MIVA TUESDAY BOXWOOD CRITERIUM

Boxwood Circuit, August 23rd, 2011 Numbers were down tonight and only 12 riders, including lone woman, Glenda Harling, started the event. Everyone stayed together until a lap after the initial prime, the first of three taken by fast man Rob Russell.

During the next ten laps, several riders in sequence tried to get off the front of the pack, with Ray Wagner, Iain Hay and Mark Wieler prominent in these attacks. However, all were brought back in short order while Russell out sprinted Mike Sevcov for the second prime.

Soon afterwards, newcomer John Lam spent a lap and a half off the front but he too was brought back before the third prime, with Ray Wagner just edging Russell for the sprint. Lam again cruised off the front of the bunch but was quickly reeled in and all settled down until the final prime at three laps to go,when Russell and Iain Hay took first and second, Hay shouting “Come on. Keep going!”. Although Russell followed his advice, the duo was caught by the accelerating pack and, as they crossed the line on the bell lap, the group was led by Bill McMillan, Rob Russell and Gary Croome. Croome and McMillan both faded and only Russell was able to stay near the front. At the line Rob Bau, who had been almost invisible for much of the race, took the chequered flag, with Russell second and Iain Hay just edging Mike Sevcov to take third.

Glenda Harling rode well tonight, staying with the men for nearly eight laps before easing off with stomach trouble. She took a free lap and once she restarted, again stayed with the men. Good work Glenda!

Remember, all remaining events in the series start at 6.30pm.