Brandon brother wins Couchman Cup

Wanganui Cycling Club president Ross McNeill presents Stephen Brandon, left, with the Couchman Cup.

Still as important today as it was seven decades ago, the annual Couchman Cup handicap trophy race was held by the Wanganui Cycling Club last weekend for a field of 27 riders.

Facing the starter by Durie Hill School, the race went through Fordell, down Reids Hill and out to the turn - known locally as the 'Red Shed' - for a total distance of 75km.

The first group away consisted of ten riders and was well led by Clint Black, making use of his recent training for the Taupo Ironman and the BDO Wellington to Auckland race.
Black was ably assisted by his father Johnny, Brian Hayward, Martin Hogan and Tim Chambers.

Chambers was using this race as preparation for the upcoming 'Tour of the North'.

By Reids Hill, on the outward journey, the front group of ten were now down to five riders.

Group 2 consisted of thirteen riders who were giving the front bunch eight minutes start.

This group, working well in their chase, had Pat Johnston, Stephen Brandon, Phillip Groves, Stephen Snell, Catherine McMurray, Darcy Forrester, Rob Manson and new club member Kevin Hart.

They in turn were being hunted by scratch riders Jason Sturzaker, Bevan Cheatley, Shannan Whitlock and Adam Gosney, who had a tough ask when setting out seven minutes behind Group 2.

On the return leg up Reids Hill, the race was sorted out with Johnston, Brandon, Groves and Hart opening a gap on the rest of the field.

The remainder of the riders were unable to challenge and while Hart was leading out towards the finish line, Brandon prevailed in the sprint followed by runnerup Johnston, third Hart and fourth Groves who all recorded the same time.

The 'Couchman Cup' was again securely locked away in the Brandon family trophy cupboard, as brother Michael won the event in 2016.

Fifth and sixth places went to Snell and McMurray after a strong ride by both.

Another gutsy effort by Noel Turner saw him finish after a lonely ride - as seemingly 5km of road works and downpours of rain did not work in the riders favour.