For some time we have been trying to get our B Grade riders together on the track on the same day but alas we have been thwarted in our efforts and today was no different with Rowan and Greg out at Roma, Gav out with a broken seat post and the big diesel engine Shane not being able to make it. That left just Craig and Jase to front up for B Grade. Kent would again contest C Grade but more on that later.
Craig has had a number of podium finishes in the last few months without being able to crack the win and while he was confident of a good showing he realised that without a few more riders in support it would be a big ask.
Before we get into the race its worth noting that in the past few weeks Craig has done an enormous amount of riding and climbing. Fresh off his massive 273km ride in one day he headed to the Snowy Mountains for a Smiddy training camp where he did some of the biggest climbs this country has to offer. He confided in me to feeling it in the legs before the start of the race but he also new he was in great shape.
I was racing C Grade hoping to back up the last start win with another solid effort so I was on the track at the same time as Craig and Jase so unfortunately didn't get to see much of the their race except when they went past us and the boys yelled out some words of encouragement.
When I finally finished my race I rolled up to Jase who was smiling from ear to ear the boys had done it they had picked up the win. Of course I needed to know all the details which Jase was only too happy to provide.
After what had been a pretty uneventful race with just a few half hearted attempts at breakaways which were covered in every instance by Craig with Jase saving his legs in the middle of the pack. A group of two did manage to sneak away but were never considered a real threat so Craig was content on remaining near the front with Jase working out the tactics from the bunch.
After 40mins of racing there were three laps remaining but still the Cyc'd boys kept their powder dry deciding to position themselves well forward to cover any fast breaks.
As they crossed the line with one lap to go they climbed a small pinch and as they reached the top Jase unleashed calling Craig with him. In the blink of an eye Jase had rounded the lead six riders by going briefly onto the grass with Craig on his wheel. Craig confessed that Jase's effort was so explosive that he experienced some wheel spin trying to go with him. Jase's effort had caught everyone by surprise with still over a km of racing to go. A small gap opened and the Cyc'd boys were driving for home. Jase had informed Craig that he would give it everything to get him to the sprint and that's exactly what he did leaving it all on the track for while the bunch caught them the pace was so high that no one could pass them.
In scenes reminiscent of Renshaw and Cavendish Jase pulled over ever so slightly and yelled for Craig to let rip and let rip he did leading the sprint all the way to the finish for a fantastic victory for him and the club. Craig being the honourable man he is gave all the kudos to Jase for his extraordinary effort of leading for almost a km on the last lap and putting him in a great position. While he certainly deserves the kudos Craig still had to finish it off.....a great team effort by the boys and we are still wondering what will happen when we get all six B Grade riders together on the same day!!!
As is the tradition Craig shouted coffees and toast at Spoon on the way home with his winnings. A great morning at the track for all.
Craig and Jase with their winnings!!
Footnote:
C Grade didn't pan out as hoped with a three man breakaway getting clear with two laps to go and holding it to the finish so no podium for Kent today
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