The difference this time was the hare won.

Twenty-four cyclists lined up for the 23km course which took in Bloomfield Road, Forest Road, Aerodrome Road and Huntley Road.

The handicapped event had riders leaving in groups at regular intervals.

The last group to leave, the “hares”, averaged just under 41km/h to catch the rest of the field and launch Search2retain team rider Gus Tobin to the win.

Tobin edged out Mason Manwaring and Craig Healey, who crossed the finish line together.

The rest of the field was close behind with Neil Yeo fourth, Aidan Whiteley fifth and young rider Matt Eyles claiming sixth.

Considering there were many new riders and that this was the first race on this circuit for many years, club handicapper Andrew Foxall calculated the starting times perfectly, resulting in a close finish. 

Orange Cycle Club wishes to thank the volunteers on the day, Orange City Council and the local residents and other road users for their patience and cooperation. 

The next club race is a graded scratch event on the same Forest Road-Huntley Road course at 2.30pm this Saturday.  

Sign on is from 2pm in the Bargwanna Road car park, adjacent to Gosling Creek Reservoir.