CLOSE FINISHES ORDER OF THE DAY

The Tinwald Cycling Club kicked off its summer season of road racing with the Health 2000 : dpi / EmbroidMe graded scratch race around the Christy’s Road block on Sunday.

A good field of in-excess of 50 riders went to the start line.

“A” and “B” grade competed over 35km, while “C” and “D” covered 26km.

Brad Hudson had the final say in the charge to the finish to claim “A” honours, seeing off the challenges of Tony Ward and Shane Brookland. Hudson covered the distance in 52.23.

The “B” grade spoils went to Mark Summerfield, who timed his final effort to perfection. Paul Macfie charged into second place with the ever improving Don Sutton securing third place. Summerfield’s riding time was 56.02.

Gary Weston showed his sprinting prowess taking victory in “C” grade in a time of 44.16. Gene Shurrock kicked his season off with a solid second place ride, with Don Morrison getting up for third in a tight finish.

“D” grade also came down to a bunch sprint with Brian Ellis showing a clean set of heels to take the win from the fast-finishing Lucy Kirwan and Emma Hudson. Ellis recorded a time of 49.49.

With national schools racing on over the weekend a small but enthusiastic field of juniors went to the line.

Mitch Brookland secured “A” grade honours riding the 18km in 36.32.

Zoe Spillane rode a strong 9km race to take the “B” spoils in a time of 18.37. Zac Brookland put in a great effort to take second place.

Janette Hooper secured the division 2 victory from Debbie Skinner, riding the 18km in 36.22.

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