A good number of riders signed on for the latest race in the Mount Gambier Cycling Club Summer series held on the relatively flat, but exposed 25km course along Attamurra Road and back.

The club welcomed another five riders for their first race of the series and a Southerly breeze gusting up to 30kph made life hard. The handicappers for this race had divided the 27 nominated riders into six groups led by Jamison Buckley and Jason Buckland.

They were given a seven-minute head-start on Jen Buckland, Shane Fiegert and Michael Dethmore, who were supposed to be joined by Pru Riddoch, but an unfortunate mechanical just before the start put paid to her race before it had even begun.

The final group consisting of Dave Bryant, Nick Kidman, Adam Kauer, Matthew Opperman and Rob Mann was allowed to leave after 18 minutes, beginning the hard chase to everyone else.

Out in front, Buckley rode away from Jason Buckland by the 7km mark to take control. The tailwind ensured most groups stayed intact, but a headwind after the turnaround brought the pack together.

With 4.5km to go, Jason Buckland was caught by John Cranwell, Paul Brooker and Spek Peake with the scratch riders still 1km further back. Buckley managed to stay away for the entirety of the race to take victory in a time of 50 minutes and eight seconds.

He was followed approximately three minutes later by Cranwell and Brooker, who managed to snare ahead of the fast-finishing Kidman. Kidman also took fastest time honours with a time of 38.13.

Three junior riders greeted the commissaire for their 10km race. All three riders time trialled for the duration of the race with Molly Opperman leading them home in a race time of 25.37 and a ride time of 21.37.

Buckley could not catch her and had to settle for second, while riding the fastest time of 19.24 followed by Kira Harpham. The next race of the Summer Series will return to Caves road next Sunday from 9am, for another 10km Junior race and a 25km handicapped Senior race.