Welch Builders Summer Crit Series - Round 7

Hats off to our riders tonight with temperatures around 35-36°C throughout the race.

Despite the oppressive conditions, 22 riders still signed up, though it's a fine line between brave and insane.

Tonight was a special night for EMCC with our entry fees donated to Echuca Regional Health's Cancer and Wellness Centre.

A-grade

A strong group of five included Nick McNair, Josh Thomson, Max Trewhella and Lenny and George Griffiths.

In a powerful display, Max Trewhella took the race on early and rode clear of the group, but in tough conditions they managed to close the gap.

Next it was Lenny's turn to break away; however, the group reformed before again Lenny burst clear, this time with what looked like the decisive move.

The pace was too strong for Nick and Max as Lenny put a first lap, then a second lap on the group.

In a spirited sprint to the line, it was again Lenny in front as he won comfortably from Josh in second and George third.

B-grade

With only three riders tonight in B-grade, a podium spot was guaranteed.

Cam Smith seemed wary of racing in such a small group but his overtures to ride in C-grade were quickly rebuffed by C-grade.

Early in the race it was Bryce Denham and Matt Sherman pushing the pace and stretching Cam as he feared.

By mid-race, the duo had lapped Cam and continued to ride at a good clip.

Cam looked to use his supreme time trial skills as he rode on.

Into the final lap it was Bryce who exploded down the back straight, (just like the A-grader he might soon become) to win from Matt in second and Cam third.

C-grade

Once again it was C-grade where the popular kids were with seven riders in the bunch, including returning new riders Josh and Rhys from Bendigo.

With no Will Kettle on the boil, it was a civilised start to tonight's race.

Apologies to Mel Smolenaars as we neglected to wait for her to return after time keeping - FYI, you missed a wonderful, relaxing ride in perfect conditions.

By mid-race, after a couple of strong turns, it was Matt Dobeli and Dazz McKemmish who found themselves with a gap off the front.

In hindsight, Daz might well live to regret hearing 'come on Daz, me and you' as Matt drove another turn, however the two of them proved hard to catch.

The pace proved too strong for Dave Faulkner, Rhys Newby and eventually even Daz was cut down.

In tough conditions, you never know what the attacks will throw up.

Into the final lap or two it was Claire leading from the front; however, it was Clint Flanigan who blinked first as he took off, followed closely by the old fox Neil Thomson who left the safety of the herd and ventured forward.

In the sprint to the line, it was Neil in a close win from Josh Cleary, with Clint Flanigan in third.

D-grade

Russell Jeffreys joined the family affair of brothers Dave and Paul Oman and Kaz Griffiths with her father Ray Hamilton setting off.

Early on, it looked like the elder statesmen Ray and Paul were at risk of their Joe Biden moment as they drifted off the back.

Unlike Kamala Harris, though, they lifted and rode themselves back into contention.

Nearing the finish, it was Russell Jeffreys and Dave Oman who strove for the line in a near repeat of last week's dead heat.

Tonight it was Russell who took the chocolates over Dave, with Kaz in third.

Thanks to those who helped set up, to Cam who blew the track despite the heat, to Mel and Troy who filled in for H.

Thanks to all for your generosity in getting onboard with our Cancer and Wellness Centre fundraiser.

If you're riding in a bunch on Sunday morning, please make sure you meet at the Hospital before 7.30am and after at the American Hotel Echuca from 9am for some Dean Oberin and Cadell Food Service generosity with a bacon and egg roll etc.

Finally, EMCC would like to wrap its arms around club members Dave, Paul and Nathan Oman who lost their mother and grandmother this week.

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