Darling competed within the A-Grade classification and is a late-starter as a cyclist, but the Wagga Wagga native is starting to show strong signs on two wheels.

He recently moved to Woodend where he joined local development squad Race VMG Accounting under the guidance of Ken Maddern.

Despite riding against a field of stars which included Tour winner Dylan McKenna, the White brothers Liam and Nick, in addition to local Bendigo young gun Blake Agnoletto, Darling wasn't intimidated and featured in several breakaways during the three-day race.

Darling was presented the award by Jason's father Graeme who gave a speech on his son's love of the sport and the importance of the award to the Lowndes family.

Other awards from the weekend included Agnoletto taking the Waterson Build Sprint and Nick White winning the Harvest Food and Wine Competition.

McKenna was the overall GC A-Grade winner after defending the lead on the final four-lap 58km stage through Harcourt.

The Castlemaine Cycling Club member started the fourth stage of the Bendigo District Cycling Club event with a 20-second buffer, but he knew the final leg was going to be tough as there was a strong contingent of riders in contention.

McKenna (6:02:53) secured the general classification victory from Ballarat brothers Liam (+8) and Nick White (+25).

Bendigo rising star Agnoletto (1:25:47) won the final leg of the tour, securing three stage victories in total, and finished fifth in the general classification.

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