Great Racing in Cycling Season Opener

The Tinwald Cycling Club kicked the 2015/16 season off on Sunday with a graded scratch event around the Christys Road block.

Close to 70 riders across all grades took to their bikes in improving spring weather and were rewarded with some close exciting racing.

“A” and “B” grade contested a 36km course.

Timaru visitor Chris Karton sprinted the strongest to secure “A” honours from Alex Hooper and Michael Templeton, with the scratch men covering the distance in 51.22.

“B” grade also saw a grandstand finish with Christchurch rider Terry Gyde having the final say on the line edging out Kristine Marriott and Paul Macfie.

“C” and “D” grades battled over 27km.

Don Sutton pulled out a big finish in a bunch sprint to claim the major spoils in “C” grade. Grant Paine stormed into second place with Doug Coley digging deep to secure the final podium position. Sutton rode the course in 45.16.

Matt Ellis opened his season account with a good victory in “D” grade holding out Colin Teahan in a tight finish with John Harcourt charging into third place.

The juniors also contested a graded scratch event with “A” grade competing over 18km with “B” riding 9km.

Abe O’Donnell continued where he left off last season with a good win in “A” grade but not before a tight battle with the ever improving Caitlin Titheridge who claimed second place honours. Bella Roulston fought strongly to take third place edging out James Skinner in a tight finish. Abe rode the course in 30.37.

Matheson Colquhoun had to dig deep to take “B” victory in a sprint finish with Maddison Clark. Susie Leech held out her brother Dylan Leech to secure third place.

Shona Proctor saw off the challengers in the 18km Division 2 event to take the win from Janette Hooper and Andy Skinner.    

Next week the Club travels to Wakanui to contest a 32km handicap event.