MMBCC race report
The Mansfield Mt Buller Cycling Club held another Black ‘n’ Tan race on Thursday 30 January as part of the current Summer Series.
With a scorcher of a day forecast, the normal course of 30km with two 'tan' sections was shortened to 26km with only one section of dirt - Mt Battery Road. Even with the concession to the heat, only 16 names were on the start list; a couple of late scratchings meant only 14 ‘hard nuts’ actually started.
In his second race after a fairly long lay-off, Tim Hall won easing up by 10 seconds in a time of 59.19, corrected to 56.19.
Second was mountain biker Kian Lerch-MacKinnon in his first ever ‘proper’ road race, in a corrected time of 45.58 to also claim fastest time. The dirt obviously suited him.
Third place went to Cam Lachal in 48.13; another mountain biker on the podium.
Alain Guerin, Tom MacMunn, Jodie Batchelor, Mauro Brega, David Bock, David Clark and Tony Copland rounded out the top ten points-scoring positions.
Special commendation to Andrew Calvert-Jones who was last to finish on his heavy, upright hybrid bike. It aws also Andrew’s first race back for a long, long time. Despite his pleas on the start line that the Handicapper must have mistaken him for his brother Will, he was sent off with Tony Copland and Will MacDonald, rode most of the race alone and completely lived up to his expectations!
Jodie Batchelor’s first Handicap Race with the MMBCC since moving to Mansfield last year was a rude welcome; she was heard to say she thinks this type of race will kill her or toughen her up!
Steve Plummer and Bruce Halket both punctured on the dirt of Mt Battery Road and need to take a good, hard look at themselves; and their equipment.
Many thanks to our officials and volunteers: Jenni, Di, Julie, Sue, Helen, Tim and Daryl. We couldn’t race without you!
The MMBCC’s Summer Series continues on Thursday 6 February with a Handicap Race along Howes Creek Road, starting at the Lord’s Ground. Entries via SMS to 0428 503 437 by 8pm Wednesday 5 February please.
____________________________________________________________________________