Cyclists Battle Elements and Each Other

The Tinwald Cycling Club held the LL Kirwan and Son Ltd : AshburtonOnline graded scratch event around the Blackbridge block on Sunday. "A" and "B" competed over 60km with "C" and "D" grade covering 40km. The riders not only battled each other but also a strong nor-wester ensuring a tough race.

Nathan Tew showed a strong final kick to claim "A" grade honours from Michael Templeton, with Alex Hooper picking up the third place spoils. Brad Hudson and Tony Ward were in the thick of the finish securing fourth and fifth.

"B" grade saw a three person final lap break away.   Rob Hooper held on in a tight finish to claim the win from Myles O'Donnell and Kristine Marriott. Rachel Thow led the chasing bunch in with fifth place getter Bruce McClelland right on her wheel.    

Paul McFie continued his solid early season form with victory in "C" grade. In a large bunch sprint McFie got up over second place getter Brendon Tocher with Dave Shurrock in third. Brendan Davidson stormed into fourth place with Tonee Hurley settling for fifth.

Roger Wilson had too many guns in the final charge to the line setting up victory in "D" grade. Don Morrison showed his strength claiming second place with John Harcourt securing the final podium position. Rosey Acker took fourth place with Liz Wylie in fifth.

The Juniors and Division 2 raced a handicap event over 20km.

Ryan Jackson rode strongly off the front to keep the chasing riders at bay and in doing so secured the win. Caitlin Titheridge took the second place spoils and also fastest time honours. Co-marker Oliver Davidson was right on her wheel in third place. Henry Smith fresh from recent success on the mountain bike charged into fourth place. Sonya Hyde took the honours in Division 2.

Next week the Club travels to Chertsey to contest a 40km handicap event.