Peloton warms up for crit champs

THIRTY-five riders contested round two of the Oscar’s Hotel & Cafe Criterium Series at the Victoria Park circuit on Sunday. Competitors enjoyed fine conditions with cloud cover early as they honed their skills ahead of the Eureka Criterium Championships on Labour Day.

Famous names of old, graced the podium in Division 4. Gail Oliver fought off a determined Geoff Braszell in a sprint the length of the straight, while Ken Heres flashed home and nearly beat them both.

James Knipe was back to his explosive best in Division 3, after the likes of Danny Whelan and Shaun Martin made the racing tough.

Brian Ure elevated himself to Division 2 and almost stole a brilliant victory, quickly gapping the field around the final bend. Jim Crumpler always had the sprint under control, taking the win from a gallant Ure. Daylight was third.

Division 1 saw five riders backing up from the previous day’s Fred Icke road race at Kingston. After splitting the field apart, Craig Lee proved too strong in a six-way sprint finish and Jason Birch showed great form ahead of the Championship next week.

Results – Division 1, 45 mins + 2 laps – 1st – Craig Lee, 2nd – Jason Birch, 3rd – Matt Bowman. Division 2, 40 mins + 2 laps – 1st – Jim Crumpler, 2nd – Brian Ure, 3rd – Rob Phillips. Division 3, 35 mins + 2 laps – 1st – James Knipe, 2nd – Peter Livitsanis, 3rd – Bob Morley. Division 4, 30 mins + 2 laps – 1st – Gail Oliver, 2nd – Ken Heres, 3rd – Geoff Braszell