Mitchell also led Access Storage to the Optus Series team win where this team dominated the front of the race. This race was round five of the 2018 Optus series.

When the 13-strong leading group entered the final two kilometres of this 42 kilometre race, Mitchell attacked and raced to a narrow lead. A spirited chase was disrupted by his Access team mates and the result was sealed. 

A hectic bunch sprint for second position had David Soto (Illawarra CC) over the line half a length ahead of Jose Pereira (Access) with John Cullity (Hanlon Windows) fourth ahead of Frank Neri (Access), Bruce Jenkins (BVH/Coffeeliscious), Jo Chalain (Access), Amy Mottram (Hanlon), Mark Bagnall (Nowra Velo), Mark Robbins (Access), Bill Stahlhut (Hanlon), Barry Wells (CA 3Race) and Damian Mason (NVC).

Mitchell was part of the third bunch to leave the starter with a 14 minute advantage over the four scratch riders, Levi Johns (Access), Richard Vollebregt (Southern Highlands), Aiden Kampers (Illawarra CC) and Nick Bourke (Illawarra CC). This field was made up of 11 bunches across a 17 minute time frame.

As Mitchell’s group gathered in the riders ahead and added them to their work force, the scratch riders were chasing through the back of the field.

Michael Berriman (Access) led the second group into the finish ahead of Rob Rix (BVH/Coffeeliscious), Gary Bryce (BVH), Ben Wallis (Access), Jason Spence (Hanlon), Geoff Lockhart (BVH) and Terry Wall (Illawarra CC).

Another 10 riders were over the line before Kampers led the fastest rider to the finish. Kampers crossed the line in 60 minutes and 31 seconds for fastest time. He was followed by Bourke, Brando Carre (BVH), Rod Latham (Illawarra), Troy Whittington, Levi Johns, Keith Bennett (Illawarra) and Dave Raymond (Illawarra).

Fifty five riders started the 2018 George Johnson Memorial race which honours a past president of the Nowra club. The local Nowra Velo Club events have become very popular this season with riders travelling from Sydney, Moss Vale and the Illawarra region for these races.

Access Storage scored another win in the Optus series, this teams third win of the five rounds already completed this year. Access hold a strong lead position going into the middle of the season.

Hanlon Windows were second and with Bomaderry Vet Hospital/Coffeeliscious team in third position. The Allen Price and Scarratts team were the duty officials.

Next Sunday the Nowra Velo Club will have criterium racing on the Tech Park circuit, starting at 8.30am. Duty officials are the Hanlon Windows team.