The weather conditions for the race were atrocious with 40-50 km/h winds, gusting up to 74 km/h, and temperatures around the 35 degree mark. The handicapper split the group in four bunches, with limit receiving a mark of 13 mins, second limit at 8 mins 30 secs, chopping block at 4 mins, and scratch. A false limit duo were given a 5 minute start on limit.

Four Griffith Cycle Club member braved the elements and tackled the hilly course which is not that easy even under good conditions. Jenni Massey and Dick Hore formed part of the limit group whilst Kingsley Massey was in the 8 minute 30 group. Craig Tilston has been showing good form and was the driving force in the chopping block group.

With the ferocious North-westerly wind, all the bunches headed on the 8km southbound leg at a blistering pace. Jenni Massey and Dick Hore were sitting in their bunch comfortably whilst Kingsley Massey in his first Riverina race of the year was finding the 50 kph pace a bit tough. Chopping Block and Scratch were not making up much ground at this point.

On the left turn, heading towards Cootamundra, Craig Tilston drove the chopping block up the main climb of the race, with his bunch mates struggling to keep with the pace.  At this stage Dick Hore, Gary Halloran and Andrew Piffero had broken away from the limit group and sped down the hill from the turn-around point and assumed the race lead. Coming down the hill became treacherous for bunch riding, with the pounding wind buffeting riders dangerously.   By now the race had splintered with a number of lone riders, pairs and with those managing to stay in a bunch of four at a huge advantage.

The four remaining chopping block riders swept up the rest of the field and were only caught by the chasing scratch group 1 km from the end. However one rider, Brad Wild of Tolland Cycle Club, from the 8min 30 sec group had outlasted his bunch to take a solo win about 15 seconds ahead of the combined chasing bunch. Dan Addison was too quick and won the bunch sprint to take second place, whilst Brodie Pearse with third across the line and fastest time at 1 hr 15 min and 37 seconds. Craig Tiston finished in 6th place, completing an excellent race and proudly promoting the Griffith colours amongst Tolland armada.

Jenni Massey tenaciously completed the race and outlasted all the woman, to claim the first women rider. The Tour de Riverina continues with Stage 3 – Raymond Jarratt Handicap on Saturday, 7th April.