A perfect day for a trip to the beach, hot sunny clear sky with little breeze. Fortunately it was also great for track cycling, providing a hot fast track and little wind resistance. A total of eight track records were set or broken and a long standing West Coast North Island record was almost broken by Campbell Stewart. A fantastic effort from all involved.
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The riders were presented with a clear sky and a moderate breeze, we all continue to be spoilt with a fantastic summer. Selections have been completed for those that will represent the West Coast North Island centre at Track Nationals in Invercargill. The seniors and Under 19’s were in transit to Invercargill and so unavailable for the evenings racing.
The racing tonight began with 5 lap handicap races to warm up followed by team sprints to teach those going to Invercargill the rules of the team sprint then short tight 1 lap races then finished off with long handicap races to help expand lung capacity and build fitness. An observation of the evenings racing was the repeating story of old bull and the young bull, but with a twist. The A & B 5 lap handicap race saw old bull Jaycob Humphreys lead the scratch riders to the front of the race only to be rolled in the home straight by the young bull James Denholm. The twist came in the long handicap race at the end of the evening when old bull Brent Zimmerman was caught by young bull James on lap 5 of the 15 lap race. Brent slotted in behind James and drafted behind him for a lap or two but would not pass James, so leaving James with no protection from the wind. Despite this plan working to the young bulls advantage in the earlier race he was not happy about the role reversal and made his displeasure clear to all. The situation was such a distraction that James refused to race and eventually pulled out of the race.
Photos thanks to Kirsty Kaihau
Photos thanks to Kirsty Kaihau