Armidale Cycling Club

Seniors competed in a point score race in windy conditions on Dangarsleigh Road on Saturday 16 May.

There were three intermediate hill sprints, the first at the Dangarsleigh Hall, the second at the top of the hill just before the 15km turn, and the third on the way back in to town at the top of Knobs Hill.

In A grade, the first sprint was won by John Scott-Hamilton, and his effort here allowed him to build up such a big lead that he arrived at the second sprint on his own to again take maximum points.

Meanwhile, the chasing group of four were working hard to catch him, because if John won the third sprint the race was all but over. After some big efforts the catch was finally made at the 20km mark.

Dave Munday then attacked half way up the hill, while the others waited with John stuck at the back of the pack. When he reacted and set off after Dave, Andrew Kirk hung on to his wheel like a limpit, and was able to take the third sprint setting up a close contest for the final points.

In the end John’s solo effort probably cost him too much energy, and Kirkie was able to win the finish. This gave him the overall win from John by a single point, with Dave in third place.

It turned out to be an excellent race, and although Kirkie ended up the winner, John was the strongest rider on the day.

B grade was won by “A grade Dave” Jenner, fresh from his win in C grade in Gunnedah last weekend.

The race was dominated by three riders - Dave, Phil Thomas, and Peter Creagan. The three shared the points on the intermediate sprints and were level pegging coming into the finish. Dave was too strong in the end though, winning from Phil with PC in third place.

A grade points

Sprint 1:

1. John Scott-Hamilton (3)
2. Andrew Kirk (2)
3. Dave Munday (1)

Sprint 2:

1. John Scott-Hamilton (3)
2. Andrew Kirk (2)
3. Dave Munday (1)

Sprint 3:

1. Andrew Kirk (3)
2. John Scott-Hamilton (2)
3. Dave Munday (1)

Finish:

1. Andrew Kirk (6)
2. John Scott-Hamilton (4)
3. Dave Munday (2)

Final standings:

1. Andrew Kirk (13)
2. John Scott-Hamilton (12)
3. Dave Munday (5)

B grade points

Sprint 1:

1. Peter Creagan (3)
2. Dave Jenner (2)
3. Phil Thomas (1)

Sprint 2:

1. Phil Thomas (3)
2. Peter Creagan (2)
3. Dave Jenner (1)

Sprint 3:

1. Dave Jenner (3)
2. Phil Thomas (2)
3. Peter Creagan (1)

Finish:

1. Dave Jenner (6)
2. Phil Thomas (4)
3. Peter Creagan (2)

Final standings:

1. Dave Jenner (12)
2. Phil Thomas (10)
3. Peter Creagan (8)

Our thanks go to Wilfried Keller who organised the race and kept track of the points with the help of Geoff Allen.

It was good to see Geoff out and about after his close encounter with the tarmac a few weeks ago. He tells me he hopes to have a few new tricks up his sleeve when he makes his comeback. Something along these lines: