Lee takes kermesse on points

THIRTY-five riders pinned on a dossard for the official Eureka Cycling Club 2021 season opener, kermesse racing at Burrumbeet.

After 10 long months, it seemed almost like a normal event, with the rooms at Lake Learmonth Yacht Club open for use by riders – albeit with some COVID restrictions still in force.

Plenty of new members figured in the placings on one of the bigger opening days in Eureka’s history.

Division 4 saw Helen Macintosh, Mary Ann Seebeck and Shelley O’Brien battle the conditions in a spirited affair that all saw smiling faces post-race.

Peter Livitsanis returned to his winning ways in Division 3, holding out track rider James Knipe, by a small margin and the ever-young Danny Whelan in third place.

Darryl Brown had animated the race throughout, whilst Bob Morley and Sharon Boyd had settled into a grudge match of sorts – Morley earning the bragging rights for this encounter.

In Division 2 former pro Miranda Griffiths returned to racing for the first time in six years and fitted right in with the motley crew of former vets. Yet battle hardened Tony Mirabella wouldn’t be denied on this day and with Greg Ley they kept the pressure on every time the road turned up.

Seven riders came to the final uphill sprint, Mirabella winning from Tim Sinclair and Ley.

Division 1 contested a points race with reigning Club Champion Craig Lee quick to assert his authority.

Jay Bourke joined Lee in an early breakaway with Jarrod King, however the likes of Tim Canny and Sam Smith fought tooth and nail as the race wore on.  The bulk of the field regrouped, with tighter finishes for the remaining points.

Lee and Bourke scored the same points in the end, with a countback delivering the overall victory to Lee.

Kermesse results – Division 1 (45km) – 1st – Craig Lee, 14 pts on count back, 2nd – Jay Bourke, 14 pts 3rd – Sam Smith, 9 pts. Division 2 (45km) – 1st – Tony Mirabella, 2nd – Tim Sinclair, 3rd – Greg Ley. Division 3 (38km) – 1st – Peter Livitsanis, 2nd – James Knipe, 3rd – Danny Whelan. Division 4 (33km) – 1st – Helen McIntosh, 2nd – Mary Ann Seebeck, 3rd – Shelley O’Brien.

-BY DEAN WELLS