Uden lifts Eddie Ward Shield

John Uden had a day to remember in Tinwald Cycling Club’s, McIntosh Group, 48km handicap event around the Grahams Road block on Sunday. Uden found himself in the winner’s circle for the first time in a number of years, his victory securing him the Eddie Ward Shield.

This was the first time since Eddie’s passing that the Shield was presented and it was his brother and life member of the Tinwald Cycling Club, Chris Ward, who did the honours.

Uden and his co-markers found the front of the race inside the final 10km, but had plenty of work to do with the back markers in hot pursuit.

The sprint was hotly contested with the first 10 riders finishing within seconds of each other.

Uden saw off the challenge of the fast finishing Kevin Opele who claimed the second place spoils.

Don Sutton was again in the thick of the finish to climb onto the podium in third spot.

Ryan Jackson produced his best race of the season to secure fourth place, with Brett McGinity and Drew Titheridge rounding out the top six.

Fastest time honours went to Eddie’s son, Tony Ward, riding the distance in 67.58. Co-markers Brad Hudson and Michael Templeton claimed second and third time.

Kristine Marriott, Eddie’s niece, secured the women’s fastest time ribbon.

The juniors and division 2 contested a 16km handicap race.

Jake Marshall pulled out all the stops to find the front and hold out the chasing riders to secure the win.

Ethan Titheridge produced a strong ride to take the second place spoils with Jake’s younger brother, Daniel holding on bravely to claim third place.

Oliver Davidson took fourth place and fastest time honours riding the course in 26.03.

Caitlin Titheridge, fresh from securing third place in the under 17 girls New Zealand mountain bike championships, took fifth place.

Janette Hooper produced a solid sprint to claim division 2 honours with Andy Skinner in second place and Bill Hood third.

Next week the Club will contest a handicap event around the Blackbridge block.