Smith smites field

Setting off as our limit rider was Ray Hamilton, who was hopeful that his Northern Irish roots would be suited to the conditions.

At the other end of the field, his grandson, Lenny Griffiths, our lone scratch rider, was hoping that he could come up with a herculean effort to ride through the field to win.

The first lap would be decisive, with all groups gaining serious ground on those in front.

Heading into lap two, Matt, Will and Butch were joined by the grouping of Cam Smith, Nick Woods and Matt Grealy, however Cam’s power on the front broke the groups up once more.

When Cam, Nic and Matt Grealy caught Claire Goodman, Mel Smolenaars and Dave Faulkner, it was Claire and Mel who lifted their pace to hold the back of the bunch.

While Claire battled a mechanical, Mel put on a stellar display to hold the wheel for half a lap.

Will Kettle exploded from the bunch to grab the wheel of Nathan Oman, Nick McNair and Brayden as they flew past, but he boiled dry quickly.

As the fast guys raced on, small groups formed between riders as they all battled through the third lap.

Rocketing down Thyra Rd in Criterium du Dauphine style, ‘Tete de la course’ was the group of Cam Smith, Nick Woods and Matt Grealy, who looked to be holding off the ‘Poursuivants’ Nick McNair, Nathan Oman and Brayden Walsh.

So it proved with Cam Smith powering to the win from Nick Woods in 2nd and Matt Grealy 3rd, followed by Nathan Oman in 4th and Brayden Walsh 5th, with Mel Smolenaars our first female, closely followed by Georgie Jenkins.

Thanks to race director H, handicapper Cam, marshals John Brian and Laurie Grealy, support vehicles John Jenkins and Glen and Sheryl Kettle and our photographer Richard Bailey and happy birthday to Mick Ciavarella.

We’ll see you all next week for the first of our two cyclocross races at the velodrome, proudly supported by Nick McNair- Giant Echuca.