The 25-year-old Layzell from Lake Macquarie, who owns a cycling parts importing business, made the most of the opportunity to ride in his first Tamworth club race.

“I’ve ridden here before but only in winter on my way  through,”  Layzell said.

“It was quite tough in the heat. 

“I had a bit of a dig early too to keep the intensity and make it a hard race.”

His hard work paid off as he beat Mick Sherwood and Mitch Carrington to the line for a good win.

“I like coming up here,” Layzell said.

“The local cycling community is so tight-knit. 

“I am impressed by how well they get on and how sociable they are.”

He’s also in training for the National Road Titles in Ballarat early next year.

“I’ll have a crack at the time trial,” he said.

While he won the A Grade, the B Grade was a victory for John Freiberg from Mal Ellicott and David Smith and C Grade was dominated by the girls, Jess Saunders winning from Sara Spokes with Rod Watts heading  the male presence  for third.

Brooke Cameron also made it a good day for the females, the massage therapist winning the D Grade from Kai Sanders and Darren Taylor.

Tamworth races at Goddard Lane again from 8am this Sunday.