TOP THREE: Christian Grassman, Scott Law and Johnnie Walker on the victory dais.Picture: PETER WEAVING
BALGOWNIE’S Scott Law ruled the streets in last night’s MyJet Limo-backed criterium on day two of the Bendigo International Madison athletics-cycling carnival.
On the eve of his 22nd birthday, Law outsprinted Germany’s Christian Grassman and Drapac Racing’s Johnnie Walker at the end of an absorbing 30-lap contest.
A field of 62 set off from near Hotel Shamrock and in the shadows of the Law Courts and old Post Office.
There were many spirited attacks throughout the race, with Bendigo’s Robbie Hucker at or in front many times.
A great race by Hucker included a hat-trick of victories in the intermediate sprints.
There were sprints every four laps for the La Trobe University Bendigo Sprint King jersey.
Hucker won sprints at 12, eight and four laps to go as the field averaged just over 90 seconds per lap of the 1.2km circuit, which took in Pall Mall, swung left at Bridge Street, then through Rosalind Park and the swinging bend at Alexandra Fountain on to the long straight.
The national under-23 criterium champion in 2012, Law proved to be the fastest when it mattered most and pocketed the $1000 first prize.
“This was my third start in this criterium and I was keen to do really well. I learnt a lot from last year when I was in the break, but finished in fifth place,” Law said.
“Bendigo is my second home, so I am rapt to win here.”
Law’s partner Imogen Jelbart will team with her sister, Marquessa, in tonight’s Regional Academy Cycling Excellence women’s madison at the track.
RFrom – Page 84
Nearing the end, Law glanced around and knew the charge for victory would not be easy.
“Aaron Gate won the omnium at the world track titles just a couple of weeks ago, and Christian Grassman (last year’s MyJet criterium runner-up) and Kenny de Ketele are so strong.
“The Drapac boys (Hucker, Walker) were doing a lot of attacking and chasing as well.”
Law said he had worked a lot on building endurance, not just for track, but crits and road racing.
A major goal for 2013 is the Tour of Murray and Tour of Gippsland.
Shortly after his win, Law was congraulated by Bendigo Interntaional Madison team-mate Aaron Donnelly, who won the Sunbury-Bendigo stage in last year’s Jayco Herald-Sun Tour.
Fifth in last night’s race behind Gate, Hucker said the criterium was one of the toughest he had contested.
“I am happy to get the jersey (sprint king), but the overall win was what I really wanted. It doesn’t always go to plan,” Hucker said.
La Trobe University Bendigo sprint king standings: 10 Robbie Hucker, 8 Aaron Gate, 6 Shane Archbold, 3 Harry Carpenter, Christian Grassman, Leif Lampater, Darren Lapthorne, Brendan Schultz, 2 Kenny de Ketele, 1 Joshua Harrison.