Christie shows class

The Tinwald Cycling Club travelled to the hills to contest a 45km mass start race at Mt Somers on Sunday.

The splits in the field came inside the first 5km with a group of 7 riders getting off the front of the main group. This group splintered into 3 short of the Hakatere Station turn around.

It was Jason Christie fresh from top shelf results in the Tour de Ijen in Indonesia who found the front and drove home his advantage from a game Nathan Tew who deservedly secured the second place spoils. Brad Hudson continued his good form claiming third place with Christchurch visitor Johno Gee and Tony Ward rounding out the top five.

Andrew Shepherd, having his first hit out of the season, secured the sealed handicap honours with Don Morrison and Gary Weston realising their potential to fill second and third places respectively.

The juniors and division 2 rode a 16km event.

Christchurch junior Louie Brown was too good taking the victory from fellow Club mate Joe Hutchinson. Abe O'Donnell showed his strength to take third spot with Connie Davidson and Oliver Davidson securing fourth and fifth places.

Renee Gage powered home to secure the top podium position in Division 2 from the ever improving Barry Linwood with Sonya Hyde rounding out the top 3.

Next week the Club will contest a 48km handicap event around the Grahams Road block.