Tough race in windy conditions

Cycling

A good mix of 38 Athletics and Cycling Masterton cyclists took part in a tough, three-lap 36km handicap road race around the Carrington circuit on Tuesday night.

It is invariably windy up against the foothills and this race was no exception, although conditions were not as bad as when a full westerly is blowing.

The sharp climb into Hurirua Rd will always test the stamina of even the fittest of riders but then the fast downhill and sweeping bends leading into Haringa Rd provide excellent variation.

Four groups of riders starting at zero, five-minute, eight-minute and 12-minute intervals graced the starting line at Haringa Rd.

Although favourable handicapping assisted the back markers to overhaul some of those starting earlier within a couple of laps, it was Kerry Fitzgerald who rode away to take line honours.

Fitzgerald was followed home by Mark Langlands and Eddy Kuipers, while Kirsten Goodin was the first of the women to finish from Lesley Mouat, Sue Bankier and Julie Millar.

As in most weeks, a good group of marshals kept time and the road safe for motorists and cyclists.

Times were (in finishing order): Kerry Fitzgerald 1h 2min 31s, Mark Langlands 57.00, Eddy Kuipers 57.19, Pete James 57.19. Simon Butler 1:09.21, Ben Knight 57.21, Dave Drummond 57.22, Craig Mangin 57.22, Paul Wallace 57.23, Phil Sutherland 57.23, Mike Wilkinson 57.24, Hendrik Bakker 57.26, Earle Whitcombe 1:01.27, Kirsten Goodin 1:09.50, Brett Tulloch 1:02.32, John Chesmar 1:02.33, Richard Brooks 1:10.33, Steve Brown 1:02.35, Lesley Mouat 1:02.36, Derek Cox 1:02.36, Terry Blackburn 1:05.39, Sue Bankier 1:06.53, Julie Millar 1:09.26, Matt Gillan 1:11.54, Douglas Maclachlan 1:09.26, Darren Southon 1:09.27, Mike Sutton 1:06.41, Brian Sanders 1:06.43, Mason Wilkie 1:09.47, Dave McKinlay 1:14.49, Stan Braaksma 1:14.50, Ray Haste 1:11.46, Sheri Wales 1:11.47, Jeff Saywell 1:06.02. Non-finishers: Danny Clarkson, Grant Burkhart, Jenna Mangin.

Next Tuesday's race will be a graded event from Parkvale Hall to Martinborough returning via Longbush and Millers Rd and will cover 60km. Start time is 6pm.