Gray takes hard earned victory
Kyle Gray played his cards early and it paid off handsomely when he lift the Tinwald Cycling Club, NBS Ashburton, Club Champions title on Sunday.
Raced around the Wakanui Beach block over 64km, the first spilt of the race came 10km in, as the bunch creased the second rise.
The break saw 9 riders go clear and settle into their work with the major prize in their sights.
Fresh from claiming victory in the 5 Passes Tour, Gray attacked the group with 6km to go and backed his prolonged power to stay away.
The chasing bunch gave nothing away, but Gray held on bravely to claim the win by 1 second on the line from the fast finishing Steve Hands.
Gray rode the distance in 89.55.
Larry Neal was in the thick of the finish to claim third place honours.
Fourth placegetter Tony Ward lifted the vet 3 ribbon.
Cole Harris dug deep to secure the senior men’s title.
Michael Gallagher produced a top ride to claim the vet 2 spoils.
Kristine Marriott laid down one of her trade mark tough rides to get into the front break with her efforts earning the women’s Club Championship title.
Monique Brake put in a solid days work in chasing group to claim the vet 1 women’s ribbon and second place overall.
Sam Cuttle efforts saw him lift the first under 19 home cup and ribbon.
In the closest contest of the day Don Morrison out sprinted John Doherty to claim the vet 4 ribbon.
Paul Brake produced his best race of the season to claim the sealed handicap honours.
Junior Club titles were also up for grabs, with a good field of riders contesting the 16km course.
Mitch Brookland made his last race as a junior one to remember taking out the under 17 champions title.
Zoe Spillane continued her good season lifting the under 17 girls ribbon.
Zac Brookland rounded out a great day for Team Brookland securing the under 15 boys title.
Eliza McKenzie was rewarded for a great ride with the under 15 girls ribbon.
Tom Reid pulled out all the stops to take the sealed handicap honours.
Division 2 saw a close fought battle with Kerry Clough coming out on top, with Ross Templeton and Debbie Skinner filling the final podium spots.