Flying through: Lenny Griffiths pushes the pace. Photo: Richard Bailey
A good turnout of 22 riders tackled the opening round of the Echuca Moama Cycling Club’s summer criterium series, with warm conditions proving a challenge.
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C and D-grade set off first, with D-grade welcoming back club legend Ray Hamilton to racing after his knee replacement.
A and B-grades were a contrast, with nine riders taking to the line in B-grade and only five starters in A-grade.
All strung out: The A-grade field was stretched in the heat. Photo: Richard Bailey
D-grade
A small group of three meant a podium was assured, with the positions to be decided.
The race was ridden with a steady pace and Dave Faulkner finished strongly in front of Heather Lias, who claimed second, ahead of Ray Hamilton in third.
Leading them through: EMCC president Matt Dobeli crosses the line at the head of the pack. Photo: Richard Bailey
C-grade
Darren McKemmish was looking to take his road race season form into the criteriums, with Aaron McMaster the unknown quantity in his first criterium for a while.
In the end, McKemmish was true to form, finishing over the top of McMaster, with Matt Dobeli rounding out the podium in third.
Taking control: George Griffiths pulls a turn on the front. Photo: Richard Bailey.
B-grade
With experienced riders Troy Griffiths and Francis Lias slotting into B-grade, and Liam Harland returning to club racing, the pace was strong from the start.
With an inevitable war of attrition, Griffiths took off with a lap to go, with only his son George able to follow.
In the end, George sprinted to the win on the line ahead of Troy, and Harland coming home in third.
Head down: Levi Hone digs deep. Photo: Richard Bailey
A-grade
The A-grade race was not for the faint-hearted, with young guns Levi Hone and Lenny Griffiths out to challenge Nathan Oman, Mick Hone and Aaron Mulkearns.
Throughout the race Griffiths and Hone seemed intent on destroying the field, with repeat attacks putting the rest of the group under pressure.
As the race progressed, Hone, Griffiths and Oman broke clear, and with one lap to go, it was anyone’s race.
After a stellar performance in his age group at the nationals a few weeks ago, Oman had the form to win ahead of reigning A-grade club criterium champion Hone, with Griffiths securing third with a fantastic performance.
31°C