Personal and philosophical thoughts on the date of Australia Day aside (it’s not an opinion piece after all), the Aus Day Crits at Tech Park are a staple of Perth bike racing. This year’s event was a cracker. True to recent trends and form, the Women’s racing was an absolute highlight. The crowd that came out to support was loud and fun. Here’s how it went down.
Women’s D grade saw Debbie Bertolatti and Belinda Evans back up their recent form, but today weren’t able to contest the sprint – the SPR Green Army was still went nuts. Women’s C was empty of SPR Green this week, but true to this seasons trends we saw another Wiggins victory, Emily taking the win this race.
Men’s D grade had Liam Walker top 10, and our old mate Chris Coote take the win – Chris has been our Moto Commissaire in the Beverley Handicap, and it’s great to see him back racing, although not so much at the expense of Green!
C grade men (as seen from inside the pack by Race@SPR) was by far and away the best “race” I’ve experienced in C grade. Bike skills have soared this year and made for really fun, fast and safe racing. A poorly timed, ill-considered – but by all accounts spectacular – attack launched too early saw the Mo flying at half-mast by the final, Yaro Volkov and Race@SPR crossing 11th and 12th, Ben Loader, Jon Hanson a little further back. Look out next race though….
B Women had no SPR this week, and few surprises, with another Wiggins victory to Danica. B grade men was a cracking race – attacks, chases and a huge finish. With Craig Denham, Dave Manners and Elar Kalda in the mix and animating throughout, the final lap saw Mr Manners come off (shoulder, skin and, sadly, bike damage) and get an ambulance ride. Craig and Elar took 5th and 6th respectively after Elar’s enormous workload. Again. If you cut him he’d bleed hydraulic fluid! It was a strong run out for SPR (in other kits too) with Darren Shanahan, Andrew Ballam (Dome), Wil Celis and Brian Saunders all in. The win went to young James Derrick and a well-deserved one too.
A grade Women presented a solid group of hitters – Robinson, Mascaro, Allen, Nolan, Mackey, NABI to name a few. It was a strong race with plenty of animation from Mel Robinson, but the win went to visitor Desiree Erhler with a huge sprint finish. A grade men brought out the big wattage, too. NRS racer Scott Sunderland, Stephen Hall and Tom McCracken taking 1st through 3rd. SPR’s Brian Sing held for 9th and Thom Perry (Dome) for 19th.
As it should be, I also want to recognise the SPR Green Army that stepped up to volunteer and assist on the days’ events: Peter Mah (no surprises there!!), Michelle McLintock, David Menarry, Faye Dalglish-Jones, Ross Boaden (albeit with only one arm), Craig Denham, Liam Donley and Liz Sheehan. Long gone are the days where el Prez does everything solo. Thankfully he now has fewer excuses to not ride more!
Next round of The Ring Series is in Bunbury at the new CBD circuit, fully closed to traffic on Sunday 4th February. See you there!
Photos: David Menarry and The Ring Series FaceBook page, published by Series sponsors Cycliq, as marked.
