Two riders still have the chance to win Cycling Australia’s National Road Series in this Saturday's 48th Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic, the last on the calendar. With a forecast of fine conditions and the temperature to reach 27 ° Celsius, the riders' only weather concern will be the customary headwind they will have to battle on their way to Inverell.
Current NRS leader Tim Roe of Savings & Loans and his team are intent on protecting his 97 point series lead in the 228km race. On the other hand, Virgin Blue Cycling’s David Kemp is going into the event looking for a win and the 180 points on offer to overhaul the South Australian rider.
With a quality field of riders in the race, Roe and Kemp will have more than each other to contend with, like German LKT-Team-Brandenburg who have brought a strong team including Beijing Silver medallist Roger Kluge and climber Mathias Belka.
VIS/Jayco coach Dave Sanders is bringing a young team including triple junior world champion Glen O’Shea and Commonwealth Games Gold medallist Sean Finning. While Team Budget Forklifts will be looking to the experience of last year's winner Cameron Hughes to create history with back to back wins.
NSW teams Panasonic, Mace and NSWIS all have riders capable of winning the race. Mace rider Brendan Jones, who lives in Inverell, will be looking to use his local knowledge towards the end of the race while Panasonic’s Chris Jory is fresh from a third place in the Goulburn to Citi last weekend and is sure to attack the field.
(Additional editorial assistance provided by Susan Westemeyer.)
