Mackay’s Need For Speed On Track

Go fast and turn left, it’s not NASCAR, but the thrilling sport of track cycling, where cyclists on a fixed gear bicycle with no brakes propel themselves at speed along a velodrome.

It sounds like a recipe for disaster, and when it goes wrong, it’s painful to watch. But thankfully at last weekend’s Mackay Cycling Club Track Carnival, the racing was fast and furious with no crashes.

Riders from across Queensland came to Mackay’s annual event, which attracts some of the speediest cyclists in the state. Mackay was well represented however, with local cyclists using their home advantage and knowledge of the velodrome to their advantage to place in most races.

The feature races of the evening are the wheelraces, where riders are handicapped on ability in an effort to create an ‘any rider can win’ atmosphere. These are the big money races where winners take home a cool amount of cash.

The handicapper was kind to the local C-grade Men, with three local riders taking podium positions in the men’s feature race. Taking out the big prize was Luke Schatkowski, with Greg Shaw in third and Geoff Bennett in fourth.

WHEELRACE RESULTS

Under 9, Under 11, Under 13 Combined

First: Elijah Hoban

Second: Hamish Brennan

Third: Jack Bennett

Fourth: Scott Bennett

Under 15 and Under 17 Combined

First: George Tucker

Second: Seth Piper

Third: Kirra Rayner

Fourth: Peter Shatkowski

Under 17 and Open Women

First: Petra Andersen

Second: Renay Buchanan

Third: Emylia Stjernquest

Fourth: Hannah Kerswell

Under 19 and Open Men

First: Luke Schatkowski

Second: Alex Murry

Third: Greg Shaw

Fourth: Geoff Bennett

Riders enjoyed a fast night of racing at the Mackay Cycling Club Track Cycling Carnival held last weekend in Walkerston. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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