Cycling season kicks off under blue skies

In excess of 60 riders were greeted with perfect spring conditions when they went to the line in Tinwald Cycling Club’s first event of the season, the Health 2000, Dpi / EmboidMe graded scratch race, around the Christys Road block on Sunday.

“A” and “B” grade honours were contested over 36km while “C” and “D” grade battled it out over 27km.

Oliver Davidson carried his good form on from his second place in the Twizel-Timaru Classic, to secure the winners spoils in “A” grade, riding the distance in 52.08.

Tony Ward was in the thick of the sprint finish to take second place, with Nigel Douglas and Brad Hudson rounding out the top four.  

“B” grade also saw a bunch finish with Caitlin Titheridge showing a clean set of heels in the charge to the line, to lift the winner’s trophy, covering the distance in 56.31.

Matt Marshall stormed home to take second place honours.

John Uden and Kevin Opele showed good early season form, filling third and fourth places respectively.

Roger Wilson kicked his season off in the best possible way taking victory in “C” grade. Wilson rode the course in 44.00.

In another tight finish Larry Neal charged into second place, with Don Morrison and Shona McGrath-Proctor in the thick of the finish taking the minor spoils.

Veteran Tony McManus saw off the challengers on his way to victory in “D” grade, recording a time of 47.59.

Sisters Amy Ferguson and Nicole Hands produced top rides to fill the final two podium positions. Amy secured bragging rights this week getting up to take second place. Dave Shurrock rounded out the top four.

The junior “A” graders competed over 18km with the “B” graders covering 9km.

Maddie Lowry showed her strength taking “A” grade honours, riding the distance in 31.31. Zoe Spillane put up a good fight to take second place with Mitch Brookland securing the third place spoils.

First timers James Reid and Cooper Spillane went to the line in “B” grade.

James had a great race to take the winner’s trophy, riding the course in 20.10. Cooper showed plenty of fight to storm home in second place.

Hillary Singlewood saw off all challengers to secure division 2 victory.

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