Results for the Inverell leg of the Tri-Series Interclub competition between Armidale, Inverell and Tamworth are now in and the overall standings page is updated. Round 2 was held in great spring-like conditions on the 40K out-and-back course at Gilgai. The handicap format was a closer affair this time with smaller time gaps between the bunches but yet again, the front-runners stayed away from the chasers at the back of the field. Although the Aberdeen climb slowed them a little, they used the tail-wind well and once over the top their lead was never threatened.

Daniel Nash (Tamworth) was 1st over the line with Colin Swansborough (Inverell) taking 2nd in his first ever road race – well done Colin. Peter Baz (Inverell) followed up his 1st place from last week with a 3rd place this time round to lead the individual rider standings by 6 points and Phil Thomas kept the Armidale fans happy with a fine 4th place after a full-blooded lead out from Captain Creagan which Phil almost missed! Tori Saunders (Tamworth) hit some great form this week to take 5th following a disappointing ride on home soil the week before and fastest time on the day went to Inverell’s Dan Wilks who completed the 40km course in 58m:52s, averaging 40.77kph.

In the overall Interclub Trophy standings, Inverell move to within just 3 points of Armidale courtesy of the home team taking 2nd and 3rd place on the day and Tamworth is certainly not out of it thanks to Daniel Nash’s win and Tori Saunders’ 5th place. Armidale however are hanging on to top spot courtesy of Keg Legs and another truck load of travelling riders – 14 made the trip to Gilgai with the home team pulling in 9 and Tamworth 6.

Thanks to Inverell for putting on a competitive and well-run race, the cold drinks and hot chips at the end were a nice touch 🙂

Mathematically, seven riders can still win first prize in the Individual Rider competition and incredibly, any one of the 40 riders who have competed so far can still claim second or third place overall if they win in the final round in Armidale. Both competitions really are wide open and with individual prizes and that monster trophy up for grabs we are set for a grand finale on the 13th – see you then!