GVCA

There was no complacency on Sunday for those who thought that the one hour criterium race at Pakenham was going to be an easy walk in the park, especially if Bryan Wright has his way.

Competing in Division 1, Bryan said he was going to “ just roll along today and take it quietly,” as he had raced yesterday. But we all knew this was a tongue in cheek cliché and that we were in for one hell of a gruelling encounter. In great form, Bryan set the pace early, attacking and making everyone suffer. But, to the credit of most in the field, all competitors managed to hold on and even do some of the work in front. Brett Smart showed his fitness by initiating several attacks. His hard training over the last few weeks was paying dividends.

Rod Cheyne and Rob Green also contributed to the speed of the contest and closed down the gaps which were occurring often. At the 50 minute mark (with 10 minutes to go), Bret made his move.

Sensing that there was serious fatigue with the riders at the front, he hit the bunch hard, accelerating with Bryan hot on his heels. This move was just enough to break up the bunch. Although Rod and Rob made an effort to close the distance, it was too late. Both Bryan and Brett were working well together to keep the bunch at bay by sitting on 38km per hour.

Bryan then showed his superior class with one lap to go and broke away from Bret to win comfortably.

Results:

Bryan Wright !st

Brett Smart 2nd

Rob Green 3rd

Rod Cheyne 4th

Division 2 was a much slower affair. But each rider competed at their level of ability. Competitors were more content to share the lead, but at the same time, wary of each other.

Although a number of attacks were made, they were quickly nullified by the bunch. It was John Eddy, however, who took the initiative on the last lap. He opened up a 40 metre lead from the much improved Laurie Black and the ex.school boy champion Greg Minne, to win.

Results:

John Eddy 1st

Laurie Black 2nd

Greg Minne 3rd

Ian Jones 4th