However, 21 keen riders turned up for the Porongurups Graded Scratch race.

Riders were sent off in two groups - open and support.

In the open race, Mark Bailey shook up the field with an attack just 10km into the race.

This eventually caused a split in the field with five riders unable to hold on.

The front group stayed together for the rest of the race and in a rare show of chivalry actually waited for Luke Coney as he was separated from the group on the turnaround.

As the group approached the last kilometre, Albany’s two strong club riders manoeuvered for position.

Rowan Burton must have fancied his chances this time, as whenever he goes head-to-head with Bailey, he gets a little bit closer.

But Bailey’s sprinting prowess just pipped Burton on the line in a very exciting finish, with Greg Newton coming third.

The three riders averaged 37kmh for the 85km race, a very good effort by all in the pack.

The support event was more a race of attrition with riders dropping off one-by-one as the going became too hard.

In the end, a group of five riders finished together.

Nathan Hull won the sprint from Murray Thornton and third placed Kelvin Castlehow.

– Greg Connell.