The hardy turned up for today’s road race held at Goombungee. Cloudy conditions gave way to misty rain at times so riders had plenty of incentives to keep warm by riding hard. Wind was pretty strong too but did assist in the climb on the 2nd goat hill from Pechy-Maclagan Rd. Small numbers meant grades were combined, A&B and C&D rode together.
A&B grades – 3 laps with 9 starters
Gary Kristensen and Brisbane visitor Kalvin Bartlett set the pace early (and for the whole race) with Kalvin taking the win in a sprint with Gary close behind, leading third place by a good 500m. Kent Bauer chased hard working together with Pedr Harvey after they broke away from the bunch on the climb back
into town before the 1st lap was done. Tom Galbraith tried to stay with them but got caught in no man’s land. Kent and Pedr put time into the remaining riders as they gathered together to work as a bunch again during the 2nd lap. Kent outsprinted Pedr (1st B grader) for 3rd and Adam Grams picked up 5th in a 3 way sprint.
C&D grade – 2 laps with 7 starters
2 D graders steeled themselves to ride with C grade today and didn’t disgrace themselves at all. The group stuck mostly together until the final hill on the first lap and then junior rider Jack van Tricht showed everyone he likes hills and gapped the pack on the climb into Goombungee. He was reeled in again on the 2nd lap by Peter Mouatt and Kent Wright. Again on the final lap Jack gained a gap of approx 200m on his fellow break away riders and held on for the win. Peter beat Kent to the line in a close sprint for 2nd. Mike Hawley was first D grader across the line. Good to see David Edwards from Highfields having his first hitout on such a tough day.
Thanks to Jon Lindley, Rob Walker, Steve Boland and Brian Schmacker for ensuring the race went smoothly. Without volunteers club races can’t succeed or be run in a safe manner. If you can help out for future races, particularly road events, please put your hand up regardless of which club is organising.
Next combined club event will be June 22nd at Glenvale Criterium Track, a Prologue and a Criterium.