A good bunch of riders featuring George Griffiths, Josh Thomson, Cam Smith, Scott Moller, Francis Lias, and Aaron Mulkearns were joined by Matt Sherman, who, we assume, has finally realised that you ruin time on your bike by adding a swim and a run.
With a steady start to the race, Aaron Mulkearns seemed intent on imposing himself on the front of the race, with Josh Thomson putting his nose in the wind at times to stretch the group.
Cam Smith rode clear in a time trial-inspired effort, only to be caught and spat out the back.
In a war of attrition, it was Matt Sherman who was looking for the transition area as the pace increased.
Aaron, George and Josh slipped off the front with Francis Lias and Scott Moller working overtime to stay in touch.
On the sidelines, things got a little entertaining as Claire with one job - holding up the laps to go signs - displayed a little too much vigour.
Despite the protestations of the crowd, she elevated to town crier level only to give instructions to the wrong group.
Despite the confusion, into the final lap it was Josh, George and Aaron who couldn't be separated.
As has been his way in 2024-25, Josh powered clear on the back straight to finish the winner in front of a gallant George Griffiths, with Aaron Mulkearns in third.
B-grade
Our French rider Max returned for his second crit with Darren McKemmish, Claire Goodman, Mel Smolenaars, Will Kettle, Russell Jeffreys and Matt Dobeli rounding out the group.
Once again, Max led the way from the front and the bunch seemed intent on leaving him out there and wearing him out.
An early surge from Will Kettle was a reminder that he could come to the boil at any time.
Mid-race, Max turned the tables as he sat behind Dazz McKemmish and refused to roll to the front, even giving some feedback to Dazz in a blend of French and English which roughly translated to: "Dazz I really respect you as a fellow a rider, but at this moment in time I am content to sit behind you".
Nearing the three laps to go there was a sense of inevitability about Will Kettle and he attacked strongly.
Matt led the chase with Dazz holding his wheel, while Max after his work earlier was drifting to the back.
With a lap to go, Will still had a sizeable lead, however a great effort from Dazz pegged him back on the line for the win with Matt rounding out the top three.
C-grade
Just the two riders in C-grade, with Dave Oman and Zenon Gawronski going head-to-head.
From the outset it looked as though the riders decided to keep it together, neither rider seemed interested in a solo breakaway for the whole 25 mins +3.
Dave Oman showed good signs of his resurgent fitness, but Zenon was tough to shake.
Into the final three laps, the two riders were intent on staying together, and it would be a drag race to the finish.
In an impressive effort on the final lap, it was Zenon Gawronski who crossed the line for the win, with Dave Oman in second.
Thanks to race director H, Richard Bailey our photographer and thanks to EMCC young guns Lenny Griffiths and Levi Hone for providing the post-race entertainment on the big screen at stage 1 of the Tour of Tasmania.
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