Photo Heather MackenzieSteve Hands topped off a stellar first half of the Tinwald Cycling Club’s season, scoring a victory in the Ashburton Club and MSA Super Liquor, Club Championships, contested over 64km around the Wakanui Beach block on Sunday.

The odds-on favourite made his decisive move on the final rise of the four-lap event, and soloed the last 4km to victory.

Hands covered the distance in 92.08.

Hands, along with second place-getter Brad Hudson, third place-getter Larry Neal, and vet 3 men’s winner Tony Ward had earlier snuck to the front of the race on the first lap.

The chasing group contained vet 2 men’s champion Mike Gallagher, along with senior men’s title holder Cole Harris.

Kristine Marriott was in the thick of this bunch, producing her trademark tough ride, to lift the open women’s championship title.

Sam Cuttle continued his solid build-up for the Coast to Coast, lifting the under 19 title.

Paul Williams capped off his recent good form, securing vet 4 men’s championship honours.

Marcel Smithers continued her hot start to the season claiming the vet 1 women’s ribbon, with Michelle Knight securing the senior women’s major spoils.

Liz Wylie was rewarded for a great ride lifting the vet 4 women’s title.

Wayne Whiting rode strongly to secure sealed handicap honours.

The juniors raced for club championship honours over 16km.

Mitch Brookland showed his dominance, securing an all-the-way victory in the under 17 grade, riding the course in 27.02.

Maddi Lowry ensured her last race in junior ranks would be a memorable one, claiming the under 17 girls’ title.

Zoe Spillane continues to impress, rounding out a good first half of the season with the under 15 championship ribbon.

Zac Brookland topped off a good day for the Brookland stable, taking the under 15 boys’ title.

Ryan Gallagher rode a super race to lift sealed handicap honours.

Paul Brake took the bragging rights in division 2, getting up over his wife Monique in a tough sprint finish.

Kyla Smith secured the final podium position.

Merv Grewar finished the year off with the sealed handicap envelope.

The club will take a break over Christmas and kick the New Year off with a 36km handicap event around the Winchmore Church block on January 10, 2021.

© The Ashburton Guardian - 15 December 2020