Small fields were the order of the day as only a dozen seniors turned out to play last Wednesday night. No doubt the school holidays were responsible for lesser numbers, however, the racing remained strong and the team sprints provided a highlight.

 

6 teams faced off in the 2 rider combinations. Over the distance of 2 laps racing was red hot – less than 2 seconds separated the entire field, and clearly Donny’s match ups were spot on in creating the tight finishes.        

 

The times improved with each round and the final combination Brandon Hutton and Jim Larcombe was ultimately victorious over Richie Bates and Nicole Holt. For many, the prospect of having Smith Park’s elder statesman teamed with Queensland’s fastest young gun was just too special. Larcombe, back from injuries that would have seen anyone else retire, set up the first lap perfectly.  Brandon then used all his reserves to catch Bates in the closing stages of the second lap. Likewise Nicole Holt’s opening lap was ideally rated setting up a thrilling finale for the quickest two times of the event. Rod Larcombe and Tom Cook finished 3rd.

 

In the Kierins Brandon stamped his usual authority but it was worth noting Rod Larcombes determined finish as we see the handicap specialist fine tuning his form for next weeks Cairns Cup on Wheels. Neil Gregory in division 2 was too fast in a strong field off contenders holding off Greg Hutton and Tom Cook. And in the 3rds, Donny recaptured his Asia Pacific Crit speed with a nice win from the Jim Larcombe and James Mort.

 

In the juniors we saw some personal bests with Lily posting 50.3 and Thomas 56.8 while Sienna claimed victory in the one lap TT with 42.7 The Junior scratch races again provided some of the best moments of the night with the battle between Verety and Sienna providing edge of your seat action. Verety won the 2 lap but was countered by Sienna in the 3 lap with the young stars going to the wire in a terrific head to head drive to the line.

   

Cairns Cup on Wheels 5-7 October is a must for all cycling fans. Alan P Jones will be there to MC and call this local classic event. It will also be the official opening for the new track surface that has given us some wonderful racing in the last few months.

 

Get your backside trackside!