Dirt Crits Race Report - Mon 5 Dec
The tracks were in good condition after the recent rainfall that we’d had. Thirteen riders competed in the Irish Handicap with a slightly longer course which included a climb up the fire road near the start line.
The handicapper, Jason, put himself off first and quickly realised that he had made a fatal mistake once he saw Damian hunting him down quickly.
James, Dan F (Junior), Bruce and newcomer Michael, headed off on 2 mins with James completing 3 laps and the other two 4 laps. Dan had a flat tyre so DNF’d unfortunately.
Dave, Mike and Adam headed off for 3 laps on a 5 minute handicap. Adam suffered a mechanical so was unable to complete the race.
Jem head off after 6½ mins followed by Bella and Elise.
It was soon clear that Damian was having a good crack at it, trying to stay out of sight of Bruce and Michael, who were riding well as a pair. Dave reported that Mike was leaving him on the downhills but he was able to make some ground on the uphills.
Bella finished in first place in a time of 31.50 and is definitely fit enough to move up to 3 laps now. Elise missed her handicap start time, so rode with Bella. James Griffin was 2nd in 30.20 and will need to go back 2 minutes next time - well done James!
Somehow, Jem was overlooked in the results, but actually took out 3rd place in 34.20 - sorry Jem. Damian, 34.45, held off a fast finishing Bruce 34.50 and Michael came in 6 seconds later. Mike ended up pulling away from Dave in a time of 35.40 with Dave finishing his 3 laps 44 seconds later. Jason swept the course with a forgettable finishing time...
Thanks to Damian Grundy for setting out the course, to Daniella Friday for recording the results and to Alex Green for providing the encouraging words and great photographs.
The final senior event for the season, ‘The Delatite Dash’, will be held on Monday 12th December. The event starts at Carters Rd and ends at Mirimbah.
Junior Dirt Critters wishing to travel in the ATC bus with bike trailer are to meet at the Botanical Gardens at 4pm. Please RSVP via email to reserve your spot. I’m sure that Clarissa would appreciate a hand from any of the senior riders being able to load bikes and/or to help out prior to the senior races.
Practice and registration will be at Carters Rd for the seniors from 5pm to 5:50pm, with racing at 6pm sharp. Riders will complete two laps of the course with the winner being the rider with the smallest difference between their first and second lap - last year Dan Friday (Snr) was the winner with a 1 second difference!
Presentation and optional end of year celebratory meal will take place at the Hunt Club Hotel, Merrijig, immediately afterwards.
Please send an SMS to Damian on 0411 045 771 if you are planning to be there for the race and meal after.
Below is the Points Table for the first half of the season.
Image credit: Alex Green.
Dirt Crits Points Table
1. Daniel Friday (Snr) 223
2. Mike Davies 201
3. Matty Empey 190
4. James Griffin 183
5. Dave Bock 176
6. Bella Green 138
6. Daniel Friday (Jnr) 138
8. Jem Davies 130
9. David Jagger 127
10. Bruce Halket 126
11. Brett Stevens 115
12. Rachael Grundy 114
13. Elise Empey 110
14. Anthony Plummer 97
15. Ollie MacDonald 90
16. Zach Empey 89
17. Will MacDonald 75
18. Damian Grundy 69
19. Jason Parker 66
20. Mike Fischer 50
21. Adam Baker 47
22. Mark Raymond 42
23. Kevin Gannon 40
23. Jarrod Appleton 40
26. Warwick Bottrall 39
25. Cameron Dobson 35
26. Charlie Jones 28
27. Ruby Dobson 26
28. Ethan Lee 22
30. Tom MacMunn 12
31. Lee Noble 9