Illawarra Cycle Club

RACE REPORT, Trial Criterium

Wollongong University, 8^th May

There were 30 starters on this beautiful Sunday morning for the new 340m criterium course. Each grade started with a neutral first lap followed by a rolling start on the second lap. Packs were kept small for this trial race.

All the DNFs came from those who just couldn’t master the tight turns and were quickly dropped, rather than from any lack of form.

The course was well received by most and ‘rather tight’ by the rest. Improvement to the layout will be made at  The Club Championships.

D grade stayed together for most of the race, with Vince O’Dwyer and Lise Newing leading the whole way. Into the bell lap, Vince showed his great form by riding away for a seemingly easy win, with Tim Newing taking second from Lise.

C grade quickly split on the tight, fast corners, with Blair, Nick and David controlling the whole race.

B grade stayed together for half way until Brett McIntosh and Jeff Gray showed their excellent form and took a handy lead which was never caught.

A grade had a quick field and were the only group to stay together the whole way. Paul Oysten led away for a few laps and then returned to the bunch. It was Shane Visser and Wade Carberry who stayed some 50m in front for almost half the race. It was taking this bunch 32 seconds to complete ONE lap. In the end, it was smart thinking by Brad Hefernan who watched the others tire then rode away on the last lap for a 30m win.