mmg.com.au

Blackburn’s Brent Nelson knew he was a big chance.

The 20-year-old had a dream ride up to the last lap in the Shepparton Cycling Club’s men’s wheelrace at Shepparton Velodrome on Saturday night.

Starting off a 60m handicap, he had grouped with fellow backmarkers and slowly rounded up the front of the field.

Nelson said he was confident heading into the final lap.

‘‘I had a pretty good ride, really,’’ Nelson said after the race.

‘‘I managed to not have to really do too much work throughout the race.

‘‘I had a pretty good sit, so I felt pretty good coming into the last lap and I knew I had a good lap in me.

‘‘When I came around the last corner and I could sort of see the shadows of the riders behind me, I pretty much knew I had it there.’’

It was the second time Nelson has saluted in the feature race at the Shepparton leg of Cycling Victoria’s Christmas Carnival, having won in 2010.

His main challenger appeared to be South Australian speedster George Tansley, the man who had stopped his bid for three consecutive Invitational Keirin wins earlier in the night.

Tansley missed the podium despite a brave ride.

It was reigning champ Tyler Spurrell who finished second.

‘‘I know George Tansley is really quick and he has got some form coming off the Madison international championships, where he was the best placed Australian,’’ Nelson said.

‘‘I knew it was going to be hard.

‘‘Then with Tyler Spurrell on my wheel as well, I sort of kicked hard in the back straight and hoped for the best and fortunately I managed to hold them off.’’

Nelson is a well-credentialled rider.

He was a star junior, who boasts more than 10 Victorian titles, predominantly in track events.

But cycling has taken a back-seat the past few years, as he focused on studying biomedical science.

It has meant that the summer, his off-study period, season has been his main participation.

He expects his cycling to be put on the backburner again, after being accepted for a medicine surgery course.

‘‘I don’t know how much training I am going to be able to do over the next few years,’’ he said.

‘‘Hopefully I can get a few rides in and still get to the carnivals.’’

Whatever happens, it is certain Nelson will be trying to get back to Shepparton.

‘‘It is my favourite track, of the four tracks for the carnival,’’ he said.

‘‘It is always a nice track to ride and it has always got a good atmosphere, I really enjoy Shepparton.

‘‘I have done quite well in the past and it is always good to come back.’’