Sprint specialist Wayne Scott held off the close attentions of perennial favourite Garth Thomson to seal victory in the 21st Sinclair Packwood Memorial Cycling Race yesterday.

Possessing the ability to outduel his rivals in the closing stages, Scott sped across the finishing line on Cedar Avenue with arms aloft ahead of powerhouse Thomson and Thomas Godfrey, who finished in third position.

Scott said his 'game plan' had been to stay in the hunt until the race reached Hamilton before calling upon his sprint skills to secure the win.

"It was always my intention to get it down to a field sprint," said Scott who won the 2005 edition of the classic.

"In hindsight I would like to say I was always in control of the race, but in truth it was a tough race and the ride stayed together.

"It was our team's tactic to get a small group in at the front, push it on the hills, and try and prevent any attacks.

"I figured if I was towards the front by the time we got into town my chances of winning would increase tremendously. Last year's winner Neil de ste Croix had a 20-metre gap to win, but usually it comes down to a close finish."

In each of the five occasions Scott has entered the race he has managed to secure a podium finish. It is a record he is extremely proud of.

"This a pretty good event for me and I've always had podium finishes. I've raced it five times and won it twice now. Any win is satisfying and I'm really pleased for my team, Winner's Edge."

Esteemed local triathlete Karen Bordage pulled off a victory in the Open Women's contest in what was her maiden appearance in the 12-mile race.

Due to a foot injury, Bordage, also racing for Winner's Edge, was unable to take part in the road race but said she was determined to still compete in some capacity.

"I'm not sure whether there ever is a favourite in the women's race," said Bordage. "It all depends on who actually shows up on the starting line. It was the first time I have done this race and I just wanted to try it out and have a good peformance.

"It was my goal to stay with the guys and just give it as good an effort as I could. A foot injury meant I couldn't compete as a runner but I was still keen to take part today.

"I decided to do the cycle race and I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed it."

The race was slightly marred with Chris Faria being taken to hospital with bruising and a swollen knee after colliding with two parked motorbikes on Queen Street.

Yesterday's race saw 41 riders gather at the Somerset start line, including national team cricketer Arthur Pitcher jr.