TEMPLETON OPENS SEASON ACCOUNT

The Tinwald Cycling Club kicked off the 2016/17 season with the Health 2000 / EmbroidMe / Dpi graded scratch race around the Christys road block on Sunday.

With some 60 riders going to the line across all grades, good racing was assured with final positions hotly contest.

“A” and “B” grade raced over 35km.

Michael Templeton had the final say in the charge to the line in “A” grade, seeing off the challenge of second place getter Alex Hooper. Sam Letham backing up from competing in the Calder Stewart elite series the day before secured third spot.

“B” grade saw a spirited bunch sprint with Glen Marshall finding the line strongly to claim the victory from Ross Templeton and Kristine Marriott.

“C” and “D” grade battled it out over 27km.

“C” grade was again decided in the final charge to the line with Wayne Clement digging deep to claim the win and major spoils. Barrie Begg was in the thick of the finish powering his way to second spot, with Gregor Robertson picking up the final podium position.

Nigel Leary put his recent top effort in the Twizel to Timaru to good use claiming the win in “D” grade, getting up over Michelle Knight who produced a top effort to take second place. Ryan Jackson continued his good form from last season taking third spot.

The juniors also contested a graded scratch.

Matthew Clough carried on his good form claiming the victory in the 18km, “A” grade event. Second place getter Josh Harkness showed some real potential in taking second place, with the ever present Maddie Lowry and Liam Begg rounding out the top four.

Alyssa McGinity finished strongly to claim the “B” victory after a great battle with second place getter Emma Begg.

Division 2 saw a tight finish with Beth Begg rounding out a good day for the Begg stable taking the major spoils, edging Rachel Russell into second position. Kerry Clough and Les Brown rounded out the top four.     

Next weekend the Club will contest a 36km handicap event around the Wakanui Beach block.