Brisbane’s Findlay Walsh has outsprinted Lindon Milostic, Jeremy Smith and Levi Hone to claim the 65th Squadron Energy Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic, smashing the race record by almost 20 minutes.
Walsh, who took the crown in 5hrs 26 minutes and 59 seconds, says he conserved his energy throughout the race, sitting in the lead pack before making a key move near Wire Gully.
He says his strategy paid off.
Local hopes Brent Rees and Ryan Thomas finished 9th and 19th respectively with Rees claiming the Sprint King Jersey.
Meantime, New Zealand Champion Kirsty Watts won the 110km Ladies race, former Sydney Swans premiership player Ryan O’Keefe claimed the Open Division while local entrants Peter Horwood, Brendan Jones and Darren Hallidaly completed the course with Halliday presented the Ian Manton Encouragement Award for what was his 17th and his last Grafton to Inverell.
In Sunday’s Pro Velo Criteriums at the lake Inverell circuit, an exciting last lap chase from Australian road champion Patrick Eddy ensured victory while Keeley Bennet atoned for her third placing in the Grafton to Inverell Women’s Race by claiming the criterium win.
