Osborn, in second, prepares to make his move

Matt Osborn held off a large chasing group to win Guernsey's first road race of 2008 around the Vazon circuit.

Osborn broke away with brother Jon before upping the pace to win.

The Velo Club's Philip Touzeau said: "Osborn was understandably nervous, occasionally looking back to see if the chasing groups were in sight.

"One final effort up the final climb to the finish at La Houguette School and Osborn recorded his first victory of the season."

The first race of the season was three laps around the Vazon circuit in wet conditions on Sunday 16 March.

The handicap format meant that three groups set off separately.

Early on in the race there was little action in each of the groups as they worked together to try and keep the pace up and stay away from the chasing groups.

Matt Osborn worked hard to try and stay away from the closing group.

Due to the large number of riders in the chasing group it was difficult for the faster cyclists to organize the group and work together, giving Osborn vital seconds in his break for victory.

Young James McLaughlin finished second, 40 seconds behind Osborn, after attacking the other riders at the bottom of L'Eree to break away from Aaron Bailey, with Jon Osborn fourth and Stuart Le Tissier fifth.