Millar clears out

It was time for those in the middle to shine when Cycling Timaru sent a field of 77 over a tough 38-kilometre course from Claremont Hall on Saturday.

It was Jared Millar that burst clear for a commanding victory, finishing 22 seconds ahead of Jon Crossman with a further 11secs back to Richard Quested after out and back course that included Taiko hill.

The first three were part of a 16-strong bunch that started 16 minutes 30sec behind those on go and and 8.30 in front of scratch.

Quested is the big improver in the season points battle with the 16 gained Saturday pushing him up to second, nine points behind Wade Rollo who has 68 while Peter Kisi and Natalie Preston are third equal on 56 with a third of the season completed. Christchurch visitor Stu Lowe put in an power- ful ride from the break bunch to get home for fourth and a net time that was third fastest overall.

The backmarkers fought out the fastest time. They were unable to feature in the overall honours, but Oamaru brothers Tim and Kris Rush were around 2.30 faster than anyone else. They were credited with the same time of 54.58 but Kris got to the line first.

In under-17 racing, Ryan Newlands dominated from his 4min mark, finishing 16secs ahead of Oliver Smith with Thomas Allan third as the Taiko hill course tested all. Fastest time went to Hayden Jefferson in 27.28 with Sam Morris second fastest on 27.43.

A further 15 youngsters fronted for development grade racing with George Quested too strong off the front, winning in 21.27 from fellow frontmarker Brian Allan with Sophie Best third.