Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club
Road Race Report 5/2/2015
A strong southerly breeze was always going to make the trip to Sawpit Gully and back to Graves Rd a challenging race and 20 riders completed the journey tonight.
Geoff Jones and David Jagger led the handicapped field off 18 minutes from the scratch group of Josh Hopwood riding the 33km distance solo tonight.
David Bock and Tony Williams followed Geoff and David and they were followed by a large group of Allan Gerrans, Wil Wilson, Janine Appleton, Kat McKean, Rod Manning, Ian Conrick and Gus Muscara, this was looking like the strong group of the night if they stayed together and worked.
Cameron McGann , Jess Douglas, Christine Hopkins, Jason Parker and Will McDonald made up the next group on the road, which was then followed by the “block group” of Ross Hopkins Jock Brega and Darren Bakker.
The big group of Gerrans, Wilson , Conrick etc imploded on Carlisle Hill and they were soon down to three riders and by the turn around much of the handicapped time had been erased with relatively small time gaps separating groups.
The return Journey into the wind ensured a finish by strong riders and Jess Douglas prevailed in her first race with the club, followed by Ross Hopkins who is scary fit after the Hopkins’ Himalayan adventure and in third place was Kat McKean. It was very pleasing to see numbers of women racing and we would love to see more. Fastest time was Ross Hopkins by a mere 2 seconds, so a great ride solo from Josh on his new bike!
Next weeks race will be held on the Whitfield Rd Graves Rd course (No.9), and will be followed by presentations and the unveiling of the Yellow Jersey (Maillot Jaune, won by Simon Gerrans , and donated to the Club) at the Delatite Hotel following the race, all are welcome.
Thanks to all our volunteers and helpers (always room for more!), and now might be a good time to come and have a go.
“Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club… a Social Club with a Racing Problem”
Dear Dirt Critters,
Here is the latest mountain bike news.
Junior Dirt Crits
Junior Dirt Crits off to a good start. First two weeks we did the usual mass start with riders still finding their legs, practising passing and chasing down the rider in front. Two pretty hot weeks for the start back with plenty of dust to try and manoeuvre in and out of. There were a couple of new faces and they settled in well.
On the 16th February we will start handicap races.
Dirt Crits Race 11- 9th February
The second Irish handicap event was held on Monday night. Thanks to Kate Empey for running the event.
Aaron Sargeant continues to get fitter and came home with the win this week- Nice work! In second place was Harry Retief and in third was Rod Sargeant.
Granite Grind
The Granite Grand MTB race, Lake Mountain, will be held on Saturday 21st February. Competitors will race over 1, 2 or 3 laps of the course. For more information visit the Lake Mountain website- http://lakemountainresort.com.au/events/2015-granite-grind-weekend
Bike Buller MTB Festival
From 7th – 9th March Bike Buller will hold its MTB Festival.
If you’re not planning on competing there are roles available for course marshalling, registration, course checking, timing….everything!!! Volunteers will be paid and lunch is provided. For more details – contact Craig; 0487 946 005 or at Craig@rapidascent.com.au
Photo Error
Apologies to Kian for the incorrect photo in last week’s newsletter. He is pictured on the left competing in Canberra last weekend.
Next Week’s event
Next week Kate will be running a handicap event for the Juniors and Cam will be running a long course event for the Seniors.
Jason Parker
2015 MTB Calendar
Monday 9th February
Junior Race (Kate Empey)
Senior Race- Irish Handicap (Jason Parker)
Sunday 15th February- Working Bee (2-4pm)
Monday 16th February
Junior Race (Kate Empey)
Senior Race- Long Course (Cam Lachal)
Monday 23rd February
Junior and Senior Race 6pm- The Delatite Dash- Carters Rd to Mirimbah
Monday 2nd March
Junior Race (Kate Empey)
Graded event (Damian Grundy)
Saturday 7th - Monday 9th March- Mt Buller MTB Festival
No Dirt Crits
Thursday 12th - Sunday 15th March- Subaru Australian Mountain Bike Championships, Bright Vic
Head to Bright to support our local riders competing for the National title.
Monday 16th March
Junior Race (Kate Empey)
Senior Race- Long Course (Cam Lachal)
Sunday 22nd March- Working Bee (2-4pm)
Monday 23rd March
Junior Race- Gravity Enduro (Kate Empey and Shannon Rademaker)
Senior Race- Gravity Enduro (Shannon Rademaker)
Sunday 29th March
End of Season Break-Up- Novelty Events and BBQ (Damian Grundy)