The team tackled the 229 km Grafton to Inverell with 3,500 m of climbing, the 5th round of the Hertz ProVelo Super League. 

Conditions began cool with a tailwind with a 17 degree start, heating up later in the day with a predicted 30km/h tailwind once over the range. 

From the start, all five RCA riders—Ryan Thomas, Dylan Proctor-Parker, Brent Rees, Josh Beikoff, and Alex Baker—were aggressive with Brent taking the first sprint of the day. 

At around 55 km, Dylan and Brent made a break. Ryan later bridged with a couple of other riders, forming a group of 20 riders before the Gibraltar Range climb. 

With the gap only 1minute to the peloton, Ryan set a moderate tempo on the Gibraltar climb. Ryan, Dylan, and Brent stayed with the front group over the top, while Alex and Josh were distanced. 

The race really started once we got over the top with non stop attacking for the next 140km with a strong tailwind.

Brent and Dylan ride aggressively, being present in every move, with Ryan conserving initially and then getting on the front foot with some strong cross winds sections. 

At 90–95 km to go, a larger group of 20 formed in a grippy cross tailwind section, including three RCA riders. Aggression continued through Glen Innes with Brent taking the second sprint. 

In the last 70 km, relentless attacks continued. With one solo rider getting a gap, the pace remained high with Ryan keeping the gap close for Brent and Dylan to later animate the final. 

Just prior to the 2nd last climb of Wie Gully, four riders escaped without RCA representation. Ryan kept it close so Brent and Dylan could bridge back, which they did but all riders got back on leading into the final 20km and final climb with 5km to

Again, Ryan kept the pace high and with 5km to go, bigger attacks were launched, with Brent and Dylan giving it their all to fight for the wheel. 

In the end, Brent finished 9th, Dylan 11th, and Ryan 19th—an aggressive performance showcasing RCA as one of the strongest teams.

Brent also won the sprint classification for the race. 

Inverell Criterium

On a tight, twisty circuit in Inverell, it was a hot day. Hometown riders Ryan and Brent were eager to perform. All five RCA riders started proactively making some decisive splits before getting caught and going again.

Brent was very aggressive early, Josh and Alex covering moves. Around halfway, Dylan broke away with six others, creating a favourable scenario. Dylan pushed the pace, knowing he lacked a strong sprint against the other breakaway riders- a smart racing move.

With 8 laps to go, Dylan followed an attack, then went solo for 7 laps. With one lap to go, the Australian champion, from team Brennan bridged across. Dylan, exhausted from the solo effort, held on for second. Brent came in 11th. A podium finish for Dylan and strong team representation made it a proud day—especially on home turf for Ryan and Brent!