A grey sky threatening rain and a light to moderate Norwest wind greeted the riders to Johnston Park on Tuesday night for the first competitive track night of the season. While Mother Nature had her glum face on the outstanding turnout of 45 riders plus supporters decked out in vibrant lycra representing every colour in the spectrum helped to fire up the energy levels as potential and speculation was about to give way to reality.
The programme was adjusted as the threat of rain could not be ignored and the longer handicap races moved ahead of the scheduled one lap scratch races. The race of the night was provided by the ladies in the 6 lap handicap event. The skills of the handicapper were tested as he had riders ranging from World and National champions to absolute first timers in a bike race of any kind. Scratch riders Megan Blatchford and Kate Stewart gave limit riders Renee Wadsworth and Toni Loveridge 300 metres in the 2400 metre race. The scratch riders started aggressively as they tried to reel in the other 5 riders as quickly as possible. The other riders calmly got into their work and Renee was able to maintain her margin into lap 4 of the 6 lap race. The scratch riders joined the middle grouping with two laps to go and joined the train to gather in Renee, which they did with a little over a lap to go. Sharon Hollenstein and Tegan Rolfe kicked on with scratch rider Megan to finish 1,2,3 and a gallant Renee holding on for fourth, Kate’s early work caught up with her as she took up the fifth position.
Senior rider of the night was awarded to Matiu Kaihau due to his dominance of the men’s races and the junior rider of the night was awarded to Michaela Drummond for an outstanding performance on the bike and while she failed to catch Emily Shearman in the handicap race her effort was noteworthy and a further illustration of her class.
Track Manager Ian Gray’s report.
Great to see a record number of track riders for opening night (45 riders) and all grades were well represented except the under 17 girls. The scratch races gave us some guide to the handicapping but it will take a few meetings to improve it, when we can gauge riders abilities better. It was great to see all the new riders had taken in the advice of orientation night and we didn’t see any “wayward” riding, which was good. There looks to be some promising riders amongst the “rookie” riders. Remember to check your bikes each night before racing and if you think anything’s not quite right especially chain tension, contact one of the officials. Two things already have happened attributable to false checking, one being a loose pedal coming off and the second when a rider pulled his foot out at the start resulting in a spill. Make sure your cleats are tight and are not worn – if so, replace them!
Remember all rules are put in place for fairness and safety and must be strictly adhered to. Next week we will have the starts indicated by the retort of the starting gun. No starting before the gun! In the handicap races you are allowed a push start. There will be a warning whistle, 2-3 seconds pause, then a second whistle followed immediately by the gun. Last Tuesday some riders were trying to start before the appropriate signal. I have asked Commissaire Tim Whitehouse to be vigilant to ensure nobody starts before the gun. Penalties may be incurred if riders transgress this rule – be warned!!!
Good luck next Tuesday.
Results:
Under 17, under 19, Senior and Masters Women 3 lap scratch race
1st Megan Blatchford
2nd Kate Stewart
3rd Kelsi Eccles
Under 15 Boys 2 lap scratch race
1st Alex West
2nd Campbell Stewart
3rd Chris Denholm
Under 15 Boys 2 lap scratch race
1st Robert Stannard
2nd Owen Ratcliffe
3rd Cody Simpson
Under 15 girls 2 lap scratch race
1st Michaela Drummond
2nd Emily Shearman
3rd Grace Castles
Under 17 boys 3 lap scratch race
1st Jordan Castles
2nd Cameron Howell
3rd George Roberts
Under 19 and Senior men 4 lap handicap scratch race
1st Matiu Kaihau
2nd Luuk van Wagtendonk
3rd Josh Chard
Masters men 3 lap handicap scratch race
1st Brent Zimmerman
2nd Shaun Matena
3rd Pete Wenborn
Under 15 girls 4 lap handicap race
1st Emily Shearman
2nd Michaela Drummond
3rd Grace Castles
Under 15 boys 5 lap handicap race
1st Robert Stannard
2nd Owen Ratcliffe
3rd Campbell Stewart
Under 17,under 19 and masters women 6 lap handicap race
1st Sharon Hollenstien
2nd Tegan Rolfe
3rd Megan Blatchford
Masters men 6 lap handicap race
1st Mark Wright
2nd Shaun Matena
3rd Brent Zimmerman
Under 17 boys 7 lap handicap race
1st Jordan Castles
2nd George Roberts
3rd Cameron Howell
Under19 and Men 10 lap handicap race
1st Matiu Kaihau
2nd Luuk van Wantendonk
3rd Josh Chard
Under 15 1 lap scratch race
1st Campbell Stewart
2nd Alex West
3rd Owen Ratcliffe
Under 15 1 lap scratch race
1st Chris Denholm
2nd Robert Stannard
3rd Carne Groube
Women 1 lap scratch race
1st Kate Stewart
2nd Kelsi Eccles
3rd Renee Wadsworth
Masters 1 lap scratch race
1st Brent Zimmerman
2nd Megan Blatchford
3rd Pete Wenborn