With the NSW Masters Road Championships on in Orange over the weekend, there were a few A-Grade riders missing from the 30K Scratch race on Dangarsleigh today. That didn’t stop it being a fast and furious affair, comfortably won by another super strong ride from pre-race favourite Mick Harris, despite a cheeky sprint effort from Rob Hale who sat on for most of the homeward leg in a bid to try and get the better of him. Paul Williams and Pete Harris also rode strongly in breezy conditions that resulted in crosswinds on much of the course, but which didn’t stop the average tipping 40kph.

In B-Grade there was a win for Nathan Paull who outsprinted Clint Bourke and Bill Mara with Alex Thomas not far behind. There was also a C-Grade race to help relative newcomers Jane Simmonds and Ali Flynn further refine their race skills. They did have Andrew May for company for at least half the race, and he did complete the turn with them, but then mysteriously showed up in the middle of B-Grade so the win goes to Ali, with Jane second. Thanks to Wilfried and PC for chaperoning our new riders and ensuring everyone finished safely.

The bookies had short odds on B-Grade rider Carl Hooton channeling his emotions on the road after a mid-week Strava tussle with A-Grader Pat Ferris. Hooper had smashed the existing time with a powerful ride but barely had time to celebrate before Paddy snatched the KOM from his still-shaking hands. It’s pretty clear we haven’t seen, or heard, the last of this one…

Congratulations Mick Harris on another fine victory, well done also to Nathan Paull and Ali Flynn for your well-earned success. Thanks Rob Tindale for taking on sign duty and to Col Maciver for running the race and marshaling the turn once again, ensuring the safety of all road users – it really is appreciated by us all Col and makes the process of turning much safer – thank you.

Congratulations to Armidale riders Andy Robb and Dave Munday on their efforts in the NSW Masters Road Race earlier today. Andy finished 16th in Masters 4, just 1m:20s down on the winner. Dave Munday grabbed 7th and the same time as the winner, in a bunch sprint for first place in Masters 5. Full results available here. Good luck Andy, Mike Hoult, Phil Thomas and John Scott-Hamilton in the ITT on Monday.

A-Grade

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B-Grade

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C-Grade

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