Scratchmen had caught chopping block cyclists, including Tolland’s Andrew Francis, in his comeback to racing after 20 months off, who made an early break to win The Rock Classic.

“I didn't mean to (break from the bunch), I just rode over the top of the young fellas, and got a gap,” he said.

“I just kept looking behind me, hoping nobody would catch me. I was pretty lucky, a little tailwind helped me out, and a few blokes in the scratch mob didn’t bother to chase me, I think they were helping out a team mate.”

Francis said earlier in the race he was able to conserve energy due to a relatively flat course, between The Rock and Lockhart.

In the lead-up to the race, Francis had a four-month heavy training stint with Tolland club cyclists including last year’s tour winner Daniel Addison and Peter Treloar, who clocked the fastest time on Sunday.

During his time off from racing because of work commitments, he trained alone.

He took up cycling three years ago when he sustained an injury from running.

“I haven’t looked back,” he said.

“There’s a nice group of 10-12 blokes who go out in the mornings before work.”

Francis plans to complete the tour.