Riders saddle up for Tableland challenge

JACOB GRAMS head up to Malanda and Atherton, where they will face some long and difficult climbs.

Race director and Cairns Cycling Club president Damien Ingram was thrilled to report the registrations well outnumbered the first event held in 1997 and now everything was crossed for good rid- ing conditions throughout the two days.

The Malanda community has been particularly supportive and will be a hub for cycling this weekend.

“When it rains it pours, pardon the pun, and they’ve also got the Cairns to Karumba passing through too so it will be a bike epicentre,” Ingram said.

Part of Collins Ave, Edge Hill, nearest the botanic gardens precinct, will be closed this morning for the first stage. It’s hoped plenty of supporters cheer on the riders and support the local businesses.

The A-grade riders will con- test a 45-minute-plus-three -laps criterium, followed by a 64km ride around Malanda.

Graham Grant and Gary Haydon are lead contenders in A-grade, while “young whippet” Tiago Torres could be the dark horse. Fiona Yard is the hot tip in B-grade and Sarah Kaehler in C-grade.