Men’s A Grade was strung out early
With huge numbers across all grades and a massive crowd on hand, SKCC showed why it has the best Sunday crit racing in Melbourne. A Grade men had 75 on the start line ready for action and most were warmed up from the TTT just minutes before.
Attacks were flying left, right and centre as everybody seemed intent of escaping the large numbers for the sanctuary of a smaller break. With the likes of the VIS, Drapac, 02 Networks, Kosdown, Serach 2 Retain and Total Rush a break was going to go sooner or later.
Come on Jeff don’t look so sad you’re allowed to have another cup
A break of 3 got away that included the VIS pair of Eric Shppard and Alex Morgan with Drapacs Floris Goesinnen. The 3 were never in any real danger despite the surges of the bunch they maintained their gap comfortably despite it being down to 13 seconds on the bell lap. In the end Eric Sheppard got the win ahead of Alex Morgan with Floris Goesinnen 3rd, Nicolas Bien (Bike Gallery) 4thand the consistent Nick Walker (Search 2 Retain) 5th.
The early break set a cracking pace that claimed most in it
Women’s A grade set a cracking pace that saw the field decimated as many girls couldn’t handle the pace. Lucy Coldwell, Chloe McConville and Miranda Griffiths all rode strong and aggressively.
However with the in-form Jenny Macpherson lurking in the bunch it was always going to be hard for the girls and when it came to the sprint Jenny went bang, bang, bang and took out an easy win ahead of Chloe McConville.
J-Mac destroys the Women’s field on the way to the line for an easy win
In Men’s B Grade Chris Smith’s red hot form continues as he was perfectly led out by Adrian Vlok to take another B Grade win. There was talk whether Adrian was working for Chris as the lead out was reminiscent of the Renshaw / Cavendish days. James Dunn claimed 3rd with Sean Hanneberry 4th and the sensational Belinda Goss 5th. Belinda then went on to race Men’s A Grade.
All the B Grade big hitters on the front trying to dictate the race
Women’s B Grade was a great race that saw a fired up Claire Homsey (Becoz) determined to prove some people wrong and move back in to A Grade. Everything was going to plan for the Becoz girls but they didn’t count on the strength and power of Alison McCormack (Capo /Northside Wheelers). Alison who the day before got around the Hell Ride for the first time was in everything and did not shy away from doing the hard work on the front and chasing down the Becoz moves. Alison came in to the last corner first after a power move down the back straight and looked to be in the box seat. The fast finishing Danielle Ahern and Carolyn Baker were hot on her wheel with pre-race favourite Claire Homsey just behind but in the sprint to the line The beautiful Alison got down low in the drops and tucked in and smashed out a monster sprint to the line to just hold off Danielle Ahern to take her first win of the season ahead of Danielle
Nothing but glamour and glitz at SKCC
Men’s C Grade saw Mr Consistent Ash Abdou take another win which brings the question is Ash ready to make the move up to B Grade? James Kent (Brunswick) took a hard fought second with Michael Rousch 3rd.
Women’s C Grade had an impressive field of nearly 20 riders and the pace took its toll on some riders as around 6 women failed to finish as the pace was on. Samantha Tarticchio was moving well and was in the early break and did a ton of work. Kat Lee looked smooth as always and was also in the early break. In the sprint to the line the lightning quick Nicky St Clair stole the show with a come from behind win to take it out ahead of Amy Higginbotham.
Andrew Clarke drives Men’s A Grade. Andrew had a great day and was in everything and will only get better when his Campagnolo EPS order from Bike Force arrives.
Men’s D Grade was a cracking race that even had the race marshals taking laps out for air. With speeds down the back straight of 50kph it was on from the start. A small group of 10 riders dropped off and got lapped by the blistering bunch. Heath Christie was in everything and his form continues to grow and a win for him is imminent. Chris McKay and the young Adam McGillivray continue to impress each week and both look extremely dangerous. In the race to the line Derek Trikarso was just too strong and powerful as he took an impressive win ahead of Steve Martins 2nd, Robert Storey 3rdwith the fast finishing Chris McKay 4th.
Who are these two good looking men? Rumour has it the one on the left once modelled with Elle McPherson
E Grade got underway with 25 starters all learning the ropes from the Total Rush ride marshals before being let loose with 3 to go. Chris Mason racing on a 3 race permit took the win ahead of St Kilda’s Van Uong.
Thanks to all those who came down and supported the big day and the volunteers who donated their time. There were close to 300 riders across all grades and everyone had a fantastic day and all without one incident. Thanks to Adrian Vlok, Robbie Moore and Yvonne for the great shots. Click here for a video collage of the day https://vimeo.com/36635883
St Kilda’s first Amish marshal – Josh Egbers
Note the accessorizing on Hollywood – Yellow shoes, yellow watch & yellow glasses all with perfect sock height.
The Men’s A Grade winners