08 14 January 2015

TRACK RACING REPORT - WEDNESDAY 14 JANUARY

There were 14 starters for the Wednesday 14 January track session. Hopefully, the numbers will climb back over the 20 mark as the Christmas season recedes. However, the racing continues to be very enjoyable for the core of riders who are participating.

The A and B Grade scratch races were each eight laps. In both races the bunch held together until the final laps when the attacks started in earnest. In A Grade Ben Davis took advantage of a lead out by Michael Langdon to claim victory. The pair were closely followed by Ed Garnett in third. Phil Coulton had the form in B grade, taking a close finish from Bruce Griffin and Ashley Sked.

A six lap team pursuit was taken out by Team 2 in both A and B grades. The A grade race showed the advantage of team communication, as the winning team held together and easily overcame their fractured opposition.

The four lap handicap event was all-in with A and B grades riders starting together. It was good to see Steve Hirsler take advantage of his handicap to hold off the bunch. When you are in front and a target for everyone, it is always difficult to hold enough pace to stay there. Ben Robey and Alan Bontjer did well to take second and third respectively.

The track session concluded with a 6 lap race in which B grade were given a handy start. The pace was definitely on in this race and the lead groups in both A and B grade put in an excellent performance. A grade made a tactical error with the stronger riders attacking too late from their bunch. B grade was able to hold off the late attack with Phil Anderson taking a win from Phil Coulton and Steve Hirsler.

Major place getters were as follows:

8 Lap Scratch: (A Grade) Ben Davis, Michael Langdon; Ed Garnett (B Grade) Phil Coulton, Bruce Griffin, Ashley Sked.

6 Lap Points Team Pursuit (A Grade Team 2 winners): Michael Langdon; Ed Garnett, Alan Bontjer, Ben Robey (B Grade Team 2 winners) Phil Anderson, Steve Hirsler, Ashley Sked.

4 Lap Handicap: Steve Hirsler, Ben Robey, Alan Bontjer.

6 Lap Scratch (with B Grade early start): Phil Anderson, Phil Coulton, Steve Hirsler.