Kapiti Cycling Club -Southwards Circuit Series – Tuesday 1st December 2020
Despite the early winds the first event of the summer (1st Dec) the weather proved kind for the event. Unfortunately, due to a very last-minute notification, we were required to amend the course which actually proved to present an entertaining circuit for both riders and spectators alike.
First event was the Social Circuit over twenty minutes plus two laps, a slight change was introduced that reflected the changed course, the final five minutes was open to riders wishing to ride harder and sprint for the glory.
The entertaining event started with five riders, three young guns, first timer Abbie Watson (welcome Abbie) and Pete Gibbs rounded out the select field. After the fifteen minutes the event sparked into life with Liam, Alex, and Euan vying for line honours. Abbie and Pete maintained a watching brief over the unfolding dash for the line.
Young Liam took out the win closely followed by Euan and Alex. Pete and Abbie followed close behind.
It was heartening to see the four young riders fronting up to the events, well done, we look forward to you all becoming regulars.
The next event was the combined C and D grades with seven starters taking to the line for the twenty-five minutes plus two lap race. The pace soon increased as firstly Adrian then Howard Duff and John Rowlinson set the pace. Liam Parkes decided to compete in this event also. Biding his time was another youngster, thirteen-year-old Oscar Goodwin who then came to the fore as the race developed.
A hectic sprint ensued over the final two laps with Oscar taking a very well-deserved win with John R close behind followed by Adrian.
Oscar Goodwin 1st
John Rowlinson
Adrian McKenzie
Howard Duff
Glynis Te-Maipi Kemp
Ryzard Balesjko
Howard Davies
Liam Parkes
The final event of the evening was the combined A and B race over 30 minutes plus two laps. Eleven riders took to the start line for the fast and furious encounter ahead. The pace soon settled into an aggressive format with five riders taking turns to keep the pace high, Katie, Richard, Neil, Peter Butler (welcome Peter) and Jon Cox steadily distancing themselves from the field. Leon who was distanced midway fought gamely back to re- join the leaders and contest the overall. A setback occurred close to the end when Richard clipped a pedal on a corner resulting in a very untimely puncture. The whistle blew for the final two laps followed by the bell for the final lap for the expected sprint to the line. Katie opened a gap but determined first timer, Peter Butler caught Katie on the line with only inches separated him from the win.
Katie Richards 1st
Peter Butler
Neil Harwood
Jon Cox
Leon Goodwin
Gary Clareburt
Dwight Garton
Ian Cooke DNF (Migraine attack)
Richard Graham Puncture
Lee Pownall DNF
Tony Levaggi DNF
Due to time constraints, we are obliged to run combined grades, from next week, prizes will be awarded to each grade winner. I.e. within C/D grade a prize will be awarded to the winner of both C and D. Same A/B.
Special thanks to Dianna for an excellent job with registration, Doug for the set up and the club members that assisted with the take down.