Once again the Highlands Cycling Club were greeted by superb summer weather for the last evening of racing before the Christmas break.

A smaller than usual contingent of riders made for a very social evening with a few beers after the racing (thoughtfully provided by one of the committee members) being much appreciated. It was a hot evening and track racing is hard work after all!

As usual we started the racing with a 10 lap warm up.

This was taken by Colin Balk on his new bike with Peter Wheeler second and Richard third.

Following the warm up was the flying 200m TT - times; S Beaumont 15.44; J Tomlinson 15.27; P Wheeler 14.08, D Talintyre 13.97; R Vollebregt 13.69; S Woods 13.65; C Balk 13.26

This gave Peter Tomlinson our handicapper an indication of starting order for the following Olympic Sprint.

Team A comprised Sandra, Peter and Colin while team B was Justin, Don and Richard.

Each team started on opposite sides of the track and as each lap was completed the lead rider of each dropped out while the remaining riders kept racing.

Both lead out riders were fairly even despite both of them having less than perfect starts (Justin’s legs were a bit quick for Don and Sandra was caught napping).

There was never more than a metre or two between the following four riders for the remainder of the race, with line honours going narrowly to Colin and the A team.

This event was followed by a three lap handicap race.

Justin was outer marker on 150 metres followed by Sandra (140 metres), Don (120 metres), Peter (60 metres), Richard (10 metres) and Colin on scratch.

Don went past the outer markers fairly quickly with Sandra hooking onto his wheel as he went past.

She held onto his wheel with Don doing all the hard work until the last corner when with fresher legs she was able to get past and hold off being swallowed by the fast finishing Peter and Richard with Don in fourth. We finished the night with a 10 lap cool down.

This was taken by Richard despite Colin’s attempt to jump the field about two laps out.

Colin was 2nd with Peter in third.

No racing on the Thursday between Christmas and New Year.

We start again on Thursday January 3 at 6pm.

Road bikes and new members most welcome.

Members please note that registrations are due now.

Also that we will road race at Berrima on Tuesday 1 at 6pm.

Enquiries please phone Sandra 4889 4039 or Richard on 4868 2475.