DELUNGRA cyclist Brendon Jones believes tomorrow's Eastmon Camera House Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic will be a baptism of fire.
The talented 19 year-old (pictured right) will contest the A grade eilite mens division as part of the Cheeky Monkey team.
"It's going to be tough especially with the quality of the field - it's the best in years and should be a good learning experience for me," Jones said.
It's the first time Jones has contested the 228km distance and he is hoping to be part of a successful team headed by former race winner Ben Brooks.
The team also comprises Daniel Alcock, Matthew Lloyd, Daniel Bennett and Daniel Newnham.
Jones has experienced a consistent season contesting national events.
He competed in two rounds of the Tattersalls Cup finishing 12th in one round and 20th in another before being struck down with the flu which he is still overcoming.
"The competition was really strong and much bigger with around 120 riders competing," Jones said.
Jones also rode in the four-day Tour of Sunraysia in Victoria which featured a number of criteriums.
A major highlight for Jones was the 120km Cootamundra Open where he started off scratch to finish the handicap race in record time with current national pointscore leader Robert McLachlan who will represent the strong Caravello team tomorrow.
Jones believes he'll be suited to the gruelling course which features a number of tough climbs.
"I prefer climbing and - it's going to be hard and I would like to be up with the leaders," Jones said.
Jones has been averaging 500km a week in his build up to the classic, but has been battling the flu in recent weeks which has limited his training.
He has been training with Inverell's Mick Hoynes who'll ride C grade and has also been pace riding behind a motorbike.
The part-time farmer is the first Inverell rider to line up in A grade since Murray Coxon and Rod Mason around three years ago.
Jones would like to acknowledge the support of his sponsors Oz Plasterers, the Delungra Bowling Club and all the people who have supported him.
© 2004 Inverell Times
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