The famous event has delivered champions like Caleb Ewan, Robbie McEwen, Chloe Hosking and Amanda Spratt to the summer crowds around the Bay, but this year the event has been postponed.

In its three decades long history the Bay Crits has always worked to overcome adversity and calendar changes, and Race Director John Trevorrow is looking to deliver another great edition in 2022

"It's no doubt disappointing that the ever popular Crits could not be held in January, but as we know many sporting events have been shelved across this period and we have now joined that group that includes the Cadel Evans Road Race and the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.

"As organisers, we have always put rider and public safety first and in the end missing one year is not as important as ensuring the long term viability of the event, which attracts thousands of fans to the courses each year.

"I thank everyone, all our sponsors and stakeholders, who worked so hard in a bid to make it happen - and now we have a chance to re-load and launch back into the cycling calendar in 2022.

"Standby for us to bring more home grown heroes, internationals and new men's and women's house hold names to the area. I look forward to unearthing another Caleb."

Contact us if you're interested in securing commercial opportunities for 2022 in advance.

Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist CHLOE HOSKING has secured her second overall Lexus of Blackburn Bay Crits title with a powerful display on the streets of Williamstown, while World Champion Team Pursuit member SAM WELSFORD has claimed the men's event.

An early shower of much needed rain in the port suburb delayed the start of the third stage, but once the track dried the racing was on in earnest, with the top three in both the men's and women's races separated by just a few points.

Due to the rain today, all races at the Lexus Of Blackburn Bay Crits stage in Williamstown will be delayed by at least 1 hour. This includes support events and means there will be no action on the track until at least midday.

New start times:

• Women’s support will be delayed until 12pm and reduced to 30min
  
• Damion Drapac Trophy will start at 12.35pm
  
• Women’s Elite 1.25pm
  
• Men’s elite 2.15pm
  
• Presentations at 3.20pm
  

A crash on the final lap of the women's Lexus of Blackburn Bay Crits has likely ended 2018 National Road Race Champion SHANNON MALSEED's summer campaign, after she was transported to hospital via ambulance. The Lexus team rider was involved in a crash with Brit MOLLY PATCH (Appselec) and EMMA CHILTON (Roxsolt Attaquer). Both of those riders were treated on site, and will be further assessed.

Malseed was conscious on the back straight, but in clear distress with medical diagnosis still underway at hospital to establish the full extent of her injuries - early reports indicator a suspected shoulder injury.