James first home on new course

Cycling

Pete James was first across the finish line when 37 riders presented themselves to the starter on Tuesday evening for the Athletics and Cycling Masterton handicap road race.

The course was a new one for competitors, starting at Wainuioru School, heading east to the end of the seal towards Stronvar, turning and heading south to the end of the seal on Motukai Rd, before returning to finish at the school.

It is spectacular country, golden like a lion's mane (apologies to Joe Bennett), complete with serious undulations, narrow bridges, a deep gorge and a setting sun - if it were possible to take in the scenery!

Five groups were sent off by starter Sue Lyttle at 0, 8, 11, 14 and 16 minutes. Not one group managed to finish together, although the limit bunch came close. All groups were gobbled up by the scratch riders, with Pete James leading Ben Knight and Andrew Linton to the finish. James was first across the line and shared fastest time with Knight.

There were some excellent individual efforts throughout the field and more than one failure, with usually consistent riders falling by the wayside. Emily Lutyens impressed with third in her group and first junior. Three riders threw in the towel and recorded DNFs.

Actual times were: Pete James 1.02.29, Ben Knight 1.02.29, Andrew Linton 1.02.31, Phil Sutherland 1.02.32, Earle Whitcombe 1.04.35, Warwick Burr 1.04.44, Russell Pickering 1.04.58, Simon Butler 1.07.59, Darren Southen 1.08.00, Sue Bankier 1.08.20, Terry Blackburn 1.10.18, Kirsten Goodin 1.10.59, Donna Burkhart 1.14.00, Lesley Mouat 1.14.17, Chris Smith 1.14.18, Sheri Wales 1.14.31, Douglas Maclachlan 1.14.34, Brian Graham 1.15.18, Julie Millar 1.15.19, Grant Burkhart 1.15.22, Chris Bunny 1.15.22, Dave Howden 1.17.01, Ray Haste 1.17.34, Dave Hodder 1.21.33, Jenna Mangin 1.22.33, Anil Raman 1.23.25, Emily Lutyens 1.23.26, Stan Braaksma 1.23.44, Viv Bunny 1.23.45, Dave McKinlay 1.23.46.

Next Tuesday, March 5, is a handicap road race over 40km from the Gladstone intersection, taking in one lap of the Millers Rd circuit then finishing on Admiral Hill.