Day 1 Road Races Nationals 2009

The early rain cleared to leave a dry road for the early event the under 15 boys who completed two laps of the undulating Upper Moutere Circuit. With 3 riders in the grade ramblers were hopeful for a medal and Regan Gough complied getting a bronze in a big bunch sprint with most of the starters in the finish. Tobias Robertshawe and James Lochhead both had good rides assisting where possible.

The under 17 girls had a very good race and the pace was high throughout. Megan Watson had equipment trouble and was disappointed to be out of the race early. Favourite Sophie Williamson attacked on the tricky descent and was undone by some fresh cattle effluent unkinldly spilt by a truck on a tight corner. She and 1 other rider also bought down remounted but were unable to get back to the bunch who kept the pressure on. The 3 laps took there toll on a few riders and a depleted bunch sprint was won by Brittany Thompson from Te Awamutu.

Sue Tunnicliff complemented her Silver from the TT with a well won Gold in the Vet 5 Womans event. The 64km track whittled the field consisiting of Vet 4,5,6 woman down to a bunch of 5. Sue was careful to ensure that Denese Keenan who won the TT yesterday was unable to get past on the line.

Bruce Galloway, Ian Fraser and Wally Woods were a force in the Vet 5 mens event. This race had lots of drama with several punctures and mechanicals. Wally worked hard early and paid the price on the 4th lap of 5 on the 16km road circuit having already ridden back to the bunch on the 4th. Ian Fraser and Bruce kept the pressure on along with Pat Johnstone, Gary Overend and managed to get the field reduced to 8 out of the 20 starters. Ian had a good sprint after being caught out the front leading into the final straight and pipped Bruce to take the Bronze.




Tomorrow Kerry Harford and Steve Watson compete in the vet 4 mens.
Kerri-Anne Torkler, Bridget Robertshawe, Serena Sheridan and Su Daniel in the open woman. Neil Evans and Rob Taylor in the Vet 2 Mens. Sarah Watson in the Under 19 woman.
Sean Joyce, Jeremy Stevens and Simon Pepper under 19 Mens