Scratch riders race through field to claim placings as Woolley wins Stan McPhee memorial race 

MORTLAKE cyclist Darcy Woolley defied hot conditions to win the Stan McPhee memorial race off scratch.

Woolley, 19, defeated fellow scratch-markers Wayne Collins (Warrnambool) and Daniel Lamb (Geelong) on Saturday, winning in 53.08 minutes.

The 35-kilometre Wangoom circuit marked the opening of Warrnambool Cycling Club’s 2013 season and attracted 27 riders.

“It was pretty warm and there were windy conditions too, so it didn’t make it easy for me,” Woolley said. 

“Scratch got up and rode through the field, so that was good for us.”

Woolley estimated he won by about 300 metres.

“Towards the end of the last lap we had a good feeling we were going to get up but it was hard to judge a race like that, especially a handicap,” he said.

Warrnambool Cycling Club vice-president Barry Warren said the Stan McPhee memorial was a well-contested race.

“It was a really good race. The scratch riders did a terrific job and got up late in the race to fill the first three places,” he said.

“Todd Lamb was a middle-marker and put up a really good ride to finish fourth. He’s a Warrnambool rider and a young lad starting to show a bit of form.”

Woolley has signed with cycling team South Africa and Wildlife Safari and will move to Melbourne in March. 

The team will provide the road specialist with equipment sponsors, travel and race entry and accommodation for National Road Series tours. “And there is the thing of being in a team — you have everyone else around to help you out and you help them out,” Woolley said. 

“It’s another step closer to where I want to get in the sport. I’m slowly moving up.”

Woolley said he was unsure what specific role he would be given in the 13-man team.

“I am not too fussed. I want to help them out and help them get wins in tours and one-day races,” he said.

Warrnambool Veterans Cycling Club rode at Wangoom yesterday, with Terry Noonan winning in 14 minutes.

justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au