Moama Bowling Club EMCC Club Champs - Road Race

For the biggest race of the season, 15 riders set off in blustery conditions, the strong south westerly wind would ensure a challenging return journey back over Col d'Trewin.

As is customary, A-grade set off first, with Neville Laffy joined by elite juniors George Griffiths and Levi Hone.

B-grade included Nick Woods, John Brian, Cameron Smith and Isla Shaw.

Mel Smolenaars, Claire Goodman, Matt Dobeli and Will Kettle set off in C-grade, followed by John Jenkins, Ray Hamilton, Dave Oman and Glen Kettle.

The 'Back of Trewins' would prove decisive for A and C-grade as Neville Laffy and Mel Smolenaars were stretched by their respective groups as they then headed downwind onto Heathcote-Rochester Rd.

In all grades, the return trip back up Trewins would decide the race.

In A-grade, Levi separated himself from George.

Cam Smith rode clear of Nick and John in B-grade, Will and Matt pulled away from Claire in C-grade while in D-grade Dave Oman went up a gear as he stretched John Jenkins, Ray Hamilton and Glen Kettle.

Only a 10km time trial to go.

After making a break on the climb, Levi Hone continued on to win the A-grade title from George Griffiths and Neville Laffy.

The battle for the B-grade crown was won by Cam Smith, who powered his way home over the last 10km to win from Nick Woods and John Brian, who crossed the line together.

Will Kettle boiled up and burst clear to win the sprint in C-grade, with Claire (another TT fan) only a short-distance behind in 3rd.

Dave Oman, ever the fan of strong solo effort, muscled his way home to win D-grade clearly from John Jenkins and Ray Hamilton.

Thanks to our race director, H, and marshals Troy, Kaz, Frank, Mick, Sheryl and Laura.

Individual Time Trial

For an event known widely as the Race of Truth, it has become more known for its fashion with bright colours, pointy space helmets and stealth fighter shaped bikes, even an army green e-motor bike.

Riding in reverse order of yesterday's road race placing, there was a buzz of anticipation in the air that only comes with the impending all-out solo effort of the TT.

Ray Hamilton, John Jenkins and Dave Oman set off to see who would claim the D-grade title, while after a close road race, Claire Goodman, Matt Dobeli and Will Kettle would battle it out in C-grade, with Mel Smolenaars an unfortunate late scratching with a flat tyre.

Nick Woods was out to stop a Cam Smith B-grade Club Champs double, and George Griffiths was the sole entry in A-grade on a very fast looking new steed, accompanied by his father Troy on a very non-aero, Puckapunyal green scooter.

With H counting each rider down, there was 15kms of pain ahead.

In A-grade, George Griffiths took the title in a quite amazing 20.17.12 minutes at 44.5 km/hr.

True to form, Cam Smith took out the B-grade double with a TT of 21.10.43 minutes with Nick Woods at +45 seconds.

C-grade was closely fought between husband and wife, Matt and Claire.

Claire took home the chocolates in 26.21.10 minutes, with Matt at +5sec and Will Kettle at +24sec.

Dave Oman also completed the Club Champs double in D-grade with a ride of 27.35.61 minutes, with John Jenkins at +40 seconds and Ray Hamilton in third.

Thanks again to race director H, ably assisted by Frank Ryan, with photos by Richard Bailey.

That rounds out our Moama Bowling Club Winter Race Series, we'll see you in daylight savings for our Summer Crit Series in Moama.

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Monday, 20th February 2023

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