TAMWORTH Cycling Club’s criterium racing has enjoyed an upsurge of late.
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Such has been the increase in racing numbers that the club has been running four grades over the first month of crits at Goddard Lane, Mitch Carrington said.
He was interim publicity officer for the club.
“But they’ve sacked me,” he joked yesterday.
“Darren Taylor is now the man.”
Funnily enough, there are two Darren Taylors racing with the club.
The other Darren Taylor, a plasterer better known as “Big Man” by his clubmates to distinguish the two DTs, was third in the D Grade crit last Sunday, beaten by massage therapist Brooke Cameron and Kai Sanders in the 20min plus two lap event.
The 25min plus two lap C Grade was won by Jess Saunders from Sara Spokes and Rodney Watts while John Freiberg won the 25min plus two lap B grade from Mal Ellicott and David Smith.
Carrington was third to Lake Macquarie’s Sam Layzell and Mick Sherwood in a tough 30min plus two lap A Grade.
“The racing’s been good,” Carrington said.
“We’ve had good numbers and had four full grades.”
Unfortunately, A Grade was a little low last week, with the likes of Ray Griffin, Phil Kelaher and Sam Spokes away.
Spokes will also be missing this Sunday as the talented young cyclist is at a training camp with his new professional club, Drapac.
“He’s just signed a two-year deal with them,” Carrington said.
Former Wagga mountain biker Ashley Smith is also starting to make a mark in A grade criterium races.
“He’s going well,” Carrington said.
“He moved here a couple of years ago and has just started to race more this year.”