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CCOMTB #1
Dont normally write a blog, but enjoyed this race so much thought I would.
Lots of Nobmobbers there, I didnt really say hi, so should make more of an effort. Note to self.
A-Grade startline was like a who's-who of NSW MTB racing. Awesome to see such a field at a clubby. Mitchell, Trenton, Pete Hatton, True, the two Gav's, Chops, plus a bunch of other fit looking dudes. Oh, an yours-truely.
If you can ride with this bunch, there is no race in Australia that you couldnt hold your own.
Gun went and wide line of about 15 soon narrowed! I got off cleanly and four of us moved off the front of the race. Pete and Trent set the pace very early, and Mitchell and I watched. I messed up on a corner and a 3m gap opened. I just couldnt close it so relaxed and watched. Mitch seemed to lose the lead two riders but was also riding away from me. I couldnt see anyone behind me so thought that we were ok for the 1 - 4th.
On the 2nd lap I found myself closing right up to Mitch again, and thought I might be able to nip into 3rd. At exactly that moment, my trusty 29er thought the turning angle was too sharp and chucked me off. I got up, checked nothing was broken (bike and body) and pressed on. I never saw Mitchell again, and just pushed on to the finish.
Pete won, Trenton 2nd, Mitch 3rd and I took the 4th.
Great racing. Hot day.
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Hi Ant
Were you kitted out all in Black? I'm trying to cast my mind back to all of the 29ers there. When I turned up I could tell from the machinery there were some fast guys there, glad I wasn't in A grade
yep - all black Capo kit (its the roadie in me), Specialized SWorks Carbon 29er.
A grade was awesome. Only 1 person can ever win, so the rest of us (however many there are) hurt the same, just dont go as fast.
Yes I followed you up the hill on the warm up just before the start. I was on the Orange Yeti.. had I known I would have said hello.
ah yes, I remember - that was very much the calm before the storm!
Hello! (belated).
Anthony,
I was parked next to you in the red golf, and was the other (slower) guy wearing black & yellow Scott kit. I came in about 9th in A grade.
That was my first club race (excluding 6h in october last year) so when the gun went off i was happy to slot into the last spot and watch how things are done from the back. It didn't take long for me realise id be battling to not come last, so I did my best to hang onto the second group that formed. Two laps in it looked like a few were struggling so i pressed on.
Turned out not too bad in the end as I came in about 3min after who i think is james lamb. (Green sleeveless?)
Hi.
Sweet - ok, I can say hello next time then.
Better to come last in A-grade than win B-grade I reckon, and it sounds like you werent last. Especially given there were a few DNF's.
It was a hell of a solid field in A-grade. Yep - green sleeveless was James - he goes good, so getting anywhere near him is nice riding.
Those club races are the ideal place to build some form and learn the craft.
Maybe see you at the next one.
Or ill see you at the tuesday night crits again!
Beats me why there are so many DNFs. Results from the rounds last year show at least a few DNFs per round. Unless you crash hard and break your arm, im not sure why you would pull out. A two hour drive is a long way to go for 4 laps let alone anything less!
Are they at Hefron Park?
Marconi Club host them, sign on from 5.30pm, racing from 6.30pm.
Beauie is on this weekend as well.
Yeah heffron park.
Racing starts at 6, sign on from 5:15.
Be there, or be slow.
But I've heard the standard is really high there. I think c for starters???
this evening the filed will be smaller as there is an aus day race on tomorrow morning.
normally, the standard is very very high in A-grade. Last week I was up against a couple of the Fly V (including Ben Kersten) boys.
As its a handicap, it doesnt matter if you start a b or c, the right guys wins in the end!
they say for these tuesday nights crits, choose one grade lower than what you'd normally opt for. And i agree! Theres no way id hang onto that A grade bunch with the likes of matt fleming and richard lang driving the pace.