In the 25th running of the race, the club combined with the South West Clubs to make it a stage of their series.

Many Stawell and Great Western riders have competed with South West Clubs over the last few years.

It was a big effort to stage the race, which involved more than 50 riders competing.

The decision was a big one for the club but it got plenty of Stawell residents interested in the cycling event.

The race itself is a handicap with the riders starting in groups according to ability.

The first group was 40 minutes ahead of the last to leave. 

The course was around the Concongella, Joel Joel, and Stawell area and was 60 kilometres from start to finish.

Denham rode off nine minutes and 30 seconds.

He was a man on a mission as he took off in the race.

At the start Jesse Satchell was the time keeper when Denham told him that his mother had died and had said he had to race today.

Satchell’s reaction was to tell him that he would have to win this one for her.

It was exactly what Denham had planned for the event.

Denham was still up against about 50 riders who wanted to win just as badly.

The word at the finish line from followers was all the groups had come together.

Fortunately the chasing groups had not joined the main group when they turned their heads for home.

The last corner was 600 metres from the line and young Mount Gambier rider Jack Patzel led the way with Denham on his wheel.

Frank Kean, Jordie  Argall, Grace Phang, Jeff Mclean and 10 other riders were not too far away.

As they neared 100 metres from home young Patzel started to weaken and Denham made his move.

Denham put a bike length into the field.

Jeff Mclean from Port Fairy jumped across the gap just short of the win leaving Patzel a gallant third.

The fastest time for the race was recorded by Nathan McLaren.

Taking on the challenge of the event after losing his mother would have been a tough ask for Denham, but he set his mind to the task and refused to back down from competing.

The club said it wanted thank all the volunteers and other clubs for all their help to stage the weekend. 

It was a big weekend for the Stawell Great Western Cycling Club.

The club said the race had been a huge success and it was already looking ahead to future events.

It is hoping to build on the 2016 event for an even bigger race in 2017.

The event has created interest for the residents and is giving them something to cheer about.