The four winners from the Crit Club Championships with their medals. Photos: Richard Bailey
Welch Builders Echuca Moama Cycling Club Summer Crit Series - Crit Club Championships
A-grade
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A small field saw George Griffiths and Kevin Laffy looking to fight it out, with Nick Woods for company after his recent Peaks Challenge efforts.
With the reduced group, the pace was steadier than usual with none of the blistering attacks the club has been used to.
Nonetheless, Laffy continued to poke and prod, looking for a weakness in Griffiths, and hopeful of a back-to-back win in the category.
Into the final lap the race was on, with Laffy leaving it all on the track and, nearing the line, it was Griffiths for the win from Laffy in second.
Riders head down the final straight.
B-grade
It was a return showdown between newcomer Tom Cook and club legend Cam Smith, with Francis Lias, Bryce Denham and Billy Sutton looking to break through.
Early in the race it was Denham who set a hot pace without being able to break up the group.
Smith put in a hot lap before Cook responded by riding off the front with five minutes to go.
With two laps left there was a slowing of the pace and Smith saw the signal he needed to go, but was it too early?
Into the final lap, Smith’s lead had narrowed as Cook and the bunch behind closed the gap.
Heading down the finishing straight, Smith’s strength shone through as he crossed the line for a win from the fast finishing Lias, with Denham in third.
Riders cross the finish line.
C-grade
Just as instruction was given for C-grade to go, Will Kettle boiled and took off quickly with Matt Dobeli hot on his tail. Was the race done?
With Dobeli and Kettle off the front, and Claire Goodman and Mel Smolenaars off the back, would the gap close? After a herculean effort, it was a group of four once more.
The pattern of the race continued, with Dobeli trying to lift the pace to grind away on the group while Smolenaars seemed to always be stuck on the front.
Kettle rode a smart race while Goodman got caught a couple of times after strong efforts on the front.
At the bell, all four were together with Smolenaars off the front, and with a surge, it was Dobeli into the last corner with Kettle on his hammer.
Into the final straight headwind Kettle took the win from Dobeli, with Goodman in third.
The C-grade race was closely contested.
D-grade
In the final group of the night, Heather Lias, Ray Hamilton, Dave Oman, Joel Pike and Paul Oman would fight it out for the crown.
A steady pace ensued, with good efforts by all to keep the pace ticking over.
Pike rolled to the front and tried to turn back the clock, only to be dragged back to the bunch.
Heading into the final few laps it was tight, but would it be Paul Oman with his famous finishing kick? Would Lias’ youth prove decisive? Could Dave Oman use his Ironman strength?
As they passed the start-finish it was time for Dave Oman to go as he pulled clear, but would it be enough?
Coming into sight down the final straight, he had a clear lead and continued strongly to win in a great ride, with Lias in second and Paul Oman in third.
Next up at the Echuca Moama Cycling Club is the Winter Race Series, starting on May 2.
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