Cyclists criss-cross state for races

THERE will be criss-crossing central and northern Victoria by cyclists and fans as the popular Christmas carnival track series is run.

First leg in the series will be on Thursday, 28 December at Castlemaine.

Prizemoney across the day’s racing which starts about 10am will be $6500.

Feature events on the card of which Smart Loans is major back include the Ken Maddern Snr Memorial 1800-metre wheel race for women, elite men, and masters men.

The Godfrey Family Omnium for women begins with a points score.

Highlights on the junior program include state title showdowns for under-15 scratch, under-17 elimination, and the Jonathen Kuhle Memorial over 1350 metres for the under-15 class.

Racing then rolls to Bendigo’s Tom Flood Sports Centre on Friday, 29 December.

Junior events begin at 1pm, and seniors from 5.30pm at the Barnard Street track.

Feature event is the Lindsay Harrington Memorial Wheelrace at a 2000-metre distance and sponsored by the Harrington family and MG Bendigo.

There will be $8000 in prizemoney to be won.

Highlights on the card include Victorian motor pace championship for elite men of 40 laps, invitation keirin for women and men.

State championships for under-17 boys scratch and under-17 girls scratch – both at15 laps will be raced.

Elimination races to decide state titles for A Grade women and men will also be decided in a 10-lap showdown.

The Godfrey Family Omnium for women includes the 15-lap motor pace.

Series finale will be on 30 December in Shepparton.

Junior racing starts at 11am and seniors from 6pm at the Packham Street velodrome.