RCCC Round 6 - AUS DAY Special
Hello and welcome. Wow, three weeks in a row. I can hear the Bunbury Chronicle calling already for my new role as Chief sports editor. The Australian Day Crit weekend is always one of the biggest on the calendar. There is something about it, a buzz in the air or, it could be that prizes are usually on offer! Telstra Wanneroo donated some terrific gifts to the winners of each grade. We were slightly down on numbers for junior B grade this week, however junior A was stacked. Both races had their highlights.
Junior B - 10 mins + 2 laps
Well, just two on the line this week for junior B grade this round. A 1v1 showdown between Hunter Murphy and Max Brown. Max was back again after debuting last week, and he wanted more. Hunter has been a regular podium contender this year and was hungry for that top step.
Style points for Hunters socks.
A race of two is just that, its either stick to the wheel or drive the pace to break your opponent. Both riders took their turn of each as they lapped around the Bayswater Circuit. Max Brown was pulling for the majority of the race however, he could not shake Hunter. This kid was stuck to him like glue!
Inevitably, it came down to a sprint finish. The two boys rounded the final corner with Max leading out the sprint. Hunter was starting a few wheel lengths back as was gaining but Max kicked again, seated and held on to victory. A ripper sprint which had the crowd loving it.
I must point out the double hand post up celebration young Max Brown delivered shortly after the finish line. I think i was the only one to see it, but i will not forget it. Absolute gold.
You got to be in it to win it, and both lads earned their podium this round.
Max Brown’s second RCCC race and first victory!
Final Results - Junior B
Max Brown (Perth MTB Club)
Hunter Murphy (X-Speed CC)
N/A
Kudos to these two champions.
Junior A - 15 mins + 2 laps
Junior A grade was absolutely stacked with talent for round 6. Embracing the Aus Day Crit tradition of talent packed fields. We had reigning 3 time champ Campbell McDowell looking for #4, Chase Haines always eager, Casey Bertherlsen fresh off his first A grade podium and what about last weeks machine Andy Brown? Sam Castle was also back in Junior A grade following some hard racing in Men’s D grade - would Sam be shaking things up?
Strong line up.
The race began with an unexpected attack straight off the gun, Campbell McDowell on the inside barrier position was straight out of the saddle and instantly opened up a 4 bike length gap. He caught a few of the other riders off guard who had to close some gaps back to the bunch before the second corner.
From the gun.
Nick Wilkin was first to make the junction to Campbell who was already halfway down the back straight. The rest of the bunch got organised and Andy Brown moved to the front to bring down the gap to Nick & Campbell.
Andy bringing back the two leaders
Andy made the junction to Nick and Campbell who swung off the front as soon as they were caught. Andy, who had Sam, Casey, Chase, Daniel Jones and Hamish McGillivray in his wheel, continued the pace making for a few more laps - impressive power!
The headwind was picking up as the pace slowed slightly. We were 4-5 laps in and coming back into the finishing straight it was Campbell again who attacked, out of the saddle and trying to slice a hole into the strong wind.
Andy not letting Campbell get away - check Casey in the back - OUCH
This time is was Andy who was on hand to bring back Campbell, a brutal effort which saw the likes of Nick & Hamish distanced. Campbell frustrated, swung off with a flick of the elbow. Andy was not keen to be on the front so enter Sam Castle. Sam was playing his cards very well so far this race. Sam leaped to the front and kept the pace high to ensure Hamish and Nick could not return.
Sammy Castle acting like a King
The pace lulled again and once more it was Campbell McDowell launching another attack into the wind. This one had less bite to it and Chase and Casey were able to chase it down. Try as he might, the bunch was working well to not let Campbell get away. This was destined for a sprint.
The bunch stayed together until the final lap where Sam Castle hit the front first as powered away to win by a couple of lengths. Campbell McDowell and Daniel Jones had a great duel for second and third in a close bunch finish!
Final Results - Junior A
Sam Castle (RCCC)
Campbell McDowell (MCC)
Daniel Jones (MCC)
Brilliant race by all!
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.