Jason Christie - Photo supplied.National road cycling champion Jason Christie showed his class by taking out Saturday’s 100km Rike the Rakaia by almost five minutes.

Christie, who won his second national title in January, cut out the scenic course in 2.31.04, riding away from the field in the Rakaia Gorge and leading 40km to the finish line in Rakaia.

The winning woman was defending Rakaia title-holder Sharlotte Lucas in 2.36.38.

Lucas was one of four women in a bunch sprint for the line with the men’s place-getters Brett Grieve in second and Scott McDonnell in third.

Georgia Catterick was officially the second woman home, with youngers Hannah Bartram and Henrietta Christie another second back.

It was the fourth time Lucas has won the women’s race.

Jason Christie and Catterick took the King and Queen of the Mountain prizes for being first through the gorge.

Christie had been predicted to dominate the race and organiser John Moore said he showed his strength in the gorge, which involved a hairy descent to cross the Rakaia River via a one-lane bridge and a brutal climb up the other side.

It is the first time Christie has taken part in the event, which starts in Rakaia township, goes north across the Rakaia River bridge and overbridge, then heads west towards the hills and the gorge. It is a hard grind up to the gorge and downhill on the way home to Rakaia on the southern side of the river.

Moore said it was a great ride, with many cyclists returning year after year to take part.

While Christie dominated the men, the women’s title was a four-way affair with Lucas, Catterick, Bartram and Henrietta Christie in the mix.

Three small groups amalgated on the ride home to make for an exciting bunch sprint.

Around 150 riders took part in Saturday’s race.

By Linda Clarke © The Ashburton Guardian - 26 February 2018