It may have been a shorter course but with the temperature hovering around 12 degrees with the chill factor from the southerly breeze making it even cooler, it was a chilly ride for the 17 competitors taking part. 

We have to thank our referee Mitch Hagan and marshals Mark McKenna, Mark Arnold and Betty Elliott who sacrificed their afternoon and were out on the course in these chilly conditions for us.

Jody Phillips was the unlucky rider this week, sustaining a puncture before the turn around, but not to be deterred the puncture was repaired and she went on to finish the race. 

The scratch pair of Craig May and Mick Cooper knew they had their work cut out to reel in the riders ahead of them, especially after a red flag at the turn around. 

They averaged over 36km/h for the race, with Craig May having fastest time on the day of 59.05.

The 14.24m bunch of Chris Brook, Mark Weir, Stephen Hoynes and Evan Elliott had been caught by the chasing bunch of Jeff Sargent, Terry Korn, Phil Harrex and Maurie Ashford, before the turn around which made for a strong group, who then went in pursuit of those ahead of them. 

The big men Chris Turtle, John O’Brien and Sam Peacock who started at 11.42m, were giving it everything in their effort to stay away from this chasing bunch but were caught with 3kms to go. 

They managed to stay in touch when caught and came across the line in the main bunch.

 It looked as though the ladies had it in the bag with a couple of kilometres to go, as Susan Madden had caught Kerrie Coper and they were working together towards the finish line, but they were gobbled up by the big bunch as it swept past. 

With the finish line in sight it became a cat and mouse game to see who was going to lead out for the finishing sprint. 

Experience won out in the end with Maurie Ashford taking the honours ahead of Phil Harrex and Terry Korn with Jeff Sargent hanging in there for fourth spot.

The winter point score has Chris Brook on top, only a four points ahead of Jeff Sargent, with Chris Turtle, Evan Elliott and Susan Madden rounding out the top five.

This race followed on from the event at Wongarbon, which was won by Sam Peacock from Michelle Beattie and Max Newtown.

The Wongarbon track continued to be a bit of hoodoo one for Stephen Hoynes and John O’Brien who again had problems. 

Fortunately this time they only sustained punctures, which then saw them drop off their groups and have to ride home alone.

Evan Elliott, Mark Weir and Chris Brook worked well together and led for a large portion of the race but were overrun with six kilometres remaining.

The race next Saturday will be on the South Geurie course with a 2.30pm start.

If you are interested in riding or racing with the Orana Veterans Cycle Club please check out their website at www.oranavets.org.au.