It was a warm day down at Hellyer but the racing gods looked down kindly at us visiting the temple today and slowed the wind down to a soft tropical breeze as the racing started. There was plenty of drink and food flowing, and Hernado was in fine form as he found "The Voice" to keep the crowd entertained and buzzing. Here are a few highlights that stood out in my mind.
Montano Velo Keirin - Jimmy Watkins showed up with his Felt team entourage and just schooled the field in the Finale, finishing with such a lead that he was able to easily raise his arms in a victory salut. The real revelation of the race was Sam Milroy who just dismantled his heat with a win about about 10 meters and then hung in the Finale to finish third. Sam may have just moved up from being a local hot shot to West Coast phenom.
Jame Carney - I dunno if he is smarter, fitter, or just luckier but Carney really showed the field that he is a master tonight. Carney won his Keirin heat, won the Miss and Out and then lapped the field in the Madison. You might have well called it "Track School By Jame Carney" out there.
SportVelo Women' Points Race - This was easily the most exciting race to watch. Shelly Evans was a marked woman so team mate Ruth Winder cleverly took the first sprint before Hanan Alves-Hyde launched herself into what looked like a suicide attack. Hanan got a half a lap as the field waited for a reaction but nothing came - all eyes stayed on Evans who was content to play her own game of poker. Hanan dug for the next ten laps hanging on with a quarter to half a lap lead to win the sprint but she held a tenuous lead. Vanderkitten Reither bridged whcih was enough to give Hanan a break and lap the field before the last sprint. A great gamble and tactical race by Hanan who has been on the comeback trail for most of the year. Evans won the last sprint putting her in third place making a great pay day for the Peanut Butter riders.
Originally published with photos in Norcalcyclingnews.com
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