Racing for Rob

Sunday's Rob Monk Memorial Handicap drew a strong field of almost 100 riders to Modella, despite heavy overnight rain that left the roads slick and tested the resolve of the "true racers."
Five groups rolled out at 10 minute intervals, tackling the 33km circuit. With the exception of E grade, all grades faced three laps of attritional racing.
Early on, most bunches worked cohesively, but the lack of winter and spring training began to show.
C grade's Matt Parkinson was unceremoniously dropped as his group departed Garfield on lap two, while reigning champion Connor Bagot offered little assistance to his D grade companions.
Meanwhile, the scratch riders - though appearing ragged - were anything but slow, averaging close to 50 km/h and steadily mowing down the field. By the final lap, they had swallowed nearly every group in sight.
The exception was the resilient E graders. Into the headwind, they dug deep, refusing to yield.
Among them, veteran Pete Finlayson played his cards perfectly. Conserving energy throughout, he launched a decisive attack just 200 metres before the final intersection.
With a tailwind at his back, Finlayson powered clear, rounding the corner solo and never looking back. He even had time to celebrate across the line, securing back-to-back victories for Warragul Cycling Club.
Chris Harrod and Brian Florence claimed second and third for co-hosts Southern Masters Cycling Club, while Carol Graby finished as the first female.
World Tour pro Kiaan Watts recorded the fastest time of the day, underscoring the depth of talent on display.
The clubs offered thanks to the sponsors and organisers for another successful day of racing in Gippsland, honouring the memory of their mate Rob Monk.