Over 100 riders faced the starter in today's CVVCC Profound Civil Contracting Open at Woodstock this morning in absolutely perfect conditions.

Sponsor Peter Sens was on corner marshall duty and witnessed a great race. Even after just 20 kilometers it was evident the powerful scratch bunch was in great form as they had picked up the three and five minute groups by Laanecoorie. From there the back bunch just kept getting bigger and bigger. The groups from 15 minutes on were still clear at the turn at Newbridge for the run back to Woodstock but scratch hit the front with over five kilometers to go thanks to big turns by some unsung heroes. Fifty riders came over the last hill together. From all reports there was a fair bit of pushing and shoving for position but everybody stayed upright and when the dust settled Tim Bennett (GSC, scratch) had burst clear to win by about a bike length from Martin Banfield (CVVCC, scr.) and Noel Hughes (CVVCC, 7 min) in the fastest time of 1 hr 25 min 37 sec at 45.2 km/hr. They were followed home by Charlie Fitzpatrick (CVVCC, scr.), Jarrod Moroni (CVVCC, scr.), Chris Eddy (CVVCC, 5 min), Darren Roberts (N,scr.), Paul Dalton (CVVCC, 7 min), Scott Keating (Eur, 3 min) and Shaun White (CVVCC, 3 min). Jessica Douglas (GSC) was first unplaced female. Thanks to the VCV officials and all the Central Vic Vet volunteers who helped make it another great Open.