With summer temperatures cranked up and the road season completed, it was time to return to the Traffic Education Center crit track for our last race of 2021.

With the sun baking down, a shortened race was organised, with a graded scratch handicap format run over 30mins + 3 laps. With solid groups in A, B, and C grade, the race format was simple – C grade started with a 2 lap lead over B grade, who in turn started with a 2 lap lead over A grade. So, as the front of the race C grade had a 2 lap buffer over B, and 4 laps over A – if they hit the line with some part of their lead intact, then the C grade winner would take home the proverbial bacon!

C grade looked strong with Captain Creagan marshalling efforts, ably supported by Jacqui King, Abbott White, Mark Haydon, and Richard Blake. Meanwhile a sizeable B grade contingent were motoring along with Gareth Kelly looking particularly strong, and the pace was so hot that Bryn Griffiths took the early bath option with the excuse of checking the Ashes cricket score (editors note. England were looking good at that point). A grade were matching the searing heat with a red hot pace, with Iron Man Mick Hoult doing an outrageous amount of work on the front, with Jeremy, Brenno, and Pat Ferris giving Houlty the occasional breather.

As the clock ticked down, A grade quick ate into the groups ahead, lapping C grade 3 times, and B grade once, who in turn had taken a lap out of B grade – but could either grade make up the final lap before the sands of time ran out?

In a perfectly paced effort, and inspite of some timing controversy, C grade comfortably held the chasers at bay as they rolled together until the final ascent of Crit Hill, and as the riders unleashed their sprints Abbott hit the front to take out his first win in club racing – well done Abbott. Richard was second, with PC taking out the final podium spot.

Meanwhile in the battle for the minor spoils A grade had caught B grade on the final lap, and it was Jeremy McCann who took out A grade top spot, ahead of Brenno; while B grade honours went to Gareth ahead of Richard Wilko.

Thanks to all the racers, and we now take a break over the Xmas & New Year period before we return to racing at the TEC Crit track on Saturday 8th Jan 2022!