It was a picture perfect day in Armidale for the criterium event held last Sunday. Troy Hardaker was the first to fly the Coffs Harbour flag, as always he gave his best. It was the fastest novice event I have seen in my life, the juniors only know one speed and that is full gas.
Nathan Hardaker and Alex Beedie raced in the junior event. Nathan picked up fourth overall, he never gives in, closing gaps all day and putting in a massive sprint. Alex is only just getting back into cycling and found the going too tough with five minutes to go. The thought of pulling out never crossed his mind as he kept going until the end.
Jemma Werrell, Alan Miller, Dave Marshall, Vanessa & David McDonald were next up in C grade. The Armidale Club were well represented in this grade, one of their riders got a break within the first few laps. David McDonald worked to close the gap and then ran out of gas. Vanessa mixed it up all race and tried to get away however the bunch were very attentive. Dave Marshall was happy to finish with the bunch. The early pace resulted in Jemma & Alan dropping off however they kept going until the end.
The story of the day belonged to Matt Vagg who finished second in B grade and also picked up a prime. There were numerous attacks at the start of the race, one being from Matt Hoy which resulted in him winning a prime. After the first prime Matt Vagg put a small attack in, he was able to get 200 metres on the field in a very short period of time. A rider bridged up to Matt, the two of them were able to stay away for the whole race and enjoy the moment. Sean Golding, Matt Hoy and Glen O’Grady were working in the bunch to help Matt Vagg stay away and Matt Hoy picked up 3rd place. Well done to Coffs Club great team work.
The A & B plus race was an absolute smash up, Peter McDonald who is the current national road race champion was on the start line. It was full gas from the word go, Dan Alcock, Nathan Chiswell, Chris Jahnz and Aaron O’Grady all tried their best to hang on however with the very high speed of the race the field quickly broke up. Unfortunately for Chris he was caught up in a crash, his bars snapped in two so he had to pull out of the race. Chris walked away however he was very disappointed in not finishing. The race was restarted after the crash, Dan was able to finish fourth overall. The other guys finished, given the mixed grades and the split in the field, the race was difficult to follow. Peter McDonald was very impressive.
It was a great day and it was good to see so many Coffs riders and their families at the event, keep this event in mind for next year as the effort to travel is well worth it.
Nathan Hardaker and Alex Beedie raced in the junior event. Nathan picked up fourth overall, he never gives in, closing gaps all day and putting in a massive sprint. Alex is only just getting back into cycling and found the going too tough with five minutes to go. The thought of pulling out never crossed his mind as he kept going until the end.
Jemma Werrell, Alan Miller, Dave Marshall, Vanessa & David McDonald were next up in C grade. The Armidale Club were well represented in this grade, one of their riders got a break within the first few laps. David McDonald worked to close the gap and then ran out of gas. Vanessa mixed it up all race and tried to get away however the bunch were very attentive. Dave Marshall was happy to finish with the bunch. The early pace resulted in Jemma & Alan dropping off however they kept going until the end.
The story of the day belonged to Matt Vagg who finished second in B grade and also picked up a prime. There were numerous attacks at the start of the race, one being from Matt Hoy which resulted in him winning a prime. After the first prime Matt Vagg put a small attack in, he was able to get 200 metres on the field in a very short period of time. A rider bridged up to Matt, the two of them were able to stay away for the whole race and enjoy the moment. Sean Golding, Matt Hoy and Glen O’Grady were working in the bunch to help Matt Vagg stay away and Matt Hoy picked up 3rd place. Well done to Coffs Club great team work.
The A & B plus race was an absolute smash up, Peter McDonald who is the current national road race champion was on the start line. It was full gas from the word go, Dan Alcock, Nathan Chiswell, Chris Jahnz and Aaron O’Grady all tried their best to hang on however with the very high speed of the race the field quickly broke up. Unfortunately for Chris he was caught up in a crash, his bars snapped in two so he had to pull out of the race. Chris walked away however he was very disappointed in not finishing. The race was restarted after the crash, Dan was able to finish fourth overall. The other guys finished, given the mixed grades and the split in the field, the race was difficult to follow. Peter McDonald was very impressive.
It was a great day and it was good to see so many Coffs riders and their families at the event, keep this event in mind for next year as the effort to travel is well worth it.
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