Armidale’s young MTB riders showed some impressive on-road fitness this afternoon at the criterium track with Sister-Brother combo Holly and Michael Harris both delivering stand-out rides in A-Grade.

Mick Harris and Sam Munday jumped away from the gun causing all manner of frenzied efforts from riders behind. They were never caught though, quickly developing a half-lap lead which they then held with apparent ease despite the best endeavours of a large chasing bunch initially driven by a few riders, notably Pete Harris, Holly Harris and Michael Hoult. After Pete expired around half-distance, it was Holly and Houlty who made all the running, in an impressive effort with everything left on the track.

Following his great criterium performance at the Nationals a couple of weeks ago it was Sam Munday who outstretched Mick Harris for the victory and a long wait before the remnants of the bunch finished with Houlty grabbing third.

B-Grade was also a well-fought contest with Clint Bourke showing good early season form to take victory from Hayden Freeman and new local Bryn Griffiths.

Congratulations Sam and Clint and well done to all 25 riders for another good early season hit-out in tough hot conditions. Many thanks to Wilf for setting up the shade and to Derek Shirlaw for running the race.