Fate can be a cruel and callous opponent, just ask Dana Henry.

Henry appeared set for his first Heritage Cycle Race title yesterday until he was duped into literally giving away victory.

Possessing a healthy lead entering the final sprint along Cedar Avenue, Henry's hopes withered just as he flailed his right hand in what he thought was a celebration. But tragically, Henry had misjudged the finish line by 20 yards, which allowed him to be overtaken.

And while Henry was left disconsolate, MacInnis Looby took his moment to rejoice in triumph.

"I can't believe it,'' said Henry, being constantly bombarded by the question `what happened?' "That's one of the biggest mistakes I've made in my racing career.

"My position was so good coming on the stretch I just knew I had it, but when I got to the line...nothing.

"If I could go back I would have just rode through, but I just never thought that would happen to me.'' Still, it was not the first time Henry's anxiousness to celebrate had undermined his right to do so. Neither was it Looby's in being the beneficiary of the former's charity as a similar scenario took place during last year's season series.

However, this time the stakes were much higher, with the winner earning the distinction of "King of the Roads.'' Looby now wears the crown after taking advantage of Henry's blunder and then beating Sinclair Packwood in a furious battle of wills, crossing the line mere inches in front.

It was a deserved win for Looby, who had worked hard throughout, leading the pack while forcing the pace along with his fellow Winner's Edge team-mates Greg Hopkins, Tim Palmer and Stephane Carpentier during the 12 mile trek from Somerset.

"One thing, you never give up until a man crosses the line, so I kept pushing through until the line,'' said Looby, who has been training full-time the last few months in California.

"Dana misjudged the finish and put his hand up early and that's what it took to allow me and Sinclair to come through. I knew about Sinclair's reputation as a sprinter, but he needs a lead out and he didn't have that and I knew I had a good chance but it was close.. . just inches that I beat him.'' Asked if he was satisfied with the win Looby sent mixed signals.

"Well, yes and no. I really had hoped to win it more convincingly, but a win's a win,'' said Looby, whose immediate goal is to be able to compete in Europe next year.

"I just went out there prepared to hammer because most of my races are 100 miles longer than this one. This is only 12 miles, I'm just getting started at 12 miles.

"I guess you could say it hasn't really hit me yet what I've done.

Wet roads dampened the speeds and it was not until Burnt House Hill that a main pack of 12 was clearly established.

From there Hopkins took the lead role, punishing the group's legs with his attack off the curves along Harbour Road.

Not known for his sprinting ability Hopkins would drop off nearing the end and Palmer was dealt an even harsher blow just as all seemed well, when he was sent sprawling on the tarmac after skidding out while turning onto Queen Street.

Damian Wilson held the lead briefly as the riders headed up Church Street, but it was Henry who was able to make the crucial final turn first, but to no avail.

Runner-up Packwood was classy in defeat, offering no excuses and paying respect to Looby, whom he described as "simply better on the day.'' In the senior category Vic Ball showed that there remains life in his aged legs, surging to first place, followed by Richard Mason and Andy Ferguson.

Among the women Melanie Claude triumphed over Margaret Hateley and Shona Palmer.

Youngster Duncan Simons meanwhile gained revenge against fellow junior rider Kris Hedges after being beaten by the latter during the recent Grand Prix.

The novice winner was Troy Trott.

Heritage Day race photos by: Tony Cordeiro, David Skinner, Tamell Simons HERITAGE CHAMP -- MacInnis Looby relaxes following his sprint to victory in yesterday's Heritage Cycle Race.

FINAL PUSH -- MacInnis Looby (second from left) charges to victory at the end of yesterday's Heritage Cycle Race. Sinclair Packwood (far right) and Dana Henry (far left) placed second and third respectively.

LEON MATTHEWS -- second Master, and eighth overall in 1:19.23 LAST BUT NOT LEAST -- Leon Hayward, aged over 80, finished in 3:12.06.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN -- May 24 Derby champion during the 1960s, Ed Sherlock, completed yesterday's race in 1:33.42 which landed him second place to Geoff Bell in the Seniors division.

SETTLING IN -- Jennifer Fisher (centre) leads a group of runners during the early going.

THIRSTY WORK -- Masters champion Rod Allen, sixth overall, grabs a drink as he heads toward town.