NINETY cyclists will start tomorrow's 136km Inverell to Moree Cycle Race, with 30 of those from the Inverell Cycle N Tri Club.

The race is a handicap format with field split into six start groups with between eight and 21 riders in each.

Last year's winner Jackson Wardrup from Gold Coast Goldstars CC is back to defend his title.

He will start in a scratch bunch of thirteen riders including 2007 NSW roadman of the year Brendan Jones of North Sydney CC.

The scratch riders will be giving 50 minutes start to the first group with four other groups between.

The eight-minute bunch will have 17 riders including Beijing Olympian Oenone Wood (Canberra Cycle Club).

Wood is preparing to ride the World Championships in October.

She will have another two female riders, Kirsty Broun and Liz Young from the Lifestyle Cycling Club, in her group as well.

Inverell Cycle N Tri club will be strongly represented in all groups.

The best chances could be in the 20-minute bunch with Peter Baz and Creighton Dolbel. Both riders have been doing a lot of training in preparation for the Grafton to Inverell and are riding well while scratch riders Dan and Paul Wilks and Sam Horwood will be out to test their form against quality riders.

The 33-minute bunch could be the hardest to catch with 21 riders including nine from Inverell with, female trio Meagan Williams, Ali Corcoran and Vanessa Alexander, who have all been in good form.

With weather forecasts predicting south-to-south westerly winds it could be a tough day, which will favour the stronger riders starting off scratch.

The race starts at 10am on Saturday from Burgess St Inverell and heads west along the Gwydir Highway passing through Delungra and Warialda.

© 2008 Inverell Times

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