CYCLING
Local riders impressed in the first race of the 2023 Trust House Team Road Cycling Series held around the challenging Alfredton circuit on Sunday.
Seven riders from the two Tararua Builders claimed spots in the top 11 of the category four race over 68km, comprising two laps of the northern Wairarapa circuit, which was buffeted by strong cross winds.
TBR Lost Boys showcased their strength, conquering the hills and crosswinds to set up Chris Sutherland’s victory, with teammate Dave Drummond securing an impressive fourth place.
In Category Three, raced over the same challenging 68km distance, Jeremy Salmon of the Pedal Project team emerged victorious. Notably, Bike Manawatu showcased their strength by securing positions for their riders in the top 12, catapulting them to the front in the team rankings.
To encourage wider participation in category two, race organisers opened the doors to individual riders, leading to an intense 102km race of three laps of the Alfredton circuit. Individual riders took the first two places, with Ari Scott crossing the finish line first ahead of Adam Francis and WCNI rider Jack Padega clinching the third position.
The next race is on Sunday, October 15, on a flat circuit around Te Horo in Kapiti Coast – the first time in the 10 years the series has travelled out of the region.
Results after race one
Category Two – Ari Scott [Individual] 1, Adam Francis [Individual] 2, Jack Padega [WCNI] 3. Leading Team: WCNI
Category Three – Jeremy Salmon [Pedal Project] 1, Andy Richarson [Bike Manawatu JT Coaching] 2, William van Loon [Bike Manawatu JT Coaching] 3. Leading Team: Bike Manawatu JT Coaching
Category Four – Chris Sutherland [Tararua Builders Lost Boys] 1, Andrew Campbell [Pedal Project] 2, Graham Hall [Palmfeild Bike Manawatu] 3. Leading Team: Pedal Project
