EARL CLAIMS TOP SPOT
Tinwald Cycling Club riders contested the LL Kirwan and Son Ltd : AshburtonOnline graded scratch race around the Blackbridge block on Sunday.
“A” and “B” grade competed over 60km with “C” and “D” battling over 40km.
Simon Earl fought hard to secure a small break in the dying stage of the “A” grade to secure the victory. Brad Hudson drove hard in the chase and was rewarded with second place with Neil Wylie and Rob Hooper on this tail rounding out the top four.
“B” grade also saw a late break in the bunch with Rachel Thow showing great strength in the charge to the line to take the major spoils. Jamie Robertson continued his good form claiming second place with Kristine Marriott earning a hard earned third. Dave Knight led the chasing bunch in to take fourth.
“C” grade was decided in a bunch sprint with Gary Weston producing a performance of old to take the win. Alex Crawford produced another top shelf ride to take second. Brendon Davidson reclaimed top spot in the Davidson stable with a solid third place edging Andrew Shepherd into fourth.
It was a Harcourt quinella in “D” grade with John securing the win and bragging rights over his with Pam. Colin Teahen was in the thick of the finish to take a well deserved third. Lucy Kirwan showed promising form to take fourth spot.
The juniors and division 2 contested a 20km handicap event.
Connie Davidson produced her best ride of the season and a blistering sprint to take the major spoils in the junior event. Sam Cuttle showed he has not lost any of his good bike form claiming second place in the tight sprint to the line. Isaac Earl and Luke Skinner were right on their tail filling the top four positions.
Matt Clough took fastest time honours riding the distance in 34.26. Abe O’Donnell and Mitchel Fitzsimmons secured second and third time.
Andy Skinner took division 2 honours with Janette Hooper taking second and fastest time honours. Kerry Clough rounded out the top three.
Next week the Club travels to Methven to contest a 45km handicap event.