Criterium 1 – 14th Jan 2012

Race Report from Aaron Haycock (TCC) :

A total of 61 senior riders + 5 juniors with some riders travelling from as far away as Ipswich & Dalby to join the 3 local clubs on the world class circuit. Gloomy skies threatened to disrupt the 1st of 3 events though not a drop fell.

A change of course for the senior riders saw the regular full 1780m loop being reduced to an 1100m hotdog style course, allowing for some high speed racing, unfortunately it also lead to a spill or 2 in most grades. Glad to report no major injuries just bruised egos & a few band aids.

Juniors: local under 11 Nick Markey pushed the only under 13 Ben Lingard all the way to the finish, Ben got the result in the end with Nick 2nd & Taylor Silk rounding out the podium.

D grade: After 25minutes & 2 laps of racing it was left to under 15 state champ Caleb Genrich to take the top spot, the podium was rounded out by Jason Page 2nd & Phil Leyden 3rd

C grade: A few tentative moments saw a couple of falls during the race, all involved were OK. The podium saw Tom Galbraith take top spot, with Matthew Locker holding out for 2nd (could it be time to move to B Grade) and Chris Lembo in his 1st outing for 3rd.

B grade: A massive field saw future A grader Sam Beck jump early on their 40 minute journey, the rest of the bunch failed to reel him in and Sam did a great job taking 1st place, 2nd was taken by Trent West & Kent Bauer rounded out the podium for a strong 3rd.

A grade: with all the local gun riders in town this was the race to watch, Darren Rolfe & Haydn Brooks took it upon themselve to shut down every move, making it hard for anyone to get away. Rafael Vainikka, Damien Neilsen & Peter Watts made a few sprited attempts but to no avail. with 2 laps to go Darren Rolfe & Hayden Brooks rode away from the rest to takes 1st & 2nd respectively Seb Scott rode strong to round out the podium. Unfortunately on the last lap a touch of wheels saw a rider hit the deck (again no injuries).

In closing out it was great to see so many riders support this local club event, Again it will be awesome if this becomes a weekly occurance.

Also a vote of thanks to all volunteers & our Commisaires Mr Greg Vincent & Mr Glen Trussell. without these people local racing would be unable to thrive.