Ponderings of The Professor – D Grade Report It’s been a while since I last put pen to paper, but the unfortunate passing of one of Southern Masters’ true characters, John (Coxy) Cox, convinced me to fire up the old Bic ballpoint pen. Conditions are almost perfect down at Casey Fields and D Grade has a sizeable field. A prerace reflection on Coxy’s life as a Master’s cyclist saw us roll through for a very sedate opening lap. Maybe that was because John Beech was busy having a good chat with me, rather than him attacking before we hit the back straight. Sure enough, just as we complete our first lap, JB decides it’s time to go and has the field scrambling for answers. We soon regroup, but a heavy Saturday morning ride with the Cycling Sledgers sees my legs screaming out to stop. Hmmm, this is going to be a long race! Both Mark Morrison and Tom Sharp decide to follow JB’s example by launching some lethal attacks. Fortunately, the bunch chases them down, however the average speed is heading north and we seem to be getting further ahead of C Grade. Either that, or I’m hallucinating (probably the latter)! With the race finally regaining its sanity, the three female competitors decide to stamp their authority on the race by moving to the pointy end to control the race. The pace picks up again and there is no chance of some rest and relaxation. JB, Mark and Tom are soon attacking again and riders are heading in all directions. JB has opened up a small gap on the field and knowing his time trialling strengths, if we don’t shut him down, he will ride away from us. Tom gives chase and I’m offering words of encouragement. The gap is closing, however Tom has done his share of the chasing; so I take over. One last effort finally dragged me on to JB’s wheel, however I’m struggling to get any words out when JB asks who is on his wheel. With the sandwich boards now starting to appear, the pace slows as everyone decides to save their legs for the final lap. With the specialist sprinters such as Gerald McIver, Andrew Peterson and Andrew Ward all missing from the race, I’ve no idea just which wheel to follow. A quick decision is needed as Lance gives us the bell. A slow last lap sees everyone looking nervously at each other, however no-one blinks and the slow pace continues. As we hit the back straight for the final time, I visualise Coxy launching one of his traditional attacks and I give a glance to my right to acknowledge his once trademark attack. It isn’t until we hit the incline that JB is the first to make a move. For someone who says he can’t sprint, he certainly is showing the bunch a clean pair of heels (or should that be wheels). I’m slow to react and have some work to do; however I’m able to latch onto Rob Feigan’s wheel to get the perfect tow up to the final corner. Richard Partington is making his move and seems to be gaining ground on JB. In the end, JB holds on to record his first win in D Grade – a great ride by him and a well deserved win. Richard holds on to take 2nd place to claim his first podium in D Grade. I somehow found my sprinting legs to take 3rd. The race was contested in good spirits and won by a self-confessed “non sprinter” who found something extra at the end. Coxy would have liked that! Thanks to the club officials and volunteers who helped make the day’s racing possible. Also, thanks to the photographer who fronts up to all the races and takes and takes all those action shots. Hope to see you all (and the Tail Gunner – where is he?) next week. Editors Note: The TG is currently working on a collaborative essay with the Dynamo. The Professor
Posted on: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 08:33:10 +0000
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