Our handicapper challenged some riders last night, putting together the grouping of young guns Max Trewhella and Harry Moller with Nick McNair and Josh Thomson.
Fast but steady looked to be the approach during the race with all riders testing each other, but staying in touch.
For fans on the hill it was difficult to see who would make the break.
Max Trewhella was on the front as usual, stringing out the bunch and asserting himself.
When greeted by the bell for a final lap it was Nick McNair who burst clear, as necks craned to see the riders on the back straight, he had kicked clear.
In the push to the line, it was Josh Thomson who proved too strong to take the win over Nick, with Max in third.
B-grade
A solid group of age and experience in B-grade with Cam Smith, Scott Moller, Matt Grealy, Francis Lias, Brayden Walsh and Riley Wilkinson forming the bunch.
In an impressive move mid-race it was Brayden Walsh who took off from the bunch and spent several minutes stretching his advantage.
In the frantic chase behind, Cam Smith went off the track and took a lap to compose himself and rejoin.
The coalition of Cam and Francis seemed unable to make inroads for a while however eventually with Cam’s help, Francis was able to jump across, however Brayden continued to look strong.
Into the final lap, only Brayden, Francis and Riley were on the same lap as Cam, Scott and Matt had dropped off the pace.
Down the back straight, Brayden looked home until he clipped his pedal on Ash Hall Cycles corner and crashed out.
Francis put on the emergency brakes and headed for the trees
In an unfortunate end to an action packed race, it was actually Riley who pulled off a ‘Stephen Bradbury’ crossing to win with Francis eventually crossing in second.
Best wishes to Brayden, that gravel rash looks nasty, we hope to see you back on the bike soon.
C-grade
In a sign of surging popularity, 11 riders set off in C-grade, with new riders Josh Cleary and the aptly names Rhys Newby joining us.
With such a big group, the pace was sure to be fast, but given the potential for chaos, we asked Will Kettle not to boil early.
As has been the way, Butch and Dazz kept setting the pace, stretching the group with Claire responsible for dragging the group back across at times.
Our new riders looked to settle in nicely.
The joker in the pack, as he is in life, would be Flanigan.
A couple of stinging efforts mid-race had the group groaning, and the pace was too hot for Joel and Rhys.
At one point off the front, Clint was looking around wondering where everyone had gone, apparently not the first time he’s experienced this.
Into the final lap, Neil Thomson had drifted ominously toward the front and proved to have the legs finishing strongly over Clint and Josh in second and third.
D-grade
A now familiar youthful grouping of Heather Lias, Russell Jeffreys, Dave Oman, Terry O’Burtill, Ray Hamilton and Zenon Gawronski started out at a civilised pace.
In a sign of good form, Ray kept pace with his rivals even as the pace quickened.
All riders took turns at the front with all but Zenon holding a wheel.
Deeper into the race, the only sign of strain on the group was that perennial chatter box Terry was silent, no complaints were received.
With the addition of the bell, it was Heather who blinked first and made her move down the back straight.
As they neared the finish it looked to be a race of two with Russ and Dave and so it proved as they hit the line together in a dead heat with Heather third.
Thanks to H, Cam and those who helped set up.
Scour your wardrobe for a touch of pink and stay tuned during the week for details on our efforts to race money for the ERH Cancer and Wellness Centre.
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