VCL#2 - Caleb Pike: Russ Hay's/Accent Inns wins again

The second race of the Victoria Cycling League followed a similar pattern from race #1, but with different players and under improved weather conditions.   With longer distance compared to last Sunday (20 Laps), the race was a test of both power and endurance.

On the first lap, Curtis Dearden (Team Russ Hay's/Accent Inns) launched a vicious attack with team-mate Raph Lalumiere.  Chasing was Alex Hui (Pro City Racing) and Steve Bachop (IRC).   The pace set by Curtis was too much for Alex and Steve, which left the RH/Accent Inns duo alone in the front to work together to preserve their break.

Curtis making the decisive attack

John Rogers in chase with Steve and Fluffy

With the lead duo holding a 25 second lead, several attempts to attack the main group were kept in check by RH/Accent Inns, frustrating some of the riders who were trying to organize themselves to chase.  A dangerous attack from National Team Triathlete, Andy McCartney caught the group off guard and he was able to get a respectable gap with 5 laps to go.   An aggressive John Rogers tried to attack off the front but was watched closely by Dylan Cunningham (Russ Hay's/Accent Inns).  

Andy McCartney in solo chase

John Rogers off the front, Dylan Cunningham on his wheel

With 3 laps to go, it was evident that the peloton was going to sprint for 3rd place.  Last Sunday's winner, Emile De Rosnay (Russ Hay's/Accent Inns) took to the front of the pack and began a blistering pace that kept others from launching an attack and also help setup team-make Mike Korb for the sprint.  

Emile (R) driving the pace on last laps

The decision on who would take the win between Raph and Curtis was somewhat irrelevant, with both riders agreeing to shake hands for a job well done; with Curtis graciously conceding the win to Raph.  It was a repeat of last weekend, but with different players.

Raph and Curtis shake hands

The sprint finish for the peloton was somewhat chaotic with the 3rd place slot going to Evan Carey from Tripleshot with team-mate Lucas Koolman taking 4th.  John Rogers from Pro City Racing was rewarded with a respectable 5th place ahead of Mike Korb (6th) and Steve Bachop (7th)

Evan beats team-mate Lucas for 3rd

Place Name Team 1 Raphael Lalumiere Russ Hays/Accent Inns 2 Curtis Dearden Russ Hays/Accent Inns 3 Evan Carey Tripleshot 4 Lucas Koolman Tripleshot 5 John Rogers Pro City Racing 6 Mike Korb Russ Hays/Accent Inns 7 Steve Bachop IRC 8 Stephen Lund Tripleshot 9 Robert Russell MIVA 10 Russ Stead Daryl Evans

The next VCL race is on April 1st at Latoria Road in Metchosin.   Visit the VCL website for more information: http://victoriacyclingleague.wordpress.com/

VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR VCL#3 - LATORIA!  
Please contact Aaron Dusseault at Russ Hay's at 250-384-4722 or email at fluff@shaw.ca