RCCC Round 3
Welcome back to the third edition of the RCCC junior race report! Sunday was yet another cracking day out down at the Bayswater racing circuit. The sun was out and this time, so was the wind. A strong south-easterly was blowing throughout the day meaning 1/2 of the course would be featuring a strong headwind. The junior A & B grades both featured strong lineups of 6 riders in each bunch. I could see a few Christmas presents on some of the kids, new socks, jerseys and even a new bike! Well done Santa.
Junior B - 10 mins + 2 laps
Junior B grade was again without a reigning winner, with last round victor Casey Berthelsen moving up to A grade this week. The two Thompson brothers Zac & Zeb (Z-Boys) have been consistent this summer and were my picks for the top two spots on the podium.
The race began at a fairly quick pace, with each of the starters giving it a go on the front. Declan Dyer was giving it a red hot go trying to hold on to the older and faster riders whilst Hunter Murphy drove the pace at the head of the bunch.
All aboard the Hunter Murphy Express!
When the pace ramped up, it put Declan, Annabel & Archie in difficulty. The lift in speed was a product of the Z-Boys. In particular it was Zeb Thompson who was really on a mission. Lap after lap Zeb surged the pace and at one point he towed the final group of B grade which included his brother Zac and Hunter Murphy, passed junior A grade!
Junior B led by Zebb Thompson, catching Junior A!
Towards the final few minutes of the race the accelerations coming from Zeb broke the other riders and he continued on solo, passing A grade down the back straight in his final lap and onto victory. Hunter Murphy beat Zac Thompson in the sprint for second place. Declan, Annabel & Archie chased hard to finish a few minutes behind.
Kudos to the Junior B graders who really raced hard on Sunday.
Final Results - Junior B
Zebb Thompson (RCCC)
Hunter Murphy (X-Speed)
Zac Thompson (RCCC)
Junior A - 15 mins + 2 laps
Junior A started with a few new faces this round. Absent was the reigning winner Jordan Watkins, as was Chase Haines. Instead we had Casey Bertherlsen moving up to A grade after consecutive wins in junior B grade and also MCC’s Ben Scott added to the list. Tahlia Murphy from X-Speed has been racing very well this season and with her ability to drive a solid pace, i thought she might like the windy conditions - perhaps pushing to split the field.
The line up - black socks were popular today
The race began in a very relaxed manner, some of the kids seemed to be listing the presents they received or maybe deciding who had the best kit on the day (me). As the noodled round for the first 4-5 laps, it was all put to an end when Zebb Thompson led a train of junior B grade past their group.
“How are they passing us?!” I heard.
“Because you’re all going too slow” I replied.
The first few laps were at a social pace…
This kicked them into gear and the pace begun to rise, only slowing slightly as they turned into the headwind finishing straight. The wind was blowing a howler and none of the racers were keen to spend too much time on the front. Sensing a lull in the pace and the bunch’s reluctance to lift the pace in the finishing straight, Casey Bertherlsen launched a huge attack. Gaining a good gap with his quick acceleration and putting Nick Wilkin in difficulty.
LAUNCHING
The current WA U/11 Criterium champion Campbell McDowell was first to respond to shut the move down, with Tahlia and Ben Scott quickly on the wheel. Hamish McGillivray rallied to get back on terms and did so on the back straight.
Campbell McDowell on the move to victory in junior A
As the race came down to the final 2 laps, it was Campbell who launched a big attack right on the finish line, only Ben Scott was able to follow whilst Tahlia tried to ride back to the wheel at her own tempo. On the final lap, with Ben Scott in his wheel, Campbell attacked again right on the finish line, finally distancing Ben Scott. Meanwhile Tahlia was closing in
Ben Scott & Tahlia Murphy working together to bring back Campbell
Tahlia Murphy and Ben Scott rallied together to try and pull Campbell back on terms, but it was not enough. Campbell McDowell turned into the final straight and held his lead to win Junior A grade. Tahlia charged home to drop Ben Scott and take a hard fought second place with Ben Scott trailing in third. Hamish, Casey & Nick came in shortly after with an exciting sprint for the final placings..
Final Results - Junior A
Campbell McDowell (MCC)
Tahlia Murphy (X-Speed)
Ben Scott (MCC)
Well done to each of the junior competitors who raced on Sunday. The junior categories are proving a huge success. Spread the word about this great racing series as there are still plenty of racing to come. No special equipment required, just a bike and a helmet. Zebb and Zac Thompson both raced in normal shoes - this says it all!
See you all next round
If you love the action of the criterium racing and are looking for a fun junior group training session check out RCCC’s Thursday night training session in Kings Park - 5:45-6:45.