It was good to see some familiar faces with Bradley Wiggins from Shepparton Cycling Club coming across, while Matt Sherman, Scott Moller, Brayden Walsh, Will Kettle and John Brian raced for the first time this season.
A-grade
With the elite gravel race Gravelista on this weekend, A-grade was a little depleted, but when you put George and Lenny Griffiths on the track with Nathan Oman, the race will be on in earnest.
Early on it seemed that Nathan Oman was going to take the race by the scruff of the neck and attack from the front, however as the race settled, the three riders looked to settle into the pace.
Later in the race the strain was showing on George but he continued to stay in touch. In a frantic final lap it was Nathan who touched out Lenny in a photo finish with George in third.
B-grade
At ten to six, John Brian was concerned that there might not be a B-grade, but competitors came with a rush and by the time Scott Moller finished getting dressed, there were seven riders: Nick McNair, Francis Lias, Bryce Denham, Matt Sherman, John Brian, Cam Smith and Scott Moller.
The Giant Echuca boys looked resplendent in the new British Racing Green kit.
As has been the case in EMCC racing, B-grade often produces the most attacks and breakaways and this was no different with Nick, Francis and Bryce eventually kicking clear.
On the final lap it was Nick McNair who put the foot down to cross the line first from Francis in second and Bryce in third.
C-grade
There was concern in the group of Will Kettle, Matt Dobeli, Dave Faulkner and Dazz McKemmish with Brayden dropping to C-grade following a mid-week mixed netball mishap to his knee, however this was nothing like the fright that Dave Faulkner gave us as his inside pedal clipped the ground on Ash Hall Cycles corner.
Sitting second wheel, Matt heard a noise from behind that was unmistakably Dazz or Dave having kittens.
With Brayden flexing his muscle through the race, Will Kettle went off the boil but kept in contact.
Into the final three laps, all were content to hold formation behind Brayden's wheel.
Down the back straight Dave Faulkner made his move and looked the winner right to the finish line where Brayden got him by a smidge, with Matt Dobeli in third.
D-grade
Rounding out the field were Mel Smolenaars, Bradley Higgins, Paul Oman, Dave Oman, Jerrod Davison and Zenon Gawronski.
As the group set off, it was clear that there was a sense of civility to D-grade racing.
With Brad, Paul, Dave and Mel working well, Jerrod was living up to his pledge to stay in contact with great riding.
As was typical of racing tonight, it would come down to who had the muscle on the back straight.
As they hit the line you could throw a blanket over Mel Smolenaars (first) Bradley Higgins (second) and Paul Oman in third.
Thanks to our photographer Richard Bailey, race director H and to those who helped set up and pack up. We'll see you all next week.
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