As the Echuca Moama Cycling Club summer criterium series reaches the pointy end, warm but still conditions greeted 19 riders for round 15 racing, with only B, C and D-grades in action.
B-grade
A small group of four riders — Cam Smith, Nick McNair, Bryce Denham and ‘the almighty’ John Brian — set off in B-grade.
The pace was fast but steady without the lung-busting surges typical of B-grade racing.
Despite their best efforts, no rider could get a break and the tight bunch continued.
Into the bell lap it was Denham who went hard in a bold move, and by the back straight he remained clear, holding his lead across the finish line ahead of Smith and Brian
C-grade
A group of nine had the track to themselves and the large group guaranteed a fast pace.
Aaron McMaster in his return to EMCC showed the value of preparation as he went from flat rear tyre, to flat front tyre, to exploding tyre pre-race.
Fortunately he was rescued by Team Giant Echuca mechanic Nick McNair and ultimately a wheel change.
In a surprise, Will burst out of the blocks, the group settled and the pace remained high.
Darren McKemmish once again had ants in his pants and attacked at every opportunity with audible groaning from the group each time.
On the back of an attack, Claire Goodman put in a hot lap only to find herself under pressure at the back as the pace surged.
The remaining group continued to match the efforts off the front and the speed dropped to a crawl in a game of cat and mouse.
Once again it was Will Kettle on the boil as he broke the stalemate, with a lap to go it was anyone's race.
Rounding the final corner it was Alex Williams who continued his recent form to win from the ever-improving Liam Clohosey, with Nathan Whitten in third.
D-grade
Welcome back to Dave Faulkner who returned to racing this week, with six riders tackling the 25-minute race.
Early in the race, Paul Oman looked to stamp his authority with a strong effort to break clear, and for a moment he looked like he could stay clear.
Taking inspiration from Cher, Zenon was looking to turn back time as he rode off the front and looked to create a gap to the chasing pack. Ray was under pressure.
As the race progressed, the surges settled, but the pace continued to build.
When the bell rang for the final lap, Faulkner took off down the back straight, but could he hold it?
Approaching the line, Paul and Georgie were closing but the gap was too great with Faulkner winning from Oman and Georgie Jenkins.