Hamilton
75 Cecil Shore Memorial Handicap - July 11, 2009
Titans
RACE had 9 starters spread across the scratch, 10minutes (2nd
scratch) and 16 minutes (3rd scratch group). The 120km race
started out in less than favourable weather conditions that worsened during the
race. A strong North Easterly on a course that predominantly travelled in
a North South direction meant either block head or massive tail wind.
The race
travels North to Cavendish before returning to Hamilton, the scratch markers
(Tim Decker, James, Brendan and David) remained vigilant as the group hit the
first turnaround, the switch to tailwind caught half of the large scratch group
napping but the Titans RACE lads remained in contention, with Tim driving the
bunch there was little chance of the dropped riders bridging back. There
was general co-operation from those remaining in the scratch bunch so good
progress on catching 2nd scratch was made.
At the
halfway mark Brendan picked up a hometown sprint prize and then knuckled down
to the task of reeling in the front markers.
Nathan,
Josh, Daniel and Sam were at the same time staying tidy with a view to either
helping there team mates (if scratch caught up) or working for a result should
2nd scratch ride through the field. It was the former scenario
that played out, with scratch making up the 10 minute gap with about 20
kilometres to ride.
At this
point all eight riders contributed to a tough chase on undulating, dead roads
pushing into a fierce northerly. Remnants of the front bunches were being
caught but a core group from the 16 minute bunch was still up the road with 5km
to travel.
Whilst
the final margin between the first across the line and the scratch bunch was
within a minute the backmarkers were not a realistic chance of catching the
leaders. So with 2kms to go the focus changed to securing fastest
time. A breakaway with 1500 metres to go disrupted the team’s plans and
although Tim and Sam buried themselves to set up Brendan, Shooter had too much
to do to hold off a fast finishing Sean Finning.
It’s fair
to say that after so much toil there was a feeling of missed opportunity and
this was discussed at the team meeting the next morning.
Pacific Hydro Victorian 100 Kilometre
Championships - July 12, 2009
Scattered
showers and a reasonably strong North wind ensured that the Vic 100 at Port
Fairy was going to be a test of strength and tactics. One big advantage
Titans RACE riders had was the 14 strong team that was assembled. Tim
stressed the importance of making sure that we were well represented in every
break. He also demanded that we not be happy with merely making the
winning break and that nothing less than a podium would be considered a
success.
The Vic
100 is rarely won in a mass sprint. There is almost always a smaller
group that is successful. Tim Decker, Tim Hucker, Brendan, Sam and James
were vigilant at the front of the pack as were a number of the other Titans
RACE guys. However it was the experienced elite squad members who managed
to place themselves in the 3 attacks that eventually formed the winning single
group. Many attacks and counter attacks occurred in the lead pack of
around a dozen riders. Each of our guys dug deep for one and other both
in offence and defence. After a gruelling 100 kilometres of scratch
racing it came down to the final lap and an attack from the VIS put us on the
back foot. A selfless 2km effort from Schultzy brought the race together
with around 300 metres to go. Tim Decker set the sprint up for our big
wildcard Sam Witmitz who was able to lunge to the line first in a blanket
finish to take the biggest win for both Sam and the Titans RACE squad.
Great effort Boys.
Whilst
the team work of the elite squad was outstanding, the fact that our development
riders were able to gain experience in top level handicap and scratch racing
may turn out to be a greater long term benefit. The development riders
put their hands up on Saturday, coming to the front to work for the scratch
riders and on Sunday they learned more about positioning and reading a
race. There is plenty to like about the way they are developing.
Bendigo Inglewood Classic - June 14, 2009
Weather was fresh, but not wet or overcast and the sunshine was trying
its best to warm up the day for racing. The previous race Sam Conder had
been given a harder mark of third scratch and was pleased this week to be
lifted out to the 9 minute bunch. With six other riders in the group they were
working well for a start but this changed when the pace was lifted. The racing
was tough enough with the course being reasonably flat with a cross wind that
was really no advantage for much of the ride as the circuit was a big loop. The
group made good progress capturing the first bunch approximately 25 kms into
the 65 Km ride. With a breakaway approximately 7 kms from the finish Sam Conder
and Todd Derrick made a bold move riding off the front of the group to attempt
to ride down the front markers. The front markers being also a combined bunch
by now eluded the pair until about 2-3 kms from the finish line. Maintaining
the pace, after making contact with the front markers Sam and Todd stretched
the bunch to try to reduce the level of competitive sprinters to make the race
a winner. The winning move for Sam Conder came when he broke out of the bunch
at about 300 metres from the finish. Sam had timed this move well, winning
by half a wheel at the line.
Fastest time on the day was with Luke Knox off scratch. First unplaced
Vet was Simon Carr.
Bendigo 3-Day Tour - June 6-8, 2009
Stage 1 Newbridge The scene was set for some tough racing with the arctic conditions and consistent rain making for a tough stage ahead.
With big time bonuses on offer for intermediate sprints and the finale there was going to be no relaxing in this tour.
Team RACE TITANS riders figured in the early few sprints with Witmitz
Decker and Hucker each collecting 2 bonuses each. Decker the ever
aggressor profited from a nasty crash in which RACE riders Cowman and
Ibrihim had to settle retirement, and build a handy lead with one other
Ballarat riders. In the closing stages Decker was reeled in and RACE
rider McKintyre pounced late and took a very smart stage win, with Egan
leading out Decker for 3rd and more bonus seconds. Deckers efforts
giving him a yellow jersey with Witmitz and Hucker in close range high
on GC.
Stage 2 Melville Caves
The race to Melville caves was believed to be a decisive one with a
nasty ascent to the finish line. Mid way though the race a breakaway
had formed with most of the GC threats involved, including RACE riders
Decker and Witmitz. The group although not working very fluently stayed
away with Drapac's O'Brien taking the stage win and Decker surrendering
his yellow jersey to Ballarats Mowatt.
Stage 3 Woodstock With a very aggressive start to stage 3 eventually a group formed and 5
riders were clear. Team RACE was well represented with Crass, Thomas
and Hucker. This began to apply some pressure on the City Cycles yellow
jersey however with little GC threat was destined to survive. In the
end team RACE riders were too strong taking 1-2 with Crass and Hucker,
the GC remained unchanged with Mowatt, O'Brien and Decker holding down
top three.
Stage 4 Emu Creek Another cold a miserable morning greeted the reduced A Grade field but
it did not deter the racing. A early a break established with RACE
riders Witmitz and Hucker present, along with 3 others a solid lead was
built. Midway through the stage the GC leader on the road was Witmitz,
but as the group split with punctures and a solid solo effort it was in
disarray. Ballarats Bourke was alone with Witmitz and Hucker dangling
in front of the peleton. As others attempted to go across to the duo
unsuccessfully it was RACE rider Decker and another who were able to
bridge and then gain valuable time on the peleton and more importantly
the yellow jersey. This handed the yellow back to previous leader and
RACE rider Decker.
Stage 5 Mayfair criterium
With only 1 hour of cold, wet and windy conditions left riders were
looking to hold or even move up on their GC positions. A early
dangerous move involving RACE riders Crass and Thomas along with
Drapac's O'Brien established. Ballarats Mowatt seeing the danger and
opportunity to retain the yellow again pounced and attempted to bridge
to the leaders. But Decker had thoughts of his own, going with Mowatt
in the chase, then crossing alone leaving Mowatt to be swallowed by
what was left of the small peleton and further extending his GC lead.
RACE's Crass took stage no 2 for the weekend from O'Brien and Decker in
3rd, but more importantly the overall win.
McDonalds Blue Lake Cup - May 17, 2009
The Next day hosted the McDonalds Cup around the perimeter of Mount
Gambier's Blue Lake. The scenic circuit race had a very European feel to it.
With breathtaking views and closed road it made it a great race for spectators
and racers alike. The 3.5km circuit had a challenging climb that seemed to
constantly deceive us into thinking it had ended, only to turn the corner to
find another punishing rise. With many breakaway attempts none were long lived
apart from one move about half way through the race that saw Savings and Loans
riders Will Dickeson and Tim Roe ride away. Some strong chasing reeled them
back in. As the race progressed so did the deep burn in our legs felt from
riding up the climb over and over. On the last lap Tim Decker set a stunning
pace up the hill and once again Tim Roe made his trademark move with a solo
breakaway. This time however he was chased down and thrown out the back of the
charging pack. As the bunch approached the finishing line they raced at
breakneck speed down the descent towards the line with another 75km/h+ finish
and Joel Pearson narrowly won ahead of Shaun McCaurthy 2nd, Russell Gill 3rd,
Tim Hucker 4th and James Ibrahim in 5th place. Another strong performance by
the Titans. The Blue Lake circuit was thoroughly enjoyed by all and we look
forward to racing there again in 2010.
Alex Roberts Mt Gambier 100
mile Classic - May 16, 2009
On the 73rd running of the WIN TV Alex
Roberts 100 mile Cycling Classic at Mt Gambier it was the strong scratch bunch
that stole the show. The 22 riders in scratch included Tim Decker, Tim Hucker,
Brendan Schultz, David Toser and Jamie Crass, the 2nd bunch @ 7
½ min included Sam Whitmitz, Josh Gundry
and James Ibrahim with Nathan Elliot and Jason Sim starting off the 4th
bunch at 18 ½ min. I was told by riders
from all handicaps that their respective bunches worked well together and
everyone participated and they were riding at their best. How then did the
scratch bunch catch the 51 min limit? They just worked better; their combined
efforts resulted in the first and fastest Tim Roe, setting a new course record
for the 160km race in 3 hours 24 minutes and 17 second at an average speed of
47km/h. With windy conditions and predicted rain the race was looking like a
challenge from the start line. Luckily the rain held off and the racing got
underway. With about 15km to go the final riders that were swept up by the
charging scratch bunch were from the 22min handicap. Then the attacks started,
with non-stop attacks after catching the last remaining riders it wasn't until
about 7km to go when Tim Roe from Savings and Loans made his attack. Painfully
climbing up one of the hills on the outskirts of Mt Gambier Tim Roe made the
move when no-one else could. Within minutes he was out of sight and the
intensity of the chasing bunch ended up splitting the group and Tim Decker was
amongst the 6 riders that went off the front chasing Tim Roe for the win. Roe
finished 14 sec ahead of Joel Pearson who led the chasing bunch, sprinting well
over 75 km/h for 2nd ahead of Miles Watson 3rd and Tim Decker finishing in 4th
place. The following bunch came along just 9 seconds later led by Trent
Stevenson and James Ibrahim finishing next in 9th place. Brendan Schultz took
12th and Tim Hucker took 15th. Overall Titans raced an honest race and backed
it up some solid results, job well done.
1st and Fastest Tim Roe
2 Joel Pearson
3 Miles Watson
4 Tim Decker
5 Gene Bates
6 Sean McCarthy
7 William Dickeson
8 Trent Stevenson
9 James Ibrahim
10 Chris Luxton
Phillip Island Mens Kermesse - May 9, 2009
The race was 25laps (120kms) and after 6 laps Tim Decker and Chris Fry made the
split. Tim set about winning some hill climbs and sprint bonuses
winning one hill climb, one sprint and 3rd in two sprints. The break got a maximim
lead of 1m45s but after the five to go sprint there was some cat and mouse. The bunch was in full flight chasing and eventually caught the break with
just 2kms to go. Tim and Dave Tozer put Sam Witmitz in good position to
give the rest a great lead out, with Leigh Egan taking the win and Brendan Schultz (3rd) and Tim Hucker (6th) completing the placings. The Titans RACE team also took 2nd in the teams prize behind Porsche Drapac. Overall a fine team performance.
Melville Caves Classic - May 3
The Titans-RACE mens team got off to a fine start today with a win in the Melville Caves Classic starting at Marong.
Brunswick rolleur
Nathan Elliott from Dorreen near Whittlesea, attacked his 10 minute
bunch after Rheola with 7km of rolling road to travel and held off the
chasing bunch, the scratch bunch and the remainder of the 80 strong
field on the steep climb to the Melville Caves car park for fine
victory. Jake Cowman and Sam Conder just missed out on a clean sweep gaining 3rd and 4th spots respectively.
Results:
1st Nathan Elliott 01:58:27
2nd Troy Hutchins Same Time
3rd Jake Cowman Same Time
4th Sam Conder Same Time
Race report from Tour of Coleraine - April 4-5 We started the race
with the following riders:
Tim Hucker
(A-Grade)
Brendan Schultz
(A-Grade)
Sam Witmitz
(A-Grade)
David Tozer
(A-Grade)
Jake Comman
(A-Grade)
Jordan Sozzi
(B-Grade)
Stage 1
Conditions were perfect for this 124km stage so the 4 KOM climbs were always
going to be the point of selection. Unlike previous years, the action
occurred on the first climb. The race split into 5 or 6 groups with non of
our guys in the leading two groups. By the halfway point a couple of the
groups had consolidated with Brendan, Sam and David being in the third group on
the road. At this point it was a matter of restricting the damage and
getting the stage completed.
Stage 2
This was a 45 kermesse in the Streets of Coleraine on Saturday afternoon. Brendan made
the break of the day and picked up several intermediate sprints along the
way. The beak would have been successful if not for one of the leaders on
general classification being in the leading group. The other contenders
made sure the break away was reeled in. This regrouping happened close to
the end of the race. We had planned to set Brendan up for a sprint finish
but Schultzy had spent to much energy in the break so all our riders finished
safely in the pack.
Stage 3
119kms on
Sunday was a very tough stage. Plenty of wind and skinny country roads
made for nervous racing. Once again Brendan made the early break and was
happy to have Sam there for support. The break once again looked to have a
chance of staying away but the strength of the Savings and Loans squad
(containing 1st & 2nd on GC) meant that the escapees
were caught on the second last climb of the day, with 20kms to
go.
This climb caused the
main pack to split and around 20 riders remained at the top in the lead group,
Tim, Brendan and David included. The Savings and Loans squad continued to
chase down any attacks. The final climb left around 15 riders intact,
still including 3 of us. In an excellent finish for the squad, Tim managed
to get 3rd and Brendan 4th on the
stage.
Whilst there are
always high expectations early in the season in regard to results, and the final
stage outcome was satisfying, there were more important long term outcomes from
the tour. The boys all bonded brilliantly, and showed an absolute
willingness to work for each other. There will be many races throughout
the year that are better suited to our strengths. We just didn’t have the
pure climber this weekend.
Jordon had a
tremendous B-Grade tour finishing with the leaders in all 3 stages and being
involved in a break on stage 3 that was only caught in the final kms. He
is an outstanding young talent. Jake also rode beyond expectations and
learned a lot about tour and scratch racing.
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