Australia Day
Criterium
Lamingtons, lamingtons, lamingtons………….that was the impetus
for the riders who braved the Australia Day overcast and humid conditions to
race the Rich Maslen Crit circuit.
Events began with a kids’ race which saw James Bishop in blistering
form taking line honours. He was
followed in by Nadia Richards in the same age category. Kayla Richards was next across the line
followed by Noah and Wes Richard who dead heated at the finish line. Special mention to dad, Adam, who did a great
job of guiding Noah and Wes around the course.
After presentations to the kids, it was time for a group
start of Men, Women and Junior riders for the main event. Paul Baldock arrived just as the race was
about to commence and offered excuses as to why he couldn’t ride. After a quick dose of ‘toughen up’ was
issued, he duly lined up for the start.
Max Nowrojee burst out of the blocks and set the pace for a
fast event, followed by Darryl Sheilds and Marissa Drummond. Drummond called on her experience to ensure
she slid easily into the group much to the frustration of Andrew Toovey who was
also trying for the wheel of Sheilds.
First lap speed soon settled and Bec Swan moved to the
front of the group to assist with turns.
Darryl Sheilds again upped the pace, taking the lead and the long line
of riders behind began to splinter leaving just Swan and Nowrojee hanging onto
Sheilds at the front.
Reg Salmon and Eddie Muller continued to work hard to get
back in touch with the lead group, as did Andrew Toovey and Reggie
Richardson. Tom Thuijs also settled into
his race pace and rode consistently throughout.
Vicky Sheilds assisted Sharon Bell and Barb Glenister on
the course; both of whom had pre race nerves due to the fast cornering on this
course. They were followed by Rhonda Bradley, Sara Armitage, Jonty Calder and
Fleur Bishop.
Armitage and Calder spent much of the ride trading places
and this ensured both worked to their best throughout.
The late arrival of Paul Matthews to the event saw him join
the lead group who still contained Sheilds, Swan and Nowrojee with Sheilds
completing all the work for this trio.
Matthews peeled off and assisted Salmon and Muller to rejoin the bunch,
with Baldock assisting Richardson further back in the field.
For the women and junior riders, the fifteen minute mark
hailed the bell and Swan continued at speed for the two lap finish, taking line
honours ahead of Richardson, Drummond, Glenister and Bell.
Jonty Calder remained strong throughout the ride and was
the winner of junior event – it was obvious that he had given it everything
during the race as he needed a little rest after the ride!
The men’s event continued through to twenty minutes and
Sheilds showed no sign of slowing. He
won ahead of Nowrojee and a fast finishing Salmon.
Lamingtons were consumed in great quantities after the
event and then it was off to continue Australia Day Celebrations for all who
attended.
