The George Martin Trophy race lived up to its reputation for being a tough bike race. On Saturday there was a cold south westerly blowing along with showers. Riders waited until 1.45pm for rain to clear before getting organized for a race start. The race, runs from Mardan back to Leongatha then through Nerrena before climbing back up the hills to Mardan. The run into Leongatha and the headwind was run in sunshine but the clouds opened as riders raced through Nerrena.

The lone scratch rider was newly crowned State Uner 19 road champ, Stuart Smith. He was giving away a start to a bunch of 4 riders on 2 minutes followed by a trio on 6 minutes. At 8 minutes there was a group of 5 riders whilst Malcolm Gin and Rick Whitehouse were on 12 minutes and limit was Lindsay Love on 20 minutes.

The wet conditions lead to 4 riders having trouble with punctures and not finishing the race. However, the 6 minute trio were the powerhouses of the day. They quickly rounded up the 8 minute bunch and then the 12 minute duo and limit just past the Nerrena Hall corner. The 2 minute bunch were working well but the large bunch out front was putting time into them whilst Stuart Smith was having trouble riding into the head wind on his own.

By the time the leading bunch reached the 6km climb they had the race in their keeping. Further pressure riding up the climb saw the outmarkers drop from the bunch and eventually Tony Clark ride away from his co-markers to cycle home a clear winner of the George Martin Trophy. Next home was Tom Debenham then Steve Piasente soloed in for 3rd. Paul Taranto lead the 2 minute bunch home for 4th ahead of David McFarlane and Thierry Roland. They were followed in by Malcolm Gin, Elliott Gin and Stuart Smith in 9th and fastest whilst Kerry Pritchard rounded out the top ten.

In the Junior B race ridden up the hills through Mardan and return Mitchell Gin liked the conditions as he finished with a handy break from Jarrad Donohue and Thomas McFarlane followed by Matt Dudley.

Next weekend racing will start at the Woolamai Race course as riders try a new circuit through Glen Forbes and Dalyston before heading back to Woolamai.

In Canada, Nick Aitken has been riding well and in the first 5 day tour finished 11th and collected the most aggressive rider award. However, his efforts were minimized through a lack of hills. On Saturday morning he won the first stage of the second tour and providing he can ride a strong time trial is a great chance of a podium finish.

Race report by Lindsay Love