The Ring Criterium Series made its way to the middle of Rockingham’s Smeaton Way circuit over the weekend.
With a big bunch of over twenty riders in the women’s B-grade it was going to be difficult to get away and while a number of riders tried, nobody succeeded.
It was a bunch sprint with Peel’s Dharlia Haines taking her second win in succession. Natalie Britz was second and Danica Wiggins who won C-grade last week third.
15 minutes after finishing B-grade, three brave souls returned to race in women’s A-grade.
With Orica-AIS rider Jess Allen and in-form Erin Kineally in the race, it was not when they would attack, but was anybody else strong enough to go with them that mattered.
It took a few laps before Allen and Kineally were off the front with Melissia Robinson for company.
Kineally took her second win in succession, outsprinting Allen with Jade Haines taking the bunch sprint for third.
Jordan Dawson attacked from the start of the men’s B-grade.
Unlike last week he did not get away, but that set the tone for the race.
Riders regularly attacking, getting away from the bunch for a lap or so, then getting reeled back in only for a counter attack to take place.
Andrew Fitzgerald took the win, with Ben Blacklock second and Martin Depiazzi third.
With three strong riders off the front of the the men’s A-grade early in the race it looked like a break might make it.
Peel’s road rider of the year Matt Peterson powered to victory with Stephen Hall second and Craig Wiggins third.
The Ring Series heads north to Gnagarra next Sunday.