MIVA BOXWOOD CRITERIUM 130827

MIVA Boxwood Criterium 13/08/27 30 lap criterium

As Iain Hay and son Brodie were setting up the course for tonight's race, ominous clouds were gathering and the first drops of rain were heralding the advance of a steady downpour. Still, there were ten stalwart souls who were going to ride, whatever the weather. It was decided to cut the event to thirty laps and to dispense with the primes as a safety measure and at 6.35pm, the pack, including youth riders Abigail and Aiden Hare set off.

The first couple of laps were neutralised to allow Aiden and Abigail the opportunity of riding in the group for a while and then the race proper started, with Iain Hay already five seconds up on the rest of the bunch, taking advantage of his wet weather skills. Abigail was still managing to hang onto the back end of the seniors, with Aiden already several lengths back and by lap four, both had lost contact and continued with their own contest.

Iain was soon back in the pack since no-one else was prepared to join him and for the balance of the race everyone stayed together. The final sprint was predictable and the top for places from two weeks ago were repeated, with Justin mark out sprinting Hay for the win with Nick Kupiak third and Mike Sevcov rounding out the top four. Justin's win put him just two points ahead of Nick in the series standings but, with two events left, Kupiak still has a chance to take overall honours.

In the youth event, Abigail Hare showed her improved speed by lapping her brother just before the finish to tie up the women's youth contest.

Thanks to MLA Doug Routley, a MIVA member, Glen Gordon and Brodie Hay for doing a great if soggy stint as marshals and to Jason Hare for a photographic record.