Humid conditions greeted our small field of 16 riders with Brett Kennedy (Warragul Cycling Club) and James Stokie (Bendigo and District Cycling Club) joining us to race.
A/B-grade
With much of our top-end talent at the Tour of Bright, A and B grades combined for racing.
The bunch took off at a strong but steady pace, with all riders looking comfortable.
The usual suspects of Nick McNair, Francis Lias and Kevin Laffy looked to drive the pace.
Brayden Walsh looked very comfortable after stepping up after a crash in B-grade two weeks ago.
Mid-race the pace was on and surprisingly Kevin and Francis found themselves bridging a gap with Brett Kennedy looking to make his mark on the front.
When greeted by the bell, Josh Thomson looked to be well positioned to deliver another classic knockout blow and so it was as he crossed the line clear from Kevin Laffy in second and Brett Kennedy third.
C-grade
In keeping with tradition, Will Kettle was kitted out in long sleeves in humid 32-degree weather, he must've been boiling.
The rest of the group of five, Matt Dobeli, Dazz McKemmish, Claire Goodman and Neil Thomson set off at a very sedate pace.
It didn't take long for Will to try to break away, in fact, all riders put in big efforts off the front to no effect.
With five minutes to go we were confronted by our worst nightmare, the best sprinter, Neil Thomson was on the front, controlling the pace and looking to position himself.
That was until Will Kettle came to the boil again and took off with around three laps to go and the group splintered.
With two laps to go, Matt decided to take the bit between his teeth, closed the gap and rode clear, hoping to hold on for a further lap and a half.
In the end, the gap was enough with Matt winning over Dazz in second and Dr Cool, Claire Goodman in third.
D-grade
With only three riders, Russell Jefferys, Heather Lias and Terry O'Burtill, a position on the podium was assured, but in what order?
Could Russell win three in a row, or would Terry break the O'Turtle moniker and surprise the group?
We'd find out after 25 mins + three laps.
The pace looked steady with Russell seemingly on the front often, with such a small group there was a good chance of a bunch sprint to decide the win.
Down the back straight, Russell had kicked clear and looked the winner, and so it proved as he crossed the line with a gap to Heather in second and Terry in third.
Thanks to race director Mel.
16°C