McDonalds Super Series Time Trial – Round Three

In ideal weather, six riders entered, all hoping to set a personal best. Myles Higgins was first “cab off the rank,” followed by the young man from Waaia, Paul Hogan. Echuca Moama’s Cameron Smith was next, with Caulfield Carnegie rider Brian Smith, followed by club champion Daniel Burrows.

The favourite to take fastest time, 19-year-old Yarrawonga sensation Max Holgate, started last, giving a five-minute head start to the limit marker, 80-year-old world age group champion Myles Higgins.

Myles had been off the bike for a few weeks due to minor surgery, raising the question of whether he could replicate past performances.

As expected, Max took first place, smashing the course record with a time of 23.09 minutes at a phenomenal average speed of 46.52 kph. He had already completed a three-hour training ride that morning, followed by the ride from Yarrawonga to the start, and of course, he rode home again.

Second place went to 58-year-old Yarrawonga champion Brian Smith, timed at 23.29 minutes and averaging 46 kph, just 20 seconds behind the emerging champion.

Third place was claimed by Paul Hogan, who averaged 38.87 kph, a very strong effort from the Waaia strongman. Paul rides with a backpack and could easily improve his time in the race against the clock if he ditched the accessory.

Fifth place went to Daniel Burrows, who was disappointed with his time but still posted 26.02 minutes at an average of 41.48 kph. Cameron Smith, soon to turn 56, finished fourth with an excellent time of 42.65 kph.

Myles Higgins finished sixth with a time of 30.33 minutes, averaging 35.30 kph.

Max Holgate was also a last-minute inclusion in the hallowed Melbourne to Warrnambool road race last weekend, covering a distance of 265 kilometres.

With limited preparation, he finished in nineteenth place, an exceptional performance from the Yarrawonga teenager.

In 2025, Max journeyed overseas, winning a race in Belgium against some of the best juniors in the world.

He hopes to return later in the year while continuing to build strength under the tutelage of his grandfather, John Holgate, a man with an impressive record in the sport.