B Grade cyclist Olivia Nicholson held off a number of challengers to claim the Ararat and District Cycling Club s 2013 perpetual shield. Picture: PETER PICKERING
ARARAT - Track racing at the Ararat Velodrome last Friday took place in cool, fine weather, but the gusting wind from the south presented a challenge to the riders.
Jenae Marr was not daunted and put the foot down to win the opening 500-metre E grade race.
Later in the evening, Dylan Woods had taken control of the eight lap D grade scratch race with three to go, while Murray Culling and Alex Van Opstal worked together 30-metres behind.
Lara Argall worked her way forwards from the rear to join the pair.
As Woods crossed the finish line comfortably, the scramble was on behind, Van Opstal getting second while Argall took third just a half wheel in front of Culling.
Handicap races were held for the perpetual shield in each division.
Argall was victorious in D grade ahead of Culling and Van Opstal.
Alice Culling proved the victor in the four lap C grade race, catching Luke Nicholson in the second lap and keeping clear of the pursuing Lachlan Marr for the rest of the race.
With a small senior field, A grade rider Matt Denham joined with the B grade riders Olivia and Zoe Nicholson and Aidan Marr and in the 1000-metre handicap race it was Olivia Nicholson who hung on at the front to claim the 2013 perpetual shield.
February has been a busy month for the Ararat and District Cycling Club, with the annual track carnival followed by the club track championships.
Track racing for the last three weeks of the current season will revert to Saturday afternoons from this week.