Inverall-based Brent Rees executed excellent timing to claim the A-grade race at the Autumn Festival Criterium in Armidale’s CBD on Sunday.
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Tamworth teenager Stevie Roberts, known more as a mountain biker, made a solo break and was caught with about six minutes left in the race.
Rees then attacked off the front with four laps remaining and won by about 100 metres from two Coffs Harbour riders, Kerrod Parker and Phillip Almond, who had a sprint dual.
Tamworth’s Ben Clark was also involved in that sprint finish, and finished fourth.
Roberts claimed the second of the four sprints during the race.
Min McDonald, Tamworth Cycle Club president, described Roberts’ solo effort as the “highlight” of the race.
In the B-grade race, McDonald said TCC teammates Rob Wright and Daniel Nash worked together for much of the race.
“But Nashy clearly had the better legs on the day. And in a display of sportsmanship, Rob reined in the bunch to allow Nashy to break away to take third place behind two Armidale Cycle Club riders, Pete Harris and Paul Williams.
“The Armidale Cycle Club riders were strong and showed some great strategy and team work to secure many of the sprints and the placings.”
The C-grade race was won by Peter Lane, of Inverell, with Coffs Harbour riders Alistair Lane and Asher Fawle second and third.
Armidale's Holly Harris, who is also better known as a mountain biker, was the only female in the A-grade race and finished just behind Parker and Almond.