18 June 2011 – Grafton Cycle Club – Race Report
In a powerful individual display Craig Evers dominated the A Grade road race on Saturday. The Stockyard Creek course is continually undulating with some lumpy hills thrown into the 44 km. Dead road surfaces and a westerly breeze contribute to make it a tough day out for all except the very strong.
Just seven riders faced the starter in A Grade with the first few km being civilized enough. However, the other six had a good idea of what Evers is capable of at the moment and they weren’t overly surprised when he eased off the front. Only Matt White was able to hold on to him. Matt and Craig stayed together for about 25 km when Craig found another gear and rode home alone in an outstanding time for the course, averaging just under 40 kph. White was second home and was fairly shattered by the experience.
The B Grade event had nine riders and this field stayed together for almost 30km when first Jon Ingram then Mick White and Terry O’Brien succumbed to the pressure being asserted by Bruce Phelps and Brady Ingram on the front of the pack. The charge back up “Mango Hill†was particularly destructive. As they charged toward the line it was Nigel Blake, feeling refreshed after his injury-enforced lay-off, who made the dash for the cash. Brady was attentive and also attacked the remains of the bunch and easily accounted for Nigel in the final kick for the line, with Greg Robbo holding on for third.
Patrick Brennan won C Grade from Anthony Wall, which was a fantastic effort, since each rode the whole course alone. Meanwhile, Vince Breen was also soloing to victory from Rosemary Brinkworth.
It was a near perfect day, in contrast to the weather last weekend for the running of the Mauri Kautto Memorial Teams Time Trial which was run in continuous rain.
Next week is the third of three, points score races at Coutts Crossing. These races are run as “scratch†events with a KOM and a finish line sprint each lap.
