Home win in series opener

Wanganui drew first blood in the opening round of the 2013 Interclub Cycling Series with Manawatu on Saturday.

The locals cleaned up in the B and C grade events and although the Manawatu A-graders proved too strong, Wanganui ended the day with 220 points against Manawatu's total of 105.

Racing was around the Western Line circuit in dull but calm and dry conditions.

In the six-lap, 72km A-grade race the youthful Wanganui trio of Lewis Bunker, Boaz Darby and James Wright found the competition tougher than they were used to from some sharp Manawatu opposition.

The experienced Jason Sturzaker was left to fly the Wanganui flag after Adrian Pettit dropped out early and he claimed fifth place - although some way behind the winning breakaway duo of Nate Levin and Chris Sanson, who finished first and second for Manawatu.

It was better news in the five-lap, 60km B-grade event where Darcy Forrester rode a patient race - conserving himself for an authoritative win in a bunch sprint at the Brunswick Hall finish line.

Pat Johnstone had animated the race earlier, having counter-attacked when a breakaway group of Manawatu riders were reeled in on lap two.

Johnstone spent the next lap clear on his own, but was eventually brought to heel by the opposition. Wanganui's Steve Cowan did well to chase home Forrester for second, with visitor Don Weston taking third.

Johnstone rallied strongly in his usual style to finish fourth.

The 48km C-grade race over four laps proved fruitful for the locals with Allan Luff clearing out for an impressive win.

Luff attacked with Dan Richards on the final climb on Western Line and they went clear, Luff slipping away with 3km to go.

Richards held off the chasing pack to claim second, with Mike Wright winning the bunch sprint for third. Martin Hogan did well to cross fourth after doing a lot of work throughout the race.

Gary Winchcombe and Marty Hewson turned in solid efforts for fifth and sixth respectively, with Craig Bright and Pat Carroll making it a clean sweep for the locals by crossing in seventh and eighth placings.

Hamish Beissel clocked up a handy time as the sole entrant in the two-lap Under 13 event, as did Jane Winchcombe in the D-grade.

Visitor Kelly Levin won the two-lap Under 15 race.

The competition moves to Halcombe next weekend.

Results

A Grade: 1. Nate Levin (Manawatu); 2. Chris Sanson (Manawatu); 3. Neil Martin (Manawatu).

B Grade: 1. Darcy Forrester (Wanganui); 2. Steve Cowan (Wanganui); 3. Don Weston (Manawatu).

C Grade: 1. Allan Luff; 2. Dan Richards; 3. Mike Wright (all Wanganui).