Cycling: Evans proves too strong

Brad Evans emphasised his status as the province's strongest rider when he won the Cycling Otago club championships on the tough Berwick circuit on Sunday.

The elite field rode a cagey first half of the race, not allowing any riders or small groups of riders to create any significant gaps.

On the final ascent of the hill, the heat was applied, and Evans and fellow elite rider Joseph Chapman made the decisive move.

Evans and Chapman finished first and second respectively, followed by Tim Chapman and Scott Thomas.

The masters 1 race followed the same form as the elite race, and when it split on the third of four laps, some slippery corners - following a spell of rain - almost dashed all hopes of a finish for this grade.

An outstanding effort to keep the bike upright in the final corner enabled Tom Kaminszky to post an impressive third place.

Phil Turnwald, at one time having to chase a fair distance to rejoin after one of the final lap attacks, won the race, and Rangi Wharepapa showed his strength in the final sprint and almost got the win but had to settle for second.

Chris Harvey claimed the M3 category with Bob Wansink (M5), Barry Ellis (M6) and Bill Allen (M8) completing the leaderboards.

Mary Gray won the elite women's race, finishing ahead of Olivia Kennedy.

Paula Hasler claimed the M1 women's title, and an in-form Ella Harris won the under-19 women's title from Phoebe Swale.

Ewan Syme won the under-17 boys title, while the under-17 girls race came down to the line. Madeleine Cooper-Forster pipped Madeleine Gough for first ahead of Hannah Rogers in third.

The under-15 girls champion was Thirza Smith, followed by Grace Hurring, Lilly Smart and Lucy Sanson. Hunter Gough claimed the under-17 boys title ahead of Louis Harris.

- Michael Greaves 

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