The TWE Wheel-Race Report 
This Friday was all about one race that has been 7 weeks in the making.
The TWE Wheels 2km Wheel-race is an event that the top 4 on the series Points-Score from each division (1-4) qualify to ride. First prize was a set of TWE wheels of the winner’s choice made specifically for them with the minor placings receiving TWE chain rings. This one race sported a total prize pool well into quadruple figures. The handicaps on paper looked to favour a div 2 or 3 victory but of course the scratchies and limit riders were keen to have a shot at the massive prize pool. 17 riders spread around 230m of the 250m track was an impressive sight.
The start Division 4 got off to a great start with all four riders falling into a perfect line and each determined to keep this group moving at the business end of the race.
Division 3 also got off to a brilliant start, possibly the best out of all the divisions; however George Lowe was not content with the speed of his group and hit the front with an explosive turn of pace. Only two laps later three of the four riders from this group had made contact with the leaders, but seemed momentarily stunned by the early violent pace.
Division 2 had a dismal start with the lead rider blowing this division to pieces. It seemed like these riders were intent on riding the 2km solo. Scott Mills had easily the worst start out this group finding himself in a strategically poor position and swung up seemingly frustrated with his colleagues. This single act had a dramatic effect on the overall results of the race. Eventually the remaining Division 2 riders did make it up to the leaders but burnt way too much energy in the process.
Division 1 seemed to have a perfectly planned start, however when Jack Bennett missed the back of the pace line on the first lap the plan started to go pear shaped. Gavin White set a wicked pace for 2 ½ laps swinging up to leave what he thought would be three riders to finish the job, unfortunately with Bennet gone it was only two with still 5 ½ laps remaining.
Mid race The scene was set for an exciting showdown between Gary Mandy, Glen Elton (both Div 2) and the remainder of Div 3, 4 .The writing was on the wall for Ben Harvey and Tirian McManus (Div 1) who were struggling about 80ms behind and with three laps to travel, that was until Scott Mills still smarting after his pitiful start dropped in front of the Div 1 duo and turned on the gas. Amazingly Scott was closing the gap with every pedal stroke and eventually delivered Ben and Tirian onto the door step the lead riders as they approached bell lap.
The final Lap It all became too easy for our Div 1 riders who blasted over the top of the bunch with only Gary Mandy and Glen Elton able to raise any form of a chase. Ben and Tirian drag raced the last bend but it was Ben Harvey who had more left in the tank to secure himself a set of sweet TWE wheels.
The presentation was conducted by TWE representative Brett Fenton in the absence of TWE owner Greg Ryan who was wrestling crocodiles in the Northern Territory
My opinion of the race: it was one lost by Div 3 and Div 2. I think Mandy and Elton waited too long and never seized upon the opportunity presented to them. Having said this, the result would have almost certainly been different had Scott Mills not have joined forces with the trailing div 1 duo.
Isn’t this the great thing about our sport, there is always so much more to the story than the names on a result sheet, but never enough room to write it on a medal.
Video of TWE Wheel-Race
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XUDKUI1aTQ
all photo's by actionsnaps
www.actionsnaps.com.au
