Last weekend saw 18 Griffith Cycle Club riders face the starter for the seventh round of the Tom’s Cycle City Cup to be held over four laps of the Hanwood circuit.
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The handicapper split the field into four groups with Michael Wynne being the sole limit rider. Wynne had the choice to move back to the next group but elected to ride the race off the front solo. A 25-minute head start was the sweetener.
Group three, on a 10-minute handicap, was the day’s biggest group with seven riders. Mandy Delgigante was having her first race with the club with Melissa Budd, Sarah Trotter, Danny Toaldo, Jack Trimboli, Dom Piromalli and Albert Ravanello for company.
The chopping block group had Tony Sampson, Ray Gilbert, Michael Taylor, Bron Jones and Paul Muir starting on six minutes.
The scratch group was Mal Blake, Craig Tilston, Allan Jones, Dennis Irvine and Steve McLean who had to make up nearly six minutes per lap if they were to catch Michael Wynne.
Wynne clocked a first lap of 23 minutes and this was a bit below the pace he was going to need to stay away. His second lap was also 23 flat to show he was in great rhythm but unfortunately would leave him to be caught with half a lap to go.
Group three was having a lovely ride and it sounded more like a social ride with the chit-chat that could be heard down the finish straight. At least new girl Mandy was being made to feel warmly welcomed by all.
Tony Sampson was putting in some big turns for the chopping block group but it wasn’t enough to hold off the scratch group.
Scratch hit the lead with half a lap to race and Sampson jumped on the train.
Michael Taylor also managed to hook onto the scratch bunch as they sped for the finish. Mal Blake kicked for home and took an easy win from Sampson in second. Craig Tilston took third place, Allan Jones fourth, Dennis Irvine fifth and Michael holding on for final points in sixth place. Mal Blake also took out fastest time honours in 1:02.45 at an average speed of 40.2kph.
Mal Blake kicked for home and took an easy win from Sampson in second.
Melissa Budd still sits atop the leader board with 97 points but Peter Budd is breathing down her neck on 96. Michael Taylor has jumped into third place with his good ride and has 88 points with both Sarah Trotter and Steve McLean sharing joint fourth with 87.
With three rounds remaining in the series there is still around fifteen riders in the running.
