Divided into three grades, more than 25 riders took to the Newry championship course, which incorporated the brutal Rowleys Hill climb.

A ferocious pace set by Simon Whitford and Ben Dowsett in A grade had riders digging deep on the first ascent up Rowleys Hill.

After regrouping, Dave Arnup tried the next attack and was soon reeled in.

Whitford made his bold race winning move with 30km to ride, Dowsett used his strength on Rowleys Hill to pull away from the bunch and chase the solo Whitford.

Arnup again tried to attack but was caught by Shane Dove. Whitford was successful in winning the club road championship title from Dowsett and Dove.

Attacks led by Dave Dyer, great hill climbing by Paul Dashwood and hard work by David Wheeler and Tony Hall resulted in a fast B grade race.

Gary Lucas was unable to find his usual good hill climbing form and had to work hard to stay in contact with the main group.

In the final sprint, Dyer had to settle for second as a fast finishing Tony Hall took line honors by a small margin, with Lucas reclaiming some form to finish third.

One bunch in C grade quickly became four as the hills took their toll.

Alec Mates and Daryl Ryan, both from Maffra, showed their familiarity with the climbs and held a steady pace.

Efforts from new riders Kristie Glover and improving Di Brayford drew a lot of attention as they were able to comfortably hold the pace of Mates and Ryan with new rider Olivia Varey also impressive with her determination on the climbs.

At the final sprint, six raced to the line, with Mates taking the win from Ryan and Michael Sonka in third. Glover came in a very close fourth just holding out Brayford to be first woman.

After a criterium series, a time trial, hillclimb and now road championship, the club crowned an inaugural club champion in each grade.

Winners in A, B and C grades were Shane Dove, Gary Lucas and Alec Mates respectively.

At the presentation, club president Shane Dove thanked the race committee who had been instrumental in the recent success of the club.

Many club members will race the Gippsland three-day tour over the Labour Day long weekend.

Details of club racing are available at www.wellingtoncyclingclub.org.au or by phoning Shane Dove on 0407 446 700.