MIVA BOXWOOD CRITERIUM 12/05/01

  The weather was really uncertain today, with everything from hailstorms to bright sunshine. However, by 6pm the rain had stopped and the reappearing sun was drying out the circuit. The small field of eight riders started promptly at 6.30pm and the first few laps were ridden cautiously but the pack soon upped the speed and got down to business. There were several attempts to break – by Iain Hay, Rob Russell and John Lam but at the bell signalling the first prime, all were together once more and the prime was won convincingly by Hay, with Russell and Sevcov tailing him.

The pack continued to ride steadily until the second prime, which again was taken by Iain from Rob and Mike, with Shepherd Stewart rounding out the lead quartette.

As this was the first event in the season-long series, the 5 laps to go sign was put up after half an hour. John Lam again rode off the front but was soon brought back by the accelerating group. When the bell sounded the final lap,the bunch were still together but as they appeared at the top of the finishing straight, it was Rob Bau taking a flyer on the inside. However, the Russell – Hay tandem was alert to the move and Rob did a great job of leading Iain out for the win, with Bau half a wheel back and Mike Sevcov rounding out the top three. Thanks to Iain Hay, and Rob Russell for course set-up and take-down, to Dave Kenny for signage, and to Al Henderson for looking after the bell and lap board.