Griffiths takes out A-grade at Cyclocross

By Contributed

Jul 2, 2024

Riders enjoyed a different style of race at the Echuca Moama Cycling Club Cyclocross on Saturday. Photo: EMCC

In something a little different, in the quiet time for racing, 18 riders took part in an adventure, a little drizzling rain just added to the experience.

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With all four grades starting one after the other, there was nowhere to hide on our 2.2km track, with some groups splintering early while others battled to stay together.

What would be the right equipment combo: MTB vs gravel bike, and which shoes were needed to cope with Nick McNair’s masterpiece of a track?

In C and D-grade racing over 30 minutes, Liam Clohosey led the way in a masterful performance to win, riding most of the race with B-grade, which is where he’ll be next race I suspect.

Nathan Whitten rode a clear second with Matt Dobeli overtaking Dazza McKemmish and Claire Goodman on the last lap for third. In D-grade, Mel Smolenaars and Karen Griffiths rode much of the race together, with Kaz getting the win.

Riders raced around a 2.2km track adjacent to the Moama Velodrome, featuring a variety of terrain types. Photo: Richard Bailey

B-grade was entertaining, particularly for Francis Lias who crashed on the concrete velodrome, dropped a drink bidon and lost a lens from his glasses.

The group rode well with Cam Smith, Sarah Mulkearns, Josh Thomson and Jarrod Ford (Bendigo CC) joining Francis. As the race wore on, it was Josh Thomson the winner, clear of Francis Lias and Sarah Mulkearns.

Racing over 45 minutes, A-grade started at a frantic pace from Nick McNair, with Robbo in particular looking sharp. As the race continued, it was George and Lenny Griffiths that had opened up a gap over the field of Nathan Oman, Shane Roberts, Troy Griffiths and Nick McNair.

After an unfortunate mechanical for George, it was Lenny who stayed away for the win with Robbo second and Nick McNair third.

We’ll see you all next Saturday, July 6, back on the road on the Kotta loop for the first round of the Lorraine and Ivan Collings three-race series, with our first social function to follow with a Tour De France theme.