Griffith Cycle Club (GCC) held its 2021 Club Championships event at the Hanwood circuit on Sunday.
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As luck would have it there was a welcome break to the recent wet weather. The sun was shining, humidity level was OK, but the stiff easterly wasn't going to do the riders any favours on the Beaumont Rd stretch.
The morning's events started with the individual time trials (ITT) where B, C and D graded competitors were required to complete 10km (1 lap) and achieve their fastest time, A graders were required to complete 20km (2 laps).
A Grade - Malcom Blake took best time at 29.22 mins followed by Nigel Dunstone (29.42) and Craig Tilston (31.44).
B Grade - Dick Hore took best time at 16.50 mins followed by Kingsley Massey (16.57) then Peter Stockwell (17.10).
C Grade was the "battle of the Joneses" with Bronwyn Jones and Tony Jones (un-related) being the only contestants in this grade. Bronwyn took fastest time at 17.40 min followed by Tony (19.02).
D Grade winner was James Mackintosh taking best time of 18.35 mins followed by Tara Payne (19.08) and Peggy Carpenter (19.47).
With the ITT over and done, the graded scratch races began.
A Grade (40Km race) had Mal Blake, Nigel Dunstone, Craig Tilston, Mathew Smith, Jason Minato, Mitch Harrison and Angus Harris set off with their usual tight bunch working in unison expecting the results decider to come in the final sprint. They weren't prepared for the breakaway shock! Riding to his strengths Nigel Dunstone unexpectedly attacked and broke away at the 30km mark leaving the other riders to re-think their finish tactics. Nige's move broke the rhythm of the peloton and with no one willing to lead the chase back, Nige was able to ride away to a well deserved and clear victory. Jason Minato came in 2nd and Angus Harris 3rd.
B Grade (30Km) rolled it over like Pro's and saw Kingsley Massey take first over Rod Savage in the sprint with Peter Stockwell 3rd and Dick Hore 4th.
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C Grade Battle of the Joneses between Bronwyn and Tony continued and lacking in numbers the pair were tacked onto the B grade 30km race. Both riders did well to hang on and keep pace with the stronger group. At the end Bronwyn won out to Tony who by now was regretting the extra serving of Cannelloni the night before.
D Grade's James Mackintosh, Tara Payne, Peggy Carpenter and Paul Muir set to work for their 20km race - tactical James split the bunch at the 15Km mark on Murrumbidgee Ave, Tara put up a good fight and hung on but lost out in the sprint finish to come 2nd. Out of steam Peggy and Paul finished 3rd and 4th.
Many thanks to GCC race volunteers for ensuring the safety of riders and motorists. The next GCC event is the Yoogali Cup at the Hanwood course on 12 December.
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