Euan Kerswell Gets Monkey Off the Back with First Club Victory.
Kerswell capitalised on a new-look B Grade as Townsville Cycle Club enjoys a successful return to the Corporate Crescent circuit.
It was welcoming to see many riders challenge themselves and race in new grades.
Moving up from B to A Grade included:
- Baily Devantier-Thomas
- Michael Barber
- Chris Olsen
- Kobe Ormes
- Briana McDonald
- Stephanie Corset
B Grade welcomed former C Graders:
- Kyle Gibbs
- Jarrod Fife
- Stephen Knott
Mario Romeo moved from D Grade up to C Grade, and all Div 1 Juniors progressed into their respective gender’s D Grade race as they’ll begin to further their development through senior ranks.
A Grade got the morning started, for the first time this year they were the largest group with 15 riders.
Ben Lawes set a blistering pace early before a series of breakaway attempts. The bunch wasn’t keen to give any rider breathing room off the front, as most breakaway groups were reeled in quickly.
A long lead out on the final lap by Zac Ryan set Lawes up for victory as Marvin Baumeister-Schoenian crossed the line close by in second.
A testament to Ryan’s current stellar form, the Tour of the North A Grade Stage 2 Criterium winner held off a fast finishing pack to hang on for third place.
Ruth Corset was the first woman.
B Grade welcomed a new face to the top step of the podium as Euan Kerswell stormed home to a strong win.
The track sprinter had been searching for form earlier this season, and after a short spell between the Tour of the North Prelude at Webb Drive (June 20) and the McDonald Leong Lawyers Corporate Crescent Criterium, Kerswell has hit his stride.
“I think having the wisdom teeth removal surgery, which forced me out of the Tour of the North, has actually been a blessing in disguise,” admitted Kerswell.
“My watts per kilo improved as I’m now lighter.
“I also only ever wear skin-suits as aerodynamics is everything.”
Asked if he could stick around for further comment he mentioned he had to get home for a nap before his shift packing bags on the front line at Woolworths.
“Cycling racing can sometimes be scary but never as scary as being at work when the state government announces a three-day lockdown.”
B Grade’s resident work horse, Mark ‘Kiwi’ O’Callaghan looked dangerous early as he took the prime but ultimately settled for second place ahead of B Grade debutant and Tour of the North C Grade GC winner, Jarrod Fife.
Caitlin Corset was first woman.
A sneaky yet bold move from Zachary Lawrence in C Grade saw him attack on lap one and catch the B Grade bunch as the two grades shared the road. Spending the whole race off the front, Lawrence took the prime and the victory.
Chaos ensued behind Lawrence as splits formed very early for the remaining C Grade peloton.
Riders found themselves in two separate chase groups.
After Lawrence’s victory the fast bunch sprint for minor placings was won by Jason Smith followed by James Clem for second and third.
Alicia Harris was first woman.
It was a battle between young and the youngest in D Grade Men as racing veterans Gary O’Neill, Jon Kerswell and Steve Hedger welcomed Henry Goodwill and Nicholas Ellis from the Div 1 Junior ranks.
Kerswell dropped the watt-bombs early and claimed the prime before Goodwill and Ellis went off the front to claim first and second respectively.
O’Neill continued his consistent form with third place.
D Grade Women also welcomed the progressing Div 1 Junior Girls. The large group of nine riders battled it out for 15 minutes before Sienna Monteith claimed her first senior victory and the prime to go along.
Meredith Watkins returned to the road racing scene taking second place ahead of Pam Pemberton in third.
The Div 2 Juniors saw the addition of two new riders to the club. Addison and Georgia Roberts put in fantastic efforts in their first ever races and the club welcomes them to the fold.
But it was the regular pocket rockets Jye Smith, Jack Hedger and Henry Hedger who took to the podium in first, second and third respectively.
Full results for the day can be found here.
Hopefully we’ll see you all again back at Webb Drive on 8 August.