FROM the scratch mark, Isaac Buckell powered to another impressive victory in the David Capuano Memorial Wheelrace (3000m) at Thursday night's Bendigo and District Cycling Club track racing.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A field of 25 contested the Caps Cup, one of the most prestigious events on the club calendar.
A top cyclist, footballer and athlete, David Capuano was killed in a car crash in 1993.
Thursday's race marked the 27th running of the event which is proudly supported by David's parents, Alan and Joan.
The race is traditionally run around the Australia Day holiday weekend, but inclement weather led to a re-schedule for the 2021 edition of Caps Cup.
It was a gruelling 7 1/2 challenge for Buckell as limit started off the 390m mark in the 7 1/2 lap finale.
At the bell it was Harrison Morley and Todd Schintler who led the way.
Josh Clark had played a key role in the backmarkers being able to latch onto the big pack approaching 250 metres to go.
It was experience against youth as Schintler and Buckell surged around the final bend.
The Caps Cup winner in January 2020, Buckell triumphed again from Schintler (150m), Clark (40), Toby McCaig (210), and Justin Leske (200).
There are many links to Capuano.
Race presentations were done by Rik McCaig, one of Capuano's closest friends in cycling and in their schooldays.
It was Rik McCaig's younger son, Toby who fought on to be fourth in the final.
Awarding of fifth is also important was Capuano was fifth in several of the major wheelraces across Victoria and at Tasmania's carnivals.
The night's racing included the DCK Crystal Classic for women in which multiple national track champion Alessia McCaig won off the scratch mark.
Next in a closely-fought finish were Iesha Humber, Belinda Bailey and Haylee Jack.
A brilliant feat by McCaig earned the Hairem Scarem Hairdressing ride of the night award.
Rain and strong winds forced organisers to hold the men's elite scratch race for the club championship until next Thursday night when the points score will also be decided on the Tom Flood Sports Centre track.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
