A day made a big difference for Timaru rider James Archbold when he went from finishing at the rear of the field on Saturday to winning the Ralston Memorial 60km handicap on Sunday.
Archbold (50), whose son Shane won gold and bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games, motivated the second limit bunch to work together around the Taieri circuit.
Bunches behind had joined together, making a formidable group but, with 20km remaining, the gap was 10min.
The chase pack included race sponsor Gordon McCauley who, for sentimental reasons, was chasing line honours.
Heading to Woodside, McCauley put in a big effort which split the bunch. However, with the road running out, it was do or die.
Rolling over the ups and downs towards Mosgiel, the chasers could not see the front bunch and realised the game was up.
At North Taieri, experience showed as Archbold won the sprint ahead of 17-year-old Invercargill rider Matt Nunn, Brian Lippers and Jamie Wilson.
As the scratch bunch, whittled down to McCauley, Brad Evans, Tom Vessey and Anthony Chapman, approached the line, spectators were treated to a gritty McCauley finish, enabling the 42-year-old to take time honours.
Roxburgh teacher Tess Molloy was fastest woman.
- Jan Brosnahan
