DAMP START TO THE SEASON

Sunday saw the opening of Tinwald Cycling Club's 90th season with the Health 2000 : Everyprint, graded scratch event around the Christies Road block.

Although the weather was not kind in excess of 30 hardy souls turned up to kick start their season.

Alex Hooper, recently back from having completed at the World Junior Track Championships, found the line the strongest to claim victory in the 27km A grade event. Nathan Tew, fresh from riding the Twizel to Timaru the previous day, secured second place with Michael Templeton taking the third place spoils. Michael Gallagher led in the chasing bunch to take fourth place.

B Grade was determined with a bunch charge to the line with Wayne Clement charging to the front in the shadow of the finish line to lift the number one spot with Scott Albon taking second place. John Uden showing good early season form took third place from Kristine Marriott in fourth.

C and D Grade combined their event over the shorter distance of 18km. Lucy Kirwan was rewarded for her efforts by claming victory in C Grade with Allan Johns right on her wheel in second place. Nicole Herd kick started her season in the best possible way taking the major spoils in D Grade with Helen Bancroft in second.

The juniors were split into two grades. Jessie Banks continued on from where she left off last season claiming the win in A Grade. Caitlin Titheridge kept the girl power going securing second place with Ryan Jackson close behind in third.

Abe O'Donnell got one back for the boys by claiming victory in B Grade. Libby Ross, having her first start, showed she will be a force be reckoned with as the season goes on, took the second place spoils.

Next week the Club will contest a 32km handicap event around the Wakanui Beach block.