EARL CLAIMS TOP SPOT
Tinwald Cycling Club riders contested the LL Kirwan and Son Ltd : AshburtonOnline graded scratch race around the Blackbridge block on Sunday.
“A” and “B” grade competed over 60km with “C” and “D” battling over 40km.
Simon Earl fought hard to secure a small break in the dying stage of the “A” grade to secure the victory. Brad Hudson drove hard in the chase and was rewarded with second place with Neil Wylie and Rob Hooper on this tail rounding out the top four.
“B” grade also saw a late break in the bunch with Rachel Thow showing great strength in the charge to the line to take the major spoils. Jamie Robertson continued his good form claiming second place with Kristine Marriott earning a hard earned third. Dave Knight led the chasing bunch in to take fourth.
“C” grade was decided in a bunch sprint with Gary Weston producing a performance of old to take the win. Alex Crawford produced another top shelf ride to take second. Brendon Davidson reclaimed top spot in the Davidson stable with a solid third place edging Andrew Shepherd into fourth.
It was a Harcourt quinella in “D” grade with John securing the win and bragging rights over his with Pam. Colin Teahen was in the thick of the finish to take a well deserved third. Lucy Kirwan showed promising form to take fourth spot.
The juniors and division 2 contested a 20km handicap event.
Connie Davidson produced her best ride of the season and a blistering sprint to take the major spoils in the junior event. Sam Cuttle showed he has not lost any of his good bike form claiming second place in the tight sprint to the line. Isaac Earl and Luke Skinner were right on their tail filling the top four positions.
Matt Clough took fastest time honours riding the distance in 34.26. Abe O’Donnell and Mitchel Fitzsimmons secured second and third time.
Andy Skinner took division 2 honours with Janette Hooper taking second and fastest time honours. Kerry Clough rounded out the top three.
Next week the Club travels to Methven to contest a 45km handicap event.
RHODES KING OF THE ROADS
Geoff Rhodes was rewarded for some solid early season efforts with a victory in Tinwald Cycling Clubs, Davidson Refrigeration and Electrical Ltd, 48km handicap event around the Grahams Road block on Sunday.
Rhodes win earned him the right to lift the McElinney Trophy which is no mean feat in itself as it is arguably one of the larger trophies in the District standing at 1.10 metres in height.
It was a tight finish with Alex Crawford charging into second place with Doug Coley pulling out an eye catching performance to secure the third place spoils.
Jamie Robertson showed plenty of promise taking fourth position with Dave Shurrock and Mark Smitheram rounding out the top six.
Timaru visitor Craig Domigan claimed fastest time honours riding the course in 67.54. Co-markers Tony Ward and Josh Connor secured second and third time respectively.
The juniors and division 2 rode 18km.
Maddie Lowry continued her stellar season with a hard fought win over a determined Connie Davidson. Matt Clough charged into third place and in doing so also claimed fastest time honours covering the distance in 27.23. Caitlin Titheridge was hot on his tail in fourth with brother and sister duo Dylan and Suzie Leech filing the next two spots.
Kerry Clough had a good ride to claim Division 2 victory with Janette Hooper taking second and fastest time honours.
Next week the Club will contest a graded scratch event around the Blackbridge block.
SOLO VICTORY TO WHITING
Wayne Whiting went it alone in Tinwald Cycling Club’s Robbies Bar and Bistro 45km handicap event around the Dawsons Road block on Sunday.
Having made a bold solo break away mid race, Whiting found the front and settled into his work in blustery conditions, ensuring that the chasing marks did not haul him to secure a hard fought victory.
A sizable chasing group came together inside the last couple of kilometres with Rob Hooper finishing the race the strongest to claim the second place spoils. Timaru visitor Nathan Dickson took the final podium position. Neil Wylie, having his first hit out of the season, showed he is in good nick claiming fourth spot. Kristine Marriott and Michael Gallagher rounded out the top six.
Chris Karton continued his record of fastest times covering the course in 65.40. Co-markers Tony Ward and Simon Earl took second and third time.
The juniors and division 2 competed over 15km.
Suzie Leech pulled out a top shelf ride to take the win in a tight finish with second place getter Amy Stilgoe-Rooney. Mitchel Fitzsimmons continued his good form to take the third place spoils. Fourth place getter Abe O’Donnell made a late charge and was rewarded with fastest time honours riding the distance in 28.24. Bella Roulston and Matheson Colquhoun filled the top six spots.
Andy Skinner took Division 2 honours.
Next week the Club will contest a 48km handicap event around the Grahams Road block.