Cycling legend claims gravel gold

LOCAL cycling legend and dual Eureka Cycling Club and Ballarat Sebastopol Cycling Club member, Robert Braszell, claimed a first place at the inaugural UCI Gravel World Championships in Veneto, Italy.

Braszell competed in the men 75-79 division finished the race in 6 hours and 26 minutes, more than good enough for a gold medal.

The 140-kilometre race through the Italian countryside saw competitors often sharing sections of the circuit with people out enjoying a weekend stroll.

A little bit closter to home, Eureka Cycling Club staged graded kermesse racing on the challenging Burrumbeet circuit on Sunday, 9 October.

Division 1 raced seven laps for a little under 45 kilometres in total.

With just four riders remaining on the bell lap, the race was headed for a sprint and the light head wind up the long straight was sure to test them all.

Over the final rise Jason Hendry attempted to lead out from the front, however Ash Braszell pounced to another classy win.

Division 2 race was 32 kilometres long, or five laps, with the small field enjoying a pacemaker until the final sprint where Mark Hogan had too much punch in the headwind for Peter Livitsanis and Dennis Shaw.

Eureka graded kermesse results – Division 1 (45km) – 1st – Ash Braszell, 2nd – Jason Hendry, 3rd – Tony Mirabella. Division 2 (32km) – 1st – Mark Hogan, 2nd – Peter Livitsanis, 3rd – Dennis Shaw.

 

– BY DEAN WELLS