Riders set for cycle champs

Close competition is expected for Cuddon Cycling Marlborough riders when they compete in the Cuddon Cycling Marlborough 80-kilometre Open Championship at Fairhall tomorrow afternoon.

The open-grade event will cover three laps of the Benmorven and small Hawkesbury circuits taking in the Ridge Resort climb on each lap.

Junior under-19 rider Jamie Hawke will want to repeat last year when he took first place and fastest time.

Hawke's main competition for fastest time will come from Masters riders Andrew Jamieson, Ray Dunstan, Gerard van Antwerpen and Conway Taylor.

Trophies for handicap and time and titles for senior men, women, masters men, and junior under-19 men are up for grabs.

The junior under-17 grade will compete in a 25km championship event over one lap of the open course.

Callum Saunders is the favourite to take the title with Nick Blakiston and Quinn Karwowski his main competition.

All riders should assemble at Fairhall Hall at 1pm for a 1.30pm start.

- The Marlborough Express