Season Pipe Opener

The Tinwald Cycling Club kicked off its summer season of road racing on Sunday with the Everyprint : Health 2000 graded scratch races around the Christies Road block.

With 70 riders participating over a number of grades racing was competitive with close finishers the order of the day.

"A" grade saw a strong field boosted by outer town riders looking for a solid hit before next weekends Christchurch's Elite series race.

It was local riders however who filled the top 3 positions with Michael Templeton proving to strong in the charge to the line taking victory over Steve Hands and Tony Ward. The 36km was covered in 52.34.

Wayne Clement secured "B" grade honours holding on in the sprint to the line from Timaru visitors Glenn Marshall and Trevor Prattley riding the course in 56.43

"C" grade saw a tight finish with a number of riders putting themselves in the mix for victory over the 27km distance. It was Mark Smitheram who lifted the cup riding the distance in 45.09, from Geoff Rhodes and Gene Shurrock.

Nicole Hands rode strongly to take the "D" grade spoils with a hard fought sprint to the line with her co-markers riding the course in 51.22. John Harcourt charged into second place with Colin Teahen in third place.

The "A" juniors contested an 18km scratch race. Bailey O'Donnell had a good hit out leading into next weeks junior Tour of Southland, taking the win from his younger brother Abe who is also heading south. Cameron Prattley rode strongly to secure third place from James Skinner and Oliver Davidson.

Ethan Titheridge opened his season account with a hard fought win over Jake Marshall and Maddi Lowry in the 9km "B" grade event.

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