TCR Powered Ciaren Jones win 2010 Mt Baw Baw classic, read his race report !
The big decision in the Warragul Art Centre car park seemed to be what to wear during the race. Although there were some sunny patches thedark clouds moving across looked ominous. The forecast for Baw Baw was 6.C andshowers. This in fact turned out to be snowing and -1.C by the afternoon!
Masters 1/2/3 rolled off the start line at 10.20 straightinto rain, hail and strong cross winds. The pace as usual was reasonably solidfrom the start but no real early attacks to speak of. The first 46km to thefeed station was steady through the undulating countryside with ChristianMcDonald, Shane Stiles and Paul Mason helping to keep the pace high. On a fewof the steeper pinches efforts were being put in but nothing too serious,although saying that I glanced around as we came up into Neerim Junction andwas surprised to see that the Peleton had been reduced from around 50 to 20riders.
Turning right onto Main Neerim Road everyone got through thefeed station without a drama and headed down the steep descent of PiedmontHill. Fortunately the rain had stopped but the road was still wet. Risk takingwas kept to a minimum. As we rode through Noojee two riders went off the front.With the group giving chase and the gap still widening this break was startingto look dangerous. The breakaway was formed by two strong riders, ChristianMcDonald and Andrew Ward, who were about to hit the bottom of Vespers Hill, aclimb of 4.5km at a gradient of 7.6%. If breaks are going to be successful inthis race it's no secret that this is often an opportune moment.
Working hard up the hill I managed to get over to them. Thechase group had split on the climb and once we were over the top it was timefor us to get going, now or never! We worked well together to Tanjil Bren andhad a lead of 5 minutes, although did not know this at the time. Descendingfrom there along the winding and wet road was precarious, it wouldn't havetaken much to lose traction and slide out. Once down we kept the pace on to thegatehouse and started the main climb to Mt Baw Baw.
From this point we were on our own. The three of us climbingat our own pace. I got into a steady rhythm that was uncomfortable but able tobe maintained for most of the way, often looking down at my speed and trying tokeep things going. At 6.64km and 11.3% Mt Baw Baw is a tough climb made evenharder during a race. A real mental battle. Finishing on top of the mountain wewere greeted with strong wind gusts, snow flurry's and a temperature of minusone degree Celsius. Time to put on every item of clothing in my bag!
