In spite of the threat of rain, 22 riders turned up at the TEC for some more Crit racing. This included new member Nick Pluimer, who joined A Grade after having a trial run following B Grade around the track the previous week.

Keen to shake things up, Wilf organised a PAIRED one-lap TT, which made for some interesting combinations. Olive Tutt & Ben Simmonds did a great time; Dave Jenner marshalled Jane Simmonds around the track in her fastest time; Clint & Pete H proved a formidable combination taking out the fastest time 1 second ahead of Missile Mick Harris & Tom; John and Jason enjoyed it so much they were going for two laps!

With everyone legs warmed up riders set off with the instructions to to have a longer race to build up to Autumn festival: A Grade 40 mins +3; B Grade 30 mins + 3. But with dark clouds looming on the horizon, Wilf took the wise decisions to shorten the races by a few minutes to avoid potential carnage. This resulted in some confused looks as the lap countdown was brought out early, and some post-race complaints about upsetting careful and meticulous planning (along lines of “i could have hung on for 8 mins, but thought there were 12 to go…”). Not mentioning any names Johnny!

Anyway, back to the racing, and both grades came down to bunch sprint finishes. B grade saw Mitch Jones record his first and convincing win, followed by evergreen Richard Wilco, with Alex pipping Dene for third place in a photo finish!

A Grade again saw a sprint battle down the hill with Mick riding away from Tom at the finish to take first place, just ahead of Spartacus & newcomer Nick taking an excellent fourth place, and definitely a rider to watch for the future!

Thanks to Wilf & Col for running the race, and we’re back same time & place next week – we also wish Tom Simmonds all the best as he heads off to Uni at the big smoke!

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