DAVID Hyland claimed his biggest Bathurst Cycling Club prize on Sunday with victory in the annual Remembrance Day Trophy Race.
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Limit rider Hyland picked up his first victory in the highly coveted race, which is run in memory of local Bathurst cyclists who did not return from fighting in World War II.
Hyland started alongside John Kitchen and Robyn Partridge in the leading group for the 26-kilometre race.
Work being completed on the Perthville Bridge meant that riders started from the Perthville Hotel.
Hyland and Kitchen were able to work together, swapping turns on the Georges Plains and Cow Flat roads, assisted by a tail wind on the way out.
Hyland said Kitchen almost got away from him at one stage.
“John was able to create a gap on me towards the top of Cow Flat Road, and remained in the lead until I was able to catch John close to Georges Plains,” he said.
“The two of us worked together to maintain a time gap on the other front and back marker groups.”
At the other end of the race A grade riders Craig and Billy Hutton, Josh Corcoran and Brad Rayner were putting in the hard yards off an 18 minute handicap.
Billy Hutton and Corcoran drove the four-man bunch hard to launch Craig Hutton to catch the B Grade riders of Brian Draper and Charlie Cross.
However, Hyland and Kitchen’s partnership reaped the rewards as the pair stayed clear of all the chasers.
It lead to a sprint battle at the finish and Hyland held out Kitchen in a close dash to take home the trophy – both crossing in 52 minutes and 16 seconds.
Eliza Bennett finished in third, following on from her impressive showing in the recent Bathurst track cycle carnival.
Fastest time was recorded by Craig Hutton from A Grade in 37 minutes and 35 seconds.
The handicapper did an excellent job as only 3 mins separated first through to 10th place at the finish line.
The next big race for the club will be the annual Women’s Gallagher Cup.
The race will be held this Sunday from 9am on the same two roads course.