Sunderland became just the second cyclist in B2B history, after Dean Windsor, to claim two wins in the 110 kilometre long course race.

The 21-year-old cyclist has also became the first B2B cyclist to achieve two consecutive titles.

“Definitely happy with the back-to-back win. It was pretty much a replay from last year’s finish; the two up front sprint and a bit of cat and mouse,” he said.

“[The mountain stage] was tough. There was definitely a select group of guys climbing their best.

“We went over the top [of Rockley Mount] with a four man group and everyone looked at each other and committed and that was the end.”

Sunderland finished with a time of two hours, 35 minutes and 13 seconds, just one second ahead of Culey.

Culey finished four seconds ahead of Michael Potter, who claimed third spot.

Potter was one second ahead of Rowan Denver. 

The best finishing Bathurst Cycling Club rider was William Hodges, who finished 14^th with a time of 2:38:14.

Club riders Craig Hutton (2:38:16) and Josh Corcoran (2:38:12) also scored respectable times. 

The race started in a furious pace, with the riders averaging a speed of 48 kilometres.

Around the 15 kilometre mark, 16 riders established a breakaway – a group that included the likes of eventual winner Sunderland, Michael Potter and Bathurst hopefuls Craig Hutton and Josh Corcoran. 

At the 40 kilometre mark, a four minute, 20 second lead had been developed by the leading pack.

During a series of climbs at Trunkey Creek, the chasing pack pursued the breakaway group and slowly chipped away at the time. 

Slowly, the breakaway group of 16 riders became 15, then 14 and the chasing pack reduced the breakaway group’s lead by almost a minute.

Competition was strong all day, according to the cyclist from Inverell, in northern New South Wales. 

“It was a strong field this year, a lot of guys are riding well and it was a really good breakaway that committed well, early on,” Sunderland said.

“I think with about 15 kilometres in, the break away of 16, that was the main part of the race.”  

The New South Wales Institute of Sport rider said the B2B is a unique race.

“It’s a solid race. It’s lapping down all day and it’s a huge field,” he said.

“It’s a good platform to set up a year.”

Sunderland’s next big race, like most of the other high profile cyclists on the day, is the Battle of the Boarder, a cycling festival held near the state boarders’ of New South Wales and Queensland – at Mount Warning.