Opele takes his chance

The Tinwald Cycling Club travelled to Mt Somers to contest the Spray Marks, Stronechrubie, 45km mass start event on Sunday.

A stiff nor wester kept a solid bunch of riders together to the turnaround at Hakatere Station.

Some fireworks out of the turnaround saw several riders miss the break with a group of eight riders slipping off the front.

To add spice to the event the wind changed ensuring a hard push home to the finish line.

With several attacks inside the final kilometres being shut down, Kev Opele chanced his arm inside the final kilometre and managed to slip off the front.

The charging bunch left there run too late and Opele held on for a well-deserved victory.

Brad Hudson stormed home to take second place with Mark Summerfield taking the final podium spot.

Back in the field riders had plenty to race for with sealed handicap honours up for grabs.

Sarah Jenkins rode strongly to lift the sealed handicap trophy.

Ross Templeton secured the second place spoils with overall winner Kev Opele claiming the third place envelope.

The juniors and division 2 contested a 14km handicap event.

Cooper Spillane dug deep to keep the chasing riders at bay by the smallest of margins, staying away for the win.

His sister Zoe Spillane charged though the field from the back mark to claim second place and fastest time honours, riding the distance in 30.58.

Jack Templeton continued his good form taking third place.

Daniel Gould was right on his tail in fourth.

Lily Davidson and Mitch Brookland rounded out the top six.

Sue Templeton took division 2 honours.

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