Yates victorious after Iran triumph

Even with the forecast inclement weather and other races on the weekend, there were almost 75 riders racing at the Dog Hill circuit in Baldivis on Saturday.

With ages ranging from 11 to well into their 70s, experience was equally varied, with some in their first races and Theo Yates returning after winning the final stage of the Tour of Iran two weeks ago, a seven-day stage race that ranks just below world tour level.

A-grade saw a breakaway of four, with Yates, Luke Banham, Wade Longworth and Colin Rose getting away early.

While the bunch chased hard, they could not catch the talented quartet, with Yates storming home to take the win, Banham second, Rose third and Longworth fourth.

Patrick Hayburn was the best in the bunch sprint behind for fifth.

The level of ability is more even in B-grade, making it difficult for breakaways to succeed, but it did not stop riders from trying.

It was an aggressive, attacking race that ended in a bunch sprint, which was won by Joel Bateson, with Martin Clarke second and Andrew Brown third.

Mark Crowther attacked from the start in C-grade and it took more than three laps to reel him back in, with the bunch losing half its number in the process.

Crowther recovered well in the next two laps to be active in the sprint, which was won by Clint Stomp, with Crowther second and Callum Henderson third.

There was a good-sized field in D-grade and the smiles at the bell were replaced by grimaces as the attacks started on the final lap.

The bunch was well strung out approaching the finish, with Zoe Stolton sprinting clear for her second win in a row and a promotion to C-grade.

Kristan Hoops was second and Christopher Stones third.

E-grade was a two-rider race, with James Hoops and Alex Maude working together until the finish and a strong sprint by young Hoops secured the win.

The next race is the North Dandalup Handicap on July 4. For more, visit pdcc.asn.au.