Tinwald Cycling 60km Handicap. Photo supplied.Mark Smitheram was the big winner on Sunday, as the Tinwald Cycling Club completed one last dress rehearsal before its blue ribbon events.

Riders contested the McIntosh Group, 60km handicap event around the Blackbridge block, seven days out from the club championships.

Smitheram was rewarded for some good recent form, taking victory in a hard-fought three-up sprint to the line to lift the Eddie Ward Shield.

Co-marker Marcel Smithers also continued her stellar season, securing second place spoils and receiving the Chris Ward Cup for the first woman home.

Paul Williams produced his best hit out of the season thus far to claim the final podium spot, and Wayne Whiting led the chasing bunch to claim fourth place.

John Uden and Nick Grijns were in the thick of the finish to round out the top six positions.

Scratch marker Steve Hands laid down another strong display to claim fastest time honours, riding the course in 84 minutes 43 seconds.

Co-markers Tony Ward and Kyle Gray secured second and third times respectively.

A good field of juniors and division 2 riders contested a 20km handicap event, with Mitch Brookland enjoying an immense outing.

He rode through from the back mark to take the win and record the fastest time, completing the circuit in 34 minutes 8 seconds.

Zoe Spillane also produced a top drawer performance, catching all bar the victorious Brookland en route to second place.

Tegan Marriott had a stand out ride to hold on bravely to clinch third place.

Hot on her heels was the ever consistent Ryan Gallagher, with Honor Bradford and Penny Marriott next home.

Kyla Smith had her first showing of the season take the win in division 2 and fastest time honours in a tight finish from Janette Hooper and Debbie Skinner.

Next week the club will race for club championship titles around the Wakanui Beach block.

© The Ashburton Guardian - 8 December 2020