ACT Criterium Championships

The days are gradually getting shorter and the summer of Criterium racing is almost at an end. The ACT Criterium championships are one of the bigger events that signal that the end of the season is almost here. Raced over a number of age categories rather than grades; medals are on offer instead of  points or cash.

The team took part in three events over the two days of racing (25th and 26th of February) and demonstrated that the form is coming along nicely.

Ben, Marty and Mick were first up in the Masters 3 event. Mick took the race by the horns and went up the road very early on lapping it out on his own before Marty and Liam (Team Quon) made the effort to bridge his advantage. The trio worked well together sharing as much work as they could handle to stave off the eager bunch behind. In the end their cooperation was enough to see them survive with Mick collecting gold off Marty’s well timed lead out, and Marty holding on for the Bronze.

Next up in the Masters 4 event a similar scenario was playing out, although this time it was Steve in the break with three other companions to contend with (two from team Quon one from Vikings). Steve rode a measured race, saving something in the tank for what was almost certainly looking to be a sprint finish among the four of them. With Simon (Vikings) in the bunch and being something of a track and criterium specialists it was always going to be quick. In the end Simon launched his move first and Steve was never quite able to get on terms with him down the finish straight. Steve still managed to hold on for silver just ahead of Ed (Quon).

Finally in the Elite event Matt was the sole representative from Tiffen, in a very strong field including some professional and semi-professional riders. The race started at a furious rate with a strong break of six establishing a good gap from the first lap. Matt was right away on the counter but couldn’t quite get onto the train. The race wasn’t over however and later in the race he paired up with Marc (Data 3) to bridge the gap to the leaders. With still plenty of formidable riders to overcome Matt put in a very impressive ride to collect the Bronze medal. This is another fine ride after his win the Canberra Cycling Club Criterium Championships just a few weeks ago. Well done to all the riders who took part in one of the best ACT Criterium Championships in a number of years.

crit_champs
Matt on the podium in the Elite Men’s Race