Johns (BVH/Coffeeliscious) had launched his sprint for the line from 250 metres and opened a handy gap but also gave Troy (BaiMed) a target to chase. Johns held on until Troy flashed past right on the line to claim the win in this 53 kilometre handicap race.

Mark Fenner (The Watts Factory) finished two lengths back in third position ahead of Jean Paul Brando Carre (Hanlons), Godfrey Green (BaiMed), Nathan Crump (Watts Factory), Aaron Coghlan (Hanlons), Rob Rix (Watts Factory), Rob Hernandez (BaiMed), Adam Rourke, Gary Bryce (BVH/Coffee) and Scott Thompson (Hanlons).

This group were the survivors of a fast race on a warm and windy morning.

The three major placegetters had started on the scratch mark along with Coghlan and Thompson with a six minute gap to the closest bunch ahead and 20 minutes to the lead bunch.

However after good teaming and hard pacing, this group were at the front with ten kilometres remaining. As they caught the front of the race they brought other riders from outer groups with them while also leaving many behind.

Through the final turns and into the finish straight Scott Thompson hit out early for the line. His foot unclipped while under pressure and evasive action gave Johns the reason to go. He was clear but hunted down on the line.

Troy’s time for the 53 kilometres was one hour 18 minutes 55 seconds.

Adam Rourke has returned to racing with the NVC this year and after riding from a bunch two ahead of scratch had ridden through to the race lead after 35 kilometres. He saw the scratch riders bearing down and attacked alone to try to stave off the catch but was swallowed up with that final ten kilometres ahead.

Kieran Harrison (BVH/Coffeeliscious) finished just behind the lead group to show improvement on previous outings. He finished ahead of John Cullity (Watts Factory), Mick Thompson (Watts Factory), Rob Pickard (Watts Factory), Tim Devlin (Hanlons), Rod Pierce (BVH/Coffeeliscious), Frank Neri (Hanlons), Chris Harrison, Brendon Miller (both BVH/Coffeeliscious), Hubert Driehuis Hanlons), Brad Oaten (Penrith), Jo Chalain (Hanlons), Alice Lauder (Hanlons)with her best performance to date and Greg Showell (BaiMed).

The Watts Factory were out in force for this event and filled enough high position to take the team win for this event. Hanlon Windows were on the start line with their best line-up so far this year and placed second in the teams ahead of Bomaderry Vet Hospital/Coffeeliscious and BaiMed Physio. The Optus Nowra squad were the duty officials.

The Bomaderry Vet Hospital/Coffeeliscious team retain the series lead after previously scoring two wins and a second place. This green team has 170 points while BaiMed Physio hold second position with 110. Then Hanlon’s and The Watts Factory share third place with 100 points each and Optus Nowra has 80.

Levi Johns retains a healthy lead in the Access individual points series with 89 ahead of JP Brando Carre on 76. Chris Harrison in in third position with 68 ahead of Gary Bryce 66, John Cullity 62, Rob Hernandez 57, Godfrey Green and Brad Hill have 56 points each.

The Nowra Velo Club resumes racing with graded scratch races on the Flinders Estate circuit on May 15.