PACC Track Night - 19th June 2013

After a seemingly trouble free return to the bike, including a couple of cyclocross races, I signed myself up for the next PACC winter track event at the Adelaide Superdrome.   Given how close the Superdrome is to home, I really wish I could just head down there for a few laps every now and again.  Unfortunately, most of the training sessions are held in the early evening, so it's difficult to get there after work. As a result, the best I can do is make an effort to get out to the race meets. 

On arrival, I signed in for D grade, pinned my number on and headed out for a much needed warm up, given the fridge like conditions of the Superdrome. This time around we had a number of tandem bike events on the program, so during the warm up was my first chance to see some of these bikes in action. They can really move! 

With warm up complete, it was onto the events!

Heart Starter - D Grade

First event on the program is usually a heart starter, essentially a short scratch race. In this case, an eight lap race. The field for D Grade was possibly smaller than expected with 5 people, but probably big enough that we could have some decent racing. Sent on our way, we took our turns on the front as the speed built up. Or at least, it usually built up. I kept finding that when i swung off the front and rejoined at the back of the field that I was having to wash off a lot of speed. I couldn't work out what was happening, except noting that Miss V was on the front each time. Asking later, it turns out that she was trying to slow up the pace when she was up front..   sneaky. 

With about one and a half laps to go, and me third in line, Brian took off around the outside. I managed to go with the move along with Michelle and Meriel in front of me. We caught Brian with about half a lap to go, and it was a drag race to the finish. While I managed to catch Michelle, I didn't have the speed to pass her.  

E1 Heart Starter D-Grade 8 Time Avg Speed 
2 APOSTOLOU Michelle 03:15.87 36.76
106 PURCZEL Carl
15 CUSTANCE Meriel
119 FRANSON Brian
88 RICHES Virginia 

500 metre Time Trial - D Grade

Fairly simple race format..   ride fast for 500 metres.  I was starting on the front straight while Miss V was starting on the back straight.  Last time I did this event my start was all over the place as I wobbled all over the start line. This time, fortunately, I was relatively steady. Given the order to start I pushed off and then realised that I had my hands up on the hoods.. what the hell am i doing?  Correcting this mistake I got into the drops and pushed hard. I managed to make up about three quarters of a lap on Miss V and marginally beat my best time over this distance. Woot!  Also managed to get the best time in D Grade.. hurrah!

E9 500m TT D Grade SERIES OMNIUM 2 Time Avg Speed

15 CUSTANCE Meriel 00:48.47 37.14 front

2 APOSTOLOU Michelle 00:42.19 42.66 back

106 PURCZEL Carl 00:41.60 43.27 front

88 RICHES Virginia 00:46.31 38.87 back

119 FRANSON Brian 00:45.75 39.34 front

Derby - D Grade

Essentially like a match sprint, except supposed to be for more than 2 riders. Though with the number of riders in D Grade, we were split into a group of 3 and a group of 2. Miss V being placed into the group of 3, while I was paired with Michelle. 

While waiting, we watched Miss V burst off the front of her race. We wondered if she had gone too soon, but she kept the power on and brought it home for the win! nice work! 

I got on the front from the beginning of my race and tried to control things from there. I don't think I did a particularly good job in that respect, but I got a fairly good jump at the bell and managed to outsprint Michelle for the win.   

E17b D-Grade Derby - Heat 2 3 Time Avg Speed
106 PURCZEL Carl 01:26.03 31.38
2 APOSTOLOU Michelle 

I was hoping there might be a final of sorts, which would have meant that I would be sprinting against Miss V. Suspect there might have been a bit of sledging being fired in my direction in a race like that. 

Scratch Race - D Grade

Much like the Heart Starter earlier in the evening, except 4 laps longer. eek!  depending on the previous races, it can be difficult to get enthused about the last scratch race of the night. More to the point, it can be hard to convince the legs that they should move, especially when it's so cold! That said, it can be a fast and furious way to end the evening. 

This race I think I was caught napping leading into the last lap with Michelle launching off the front, and me being in forth in line.  While I managed to pass Miss V and Meriel, I never stood a chance in catching Michelle. 2nd place.

E24 D-Grade Scratch Race 12 Time Avg Speed
2 APOSTOLOU Michelle 04:56.81 36.39
106 PURCZEL Carl
15 CUSTANCE Meriel
88 RICHES Virginia
119 FRANSON Brian 

Well done to PACC, Lee-Anne and all the volunteers that put the event together.

Next race is on the 24th of July. Can't wait! :)