Sturzaker sprints to win memorial race

Jason Sturzaker won the JT Memorial Race on Saturday.

A field of 30 riders took on the prestigious J T Memorial Cup road race in very cool conditions on Saturday.

The cold southerly flow across the North Island on the weekend would not have stopped John Taylor, known as JT, for whom the the Wanganui Cycling Club's 42km race over seven laps is named.

Spokesman John Black said 'JT' was one of the hard men of cycling. He died at an early age in 1995, with this course having been his last race.

The A, B and C grade riders started on Station Rd at the Western Line, State Highway 3, and Blueskin Rd, Brunswick.

Given multiple winner Bevan Cheatley was in the field, the race it was never going to be easy for the other competitors.

After a fairly sedate first lap the top riders then put the hammer down, splitting the field.
Jolt Cafe and Downer's Jason Sturzaker, four time Olympian Gary Anderson, Adrian Pettit and Gareth Wood were doing a lot of work.

Thirteen riders, including top women's racer Catherine McMurray, had distanced themselves on the rest of the field by the fifth lap.

When the sprint opened up, Sturzaker claimed the memorial trophy for first place in a time of 1h 10m 14s, barely seeing off Cheatley by one second, while Anderson was a further three seconds back.

Stephen Brandon finished fourth and Wood was fifth, as another eight riders finished within nineteen seconds of the winner in an exciting finish.

"Great rides came from Laurika Hazelhurst, Toby Bunn and Gary Winchcombe," said Black.

"A feature of the race was six riders over the age of sixty were competing."

A D Grade race was held with a number of newcomers, covering four laps of the course for 24km.

Hunter Gibson was first in 50.26 minutes, followed by Julie Weir in a close finish with Debbie Cain (both 50.48), then Brian Carmine and Charlotte D'Ath (53.17).

Good rides also came from Renee Booth, and the Brunger's - Josh and Nicholas.

In other news, Sport Wanganui and Wanganui Cycling have introduced a Women's cycling group, led by Cherie Prince.

The group leaves Velo Ronnys on Wednesday's at 10am and the Red Lion on Sunday's, also 10am.

"A group of 13 women with a large variation of fitness enjoyed a ride to Papaiti on Sunday and a coffee at the Red Lion on finishing," said Black.

"All woman are welcome to join this group, whatever your fitness level."