Sport

Woods and Griffiths win handicaps

By Contributed

May 22, 2026

The last fortnight's handicap races saw later riders hunting down the lead groups.Photos: Richard Bailey.

The Gunbarrel Handicap- May 9

Good numbers again for racing with 19 riders setting off in this iconic EMCC race.

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We welcomed back defending champion Tom Jenkins along with his mate Kurt as well as former EMCC member, now Shepparton Cycling Club rider Simon Hall.

Our sole scratch rider, George Griffiths, would give 26 minutes to our sole limit rider, his grandfather Ray Hamilton.

As the clock hit 2pm, Ray was off, giving time to the 10-minute group of Kaz Griffiths, Paul Oman, Dave Oman and John Jenkins, who would be followed by an excited grandson in their group's tail vehicle.

The 18-minute group looked strong with Dave Faulkner, Mel Smolenaars, Claire Goodman, Cookie, Tom Jenkins and Kurt.

Matt Dobeli was a little apprehensive on joining John Brian and Troy Griffiths in the 22-minute group, followed by Nick Woods, Matt Grealy, Cameron Smith and Simon Hall at 25 minutes, with George Griffiths a further minute back.

As usual, the wind was predominantly from the south, slightly into riders on the 26 kms out to the turn point.

Groups set off at a strong pace, and in characteristic fashion, Troy Griffiths opened up a gap from the gun.

By the turn, the 25-minute group had dislodged Cam Smith and stretched Simon Hall, while Matt was just hanging on in the 22-min group.

George Griffiths looked comfortable in scratch, but 52km is a long way solo.

Apart from an untimely puncture on debut to Kurt, the 10 and 18 minute groups were largely intact, usually a dangerous proposition for those chasing from behind.

Into the homeward journey, Matt Grealy and Nick Woods joined Matt, John and Troy and pushed on, with Matt Dobeli stretched one too many times.

Cookie, and then Claire were off the back, while eventually the power of Nick and Matt pushed Troy and then John too far.

Around Wharparilla Rd, Nick and Matt had caught the groups ahead, Nick rode clear from the water treatment plant for a comfortable victory from Matt Grealy, with Paul Oman in 3rd.

Nick Woods got home in the Gunbarrel handicap on May 9.

1st and fastest time - Nick Woods.

2nd - Matt Grealy.

3rd - Paul Oman.

4th - Dave Oman.

5th and first female - Kaz Griffiths.

In a hard fought but inconsequential sprint, Matt beat Claire for 13th.

History is written by the victors, and he was last heard mumbling something about wanting a sash.

Thanks to Will Kettle, who bubbled along as lead vehicle, tail vehicles Laurie Grealy and Sarah Jenkins, race director H and handicapper Cam Smith.

Harry’s Handicap- May 16

Hopes were high for a memorable Harry’s handicap, with sunny skies drawing 20 riders to the iconic Mt Camel range of Central VIC.

As riders mingled and tried one last time to influence the handicapper, the wind started to pick up from the NE, with a sense of trepidation setting in.

Off limit was Ray Hamilton, with Kaz Griffiths, Dave Oman and Heather Lias at 17 minutes.

A further 6 minutes back was the 23-minute group of Mel Smolenaars, Neil Thomson, Neil Ennis and Matt Dobeli.

Squeezing into the field next were Will Kettle and Claire Goodman, who both had an unorthodox journey to the start, but were accepting of the challenge of joining in a little closer to the rear of the field.

In block, Cam Smith, Troy Griffiths, John Brian and Simon Hall were at 29 minutes, 6 minutes ahead of a large scratch group of George Griffiths, Kevin Laffy, Neville Laffy, Josh Thomson, Harry Moller and Nick Woods.

The ride out Trewin’s Rd was difficult into a blustery NE wind, with groups spreading wide in search of cover.

Over the back of Trewins, Dave Oman was losing touch while most other groups held together.

It would be the downwind trip that would prove decisive, with Cam Smith putting in strong turns, Troy and John joining the 23-minute group and looking for numbers, and Matt and Neil Thomson trying to add what they could.

Scratch, with game face on, looked ominous as they headed north, watched by the rest of the field on their way to the Colbinabbin turn.

Unfortunately for Neville Laffy, punctures would prove to be his nemesis.

Once again, groups bunched up as faster groups caught slower groups as we all headed to the left hand turn up Trewins.

Troy led the way as he created a gap over John, who in turn had a gap over Matt as they pushed on.

It would be a 10km time trial to the finish for all.

Cam Smith joined Matt, in pursuit of John and Troy as he clicked into TT mode.

Further back, George had dropped the other members of scratch and was flying in pursuit of his father at the front of the field.

Nick Woods joined forces with Harry Moller and they moved rapidly through the field.

With one kilometre to go, George overtook Troy and went on for the win, with Troy in second.

John Brian held onto his podium spot with a strong ride for third, while Nick Woods caught Cam Smith near the line for 4th and 5th.