BIG FIELDS ORDER OF THE DAY

Big fields in all grades were the order of the day in Tinwald Cycling Clubs, 32km handicap event around the Wakanui Beach block on Sunday.

With in excess of 60 cyclists going to the start line it was Christchurch rider Ray O'Connor who won a spirited bunch sprint to score victory.

O'Connor and his co-markers combined well with the groups they caught, keeping the momentum going right to the line and setting up a grand stand finish.

The ladies then led the way filling the next four positions.

Pam Harcourt showed real strength to claim second place spoils after a hard fought sprint with third place getter Heather Daly.

Adina Middleton secured fourth place from Kimberly Marshall who continues to improve every week.

Hamish Wright who is building towards the up and coming Tour of Southland claimed the fastest time of 47.46 from co-markers Tony Ward and Nathan Tew.

The juniors and division 2 raced over 16km.

Henry Smith stepped onto the top of the podium having claimed victory in the under 15 grade.

He would have been aware that his sister Isabella Smith who rode powerfully to grab second position was chasing him down. Kees Donaldson lifted third place having been pushed hard by his co-marker Bailey O'Donnell who finished fourth.  Both were rewarded with second and third fastest times respectively.

Ben Sutton who continues to set the mark in this grade claimed fastest time honours riding the course in 30.27.

The under 17's saw the front markers shut out the back markers with some good team riding.

It was Brayden Booth who held on by the barest of margins to lift the top prize.  Alex Wootton was awarded second place with Julia Tarbotton taking the third place spoils.

Back marker Brendon Whalley rode the course in 26.43 to secure fastest time honours from Sam Cullimore and Laurent Fifield.

Eight division 2 riders took to the road.  Tania Tocher had a bit extra at the end of the race to secure first place from Helen Bancroft with Alex Cameron riding into third place.  Emma Hudson showed no mercy grabbing fastest time from her father in law, Brent Hudson.

Next week the Club will race around the Winchmore Church block.