to those riders who turned up to help despite not being rostered for duty.
Grade winners:
A grade: Scott Smith
B grade: Andrew Flanagan
C grade: Mark Tate
D grade: Craig Brooks
E grade: Julianne Smith
F grade: Tony Savage
12th June – No racing – Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
5th June Whitemore two laps GMS 48km – cancelled due to weather.
52 Northern Vets enjoyed cold but calm winter conditions for a 50 km graded mass start from Bracknell. Most attacks failed to stick on the flattish course but the sharp uphill finish gave the climbers a chance.
Greig Watson took out A grade from Ben Mather and Mark Padgett. The large B grade bunch welcomed Michael Wilson on board who rode strongly. Andrew Flanagan took a deserved win from Ricky Allen and Dale Ridgers. Tim Burford went off the front 1km from home in C grade but was just overhauled at the finish with Mark Bugg taking out the sprint. Dean Mason sprinted well to win D Grade. Coed de Gier continued his good form in E graded. He won, literally by a whisker, from Shellie Wakefield. Kevin Morgan showed he still has speed in those legs with a comfortable win in F grade. Andrew Hodson rode well to take out G grade. Ride of the day goes to Dale Ridgers who took third in his first B grade race and even decided to go off the front at one point.
Full results:
A grade G Watson B Mather M Padgett
B grade A Flanagan R Allen D Ridgers
C grade M Bugg S Muir J Clayton
D grade D Mason J Frankling M Dabner
E grade C de Gier S Wakefield J Clements
F grade K Morgan A Wadley-Roberton R Wells
G grade A Hodson R Wright
58 Northern vets enjoyed much more pleasant conditions than the week before with a 39 km out and back course along the rolling hills of Biralee Rd from Westbury.
As per the new normal, there was plenty of attacking in A grade. The decisive attack came from Jason Rigg 12km from home. He was joined by Scott Smith but proceeded to ride away again to take the win from the chasing Dave Bingley and Richard Carroll.
In B grade Andrew Flanagan got away on the hills 8 km from home. He dangled manfully off the front only to be caught 50m from the line. Simon Ward won the sprint from Paul Morgan and Ricky Allen.
Dale Ridgers had another strong ride in C grade to take the win from Don Lehner and Bob Bright.
Brendan Spurr took a good win in a bunch sprint in D grade from Suze Dowling and Nick Lawerence.
Justin Clements won E grade from Coen de Gier and Leigh Austin.
Richard Wells took out F grade from Tony Savage and new rider Anne Wadley-Robertson.
Brian Finn had the energy to win G grade even after all the work he does setting up our courses. Andrew Hodson was second and Rochelle Wright third.
39 of the more hardy Northern Vets braved very windy conditions for a 40km graded mass start from Evandale to Deddington and return. All groups raced out to Nile at supersonic speed only to be literally blown apart by the crosswinds after the left turn onto Deddington Road.
The front of the race for each of A, B and C grades was reduced to just three or four riders by the time the race turned back into Evandale Road to face the gruesome head wind home.
Another high quality A grade race was won by Shaun Probert from Mark Padgett and and Ben Mather. In B grade Justin Harper sprinted well into the gale to take out the win from serial place getter Andrew Flanagan and Patrick Coe. Steve Muir gave the handicappers another nudge with a strong win in C grade from Phil Stevenson and Mark Tate. D grade mostly stayed together and was won by Lindsay Malley from Brendan Spurr and Nick Lawerence. E grade was won by Leigh Austin from Coen de Gier and Michael Dalton . Howard Smith won G grade.
Well done to all as it was an achievement just to finish in that wind. Special thanks to the volunteers who gave up their time in such harsh conditions.
8th May – No racing – Mother’s Day.
1st May Glenroy’s 100kChallenge – Bishopsbourne – cancelled due to weather.
24th April – No racing – Anzac Day long weekend.
On Sunday 17th April, Over 70 riders attended the start line for the 68 km Morgan Timbers Feature Race. Scratch were given a huge task and although Scott Smith rode well to take out the fastest time, they we unable to make up the gap. The final results were:
1st John Frankling
2nd Michelle Dabner
3rd Coen deGier
4th Robert Wrigley
5th Helen Woodfall
This was John’s first feature race win since 1969 and it was great to see him on top of the podium. It was also great that the winner’s envelopes, trophy and sash were able to be presented by Kevin Morgan.
Thanks to all riders and everyone who helped on the day. It was a great success.
There was also some great racing in the shorter, 1 lap, Quamby Dash event too. Tony Savage, Holly and Johannes set off 12 minutes back and worked well as a trio to start reeling in the rest of the field along Westwood Road and Bridgenorth Road. Kevin Morgan joined us for the last part of the race, and once they had conquered the hill, they smashed themselves silly for the finish. Kevin showed his experience by taking out the bunch sprint for 2nd, however Andy Hodson was not to be caught taking out the Dash.
1st Andy Hodson
2nd Kevin Morgan
3rd Tony Savage
Team Daltini Classic has been run and won.
Lots of tired faces and war stories after a classic race of attrition caused by the undulating course and roaring winds.
The sratch bunch ploughed through the field, taking no passengers.
Ben Mather & Scott Smith put on a demonstration of power to ride away from the field with Ben taking the honours.
The rest of the field dragged themselves to the finish in small groups, completely cooked. It was a great race to watch, probably not so great to ride.
Steven Brown, Adriano Adams and Greig Watson filled out the top 5 places.
Well done to everyone who finished and thanks for supporting our race.
Thanks to everyone in our group for donating the prize money and nvcc for hosting the race. It’s a great club to be a part of.
Quote of the day : “That was complete bull*&#t. I just wanted to get off my bike, lay down and cry. I’m going home to eat, eat, eat some more and sulk .” (Anonymous team daltini rider).
Highlight of the day – seeing Zac Gilmore looking fit and well.
Written by Michael Dalton
Placings were 1st Ben Mather
2nd Scott Smith
3rd Steven Brown
4th Adrian Adams
5th Greig Watson
Fastest Time Ben Mather
“A” Ben Mather
“B” Sam Pratt
“C” Dale Ridgers
“D” Lindsay Malley
“E” Michael Dalton
“G” 1st John Hillier
2nd Brian Finn
A Special Thank You to a very reserved, but appreciative Zack Gilmore who made a special trip out to personally thank the club for their efforts in supporting him in his current trials. We all know this boy, is a Champion in the way he is currently fighting his demons. Our Wishes and Thoughts are with you at all times, Champ.
Sunday saw 60 riders take part in a 42 km Graded Mass Start from Longford to Bracknell. While most grades saw multiple attacks the winners were decided from a sprint. In G Grade Brian Finn won from John Hillier and Jeff Garwood. This is Brian’s second win in a row showing a good bout of form. In F Grade Rae Dowling won from Richard Wells. In E Grade, it was Jen Booth first, Julianne James-Smith 2nd and Peter Dadson 3rd. Nick Lawrence has turned a number of minor placing into first in D Grade with Scott Watson and John Frankling rounding out the podium. In C Grade Mark Bugg has given the handicappers some work to do with another strong win from David Caselegno and birthday boy, Phil Stevenson. In B Grade it was an all in sprint with Heath Bracey getting up on the line from Justin Harper and Brian Dabner. And for A Grade it was Scott Smith who led the sprint out with no one able to come around him. Stephen Stone, fresh from a stella track season was 2nd and Greig Watson 3rd. With constant winning performances from Scott Smith, he is showing why he is wearing the No 1 race bib for the club.
27th March – No racing – Easter.
Results unavailable – stay tuned.
13th March – No racing Labour Day long weekend.
Today saw absolutely beautiful race conditions for the running of the 2016 Fingal 50. The race saw each group keep their riders working well in true handicap style racing. But it was the back markers who caught each group in turn before a three way sprint finish. The race was won by Scott Smith (our number one club rider) who also took out fastest time. David Bingley was second from Ian Leighton third. It was another great turnout with about 50 riders on the start
line. Thanks goes to the Fingal Festival for sponsoring the race, to volunteers who drove that long way so we would have the luxury of riding and to the riders who rode hard but safely. Finally thanks to the commissaires for keeping an eye on us. If you haven’t done this race before you must give it a go. It was great standing around after the race relaxing in the sunshine. Must also say great work from the Chief handicapper to see the groups come together just before the end of the race.
Scott Smith unleashing the power and timing to take out his 2nd Feature race in last 12 months.
Results unavailable – stay tuned.
A huge field of over 75 riders graced the starter at our Bishopsbourne Races last Sunday, and with a return to racing Tim Elmer displayed a glimpse of his known form to catch the breakaway of Adrian Adams and then continue on for a win with Scott Smith coming in 3rd. In B grade, it turned out to be the “Sprinter’s Derby”, with Dane Leedham getting a much deserved win over Justin Harper and Heath Bracey, while in C grade a similar situation arose with Simon Donovan, Mark Bugg and David Casalegno finishing in that order. The “form MUM” of the club Rochelle Wright had another good win in G grade over Michael Stylianou and John Hillier. While Peter Booth won D Grade, and Justin Clements and Holly Lusher won E and F grade respectively
A Grade
1st Tim Elmer 2nd Adrian Adams 3rd Scott Smith
B Grade
1st Dane Leedham 2nd Justin Harper 3rd Heath Bracey
C Grade
1st Simon Donovan 2nd Mark Bugg 3rd David Casalengno
D Grade
1st Peter Booth 2nd Olivier Chartrain 3rd Kerry Leonard
E Grade
1st Justin Clements 2nd Michael Dalton 3rd Peter Dadson
F Grade
1st Holly Lusher 2nd Shellie Wakefield 3rd Rae Dowling
G Grade
1st Rochelle Wright 2nd Michael Stylianou 3rd John Hillier
An excellent field of 70 riders faced the starter in Sunday’s Graded Handicap at Whitemore. With a head wind gusting up to 50kph for the first 30 kilometres, it was the A grade bunch lead by Adrian Adams, Ian Leighton, Andy Wells, Richard Carroll, Dane Leedham and Scott Schilg that was able to use their skills and experience to make the most of the very hard conditions. Once the backmarkers turned out of the head wind, it was once again their bunch riding ability that saw them totally out pedal all the other bunches. It was very apparent who the stronger riders were in each bunch, although that also, was some times to the detriment of their bunch.
At the finish it was Adrian Adams who recorded a good win over Ian Leighton, with Andrew Flanagan from B grade coming in 3rd. Dale Hainsworth was the winner in C grade, while Peter Booth won D grade, Chris Moore E grade and Shellie Wakefield F and Rochelle Wright G grade
Overall
1st Adrian Adams 2nd Ian Leighton 3rd Andrew Flanagan
A Grade Adrian Adams
B Grade Andrew Flanagan
C Grade Dale Hainsworth
D Grade Peter Booth
E Grade Chris Moore
F Grade Shellie Wakefield
G Grade Rochelle Wright
Over 52 riders started today at the Exeter course. Great conditions saw excellent racing with bunch numbers evenly spread across all grades. I can remember most if the placings but let me know if I am wrong and I will change it. Greig Watson won in a tight strong sprint finish over Adrian Adams in a grade with Mike Walsh rounding out the podium. In B grade it was a lead bunch sprint with Peter Westbrook, Paul Headlam (who tried to get away on the hills he said “it took 4 to catch me” and Andrew Flanagan. In C grade I think the results were Steve Muir 1st Don Donald Lehner 2nd Dale Ridgers 3rd. In D grade it was a good sprint finish for Michelle Dabner over Bernadette Matthews. Motor Tatchel for 3rd.. In E grade it was Chris Moore over Ric Easton and Peter Dadson . F grade saw Linda Sulzberger out sprint Michael Sulzberger for a family one two with Craig Morgan getting third. Thanks everyone especially the lines people and helpers who stepped up to help. Thanks all those sprinting for staying left.
31st January Deloraine – Montana to Meander and back 55km – cancelled due to weather.
In perfect racing conditions, the 2016 racing season got under way with just on 50 starters, and it did not take long to ascertain who had been training over the break. The A grade field was of an extremely high standard, and while Micky Dalton had a win, when asked what the racing was like his comment was “that Jason Rigg, attacked like about 800 times during the race, absolutely relentless”. Jason finished a good 2nd with Greig Watson taking out 3rd place. In B grade, Craig Woodfall continued on where he left off 2015, by winning from Andrew Flanagan and the ever improving Paul Headlam in a race that compared to A grade was a perfect training ride for upcoming handicap races, being just very smooth rolling turns. Grant Astell, continued his stellar track season form, by defeating Steve Muir and Mark Bugg in C grade. While Peter Booth proved his fitness course at the Uni is standing him in good stead with a very solid win over James Proverbs and Michelle Dabner in D grade. Michael Dalton, another who had a rather good track season, brought his sprinting skills to the fore, by defeating Pia Austin and Ric Easton, and Shellie Wakefield kept last seasons good form, by winning from Brian Finn and Tony Savage.