Riders saddle up success

ORANGE cyclists had a huge weekend in the saddle.

As well as competing in Sunday’s Blayney to Bathurst, a number of riders were also in Saturday’s NSW Hill Climb Championships and the Bathurst Criteriums.

Angus Tobin was the best-placed Orange rider in the 100km Blayney to Bathurst coming in sixth.

The first five riders were about one minute in front and Tobin, who is part of the Racing Kangaroos team, won the sprint in the next bunch to finish sixth.

Laura Auberson also had a great result winning her age division in the 70km event.

This was Auberson’s first open race and she took out the girls’ 15-16 years title.

Two other Orange riders had top 10 finishes in their age divisions in the 70km ride.

Chris Cotten was sixth in the men’s 17-18 years division and Estelle Dean had the same result in the women’s 35-49 class.

On Saturday a group of riders contested the NSW Hill Climb Championships which was a 4.8km course going from the pit straight car park to the top of Mount Panorama.

Kinross Wolaroi student Tamsyn Moana-Veale was impressive finishing second in the 19 years’ women’s event.

Angus Tobin was expected to record a top two finish in the 19 years men’s event but had a disappointing race to come in ninth.

David van Schaik was fifth in his division, Michael Cain was sixth in his and Michael Troy finished 13th in his class.

Saturday was busy as the Bathurst Criteriums were held in the afternoon.

Orange riders were dominant in the B grade event with Charlie Gascoyne, Michael Troy, Rod Farrell and Tim Hughes working together.

Farrell and Hughes had to withdraw after they picked up punctures but Gascoyne and Troy stayed close to the front.

In a planned move, Troy sat on Gascoyne’s wheel for the last two laps and at the beginning of the final lap, Gascoyne moved to the front of the field.

With 300m to go Gascoyne led from the front and Troy accelerated with his fantastic sprint finish.

Troy was just pipped at the finish but came in second while Gascoyne recorded a top 10 result.

The A grade event received an extra rider when Angus Tobin was upgraded.

It was a tough event with a number of riders dropping off but Tobin was able to stay with the lead group.

Despite teams working together to get their men to the front, the teenager put in a strong ride to finish seventh.