DOING Delungra proud will be cyclist Brendan Jones' ambition when he starts in the Grafton to Inverell Cycling Classic A grade ride tomorrow.

The Delungra cyclist, who now lives and pursues his career in Parramatta, has returned home to compete in NSW's premier one-day event for the second time hoping for a top 10 placing.

The 20-year-old competed in the event for the first time in 2004, achieving 25th place in the A grade ride, but hopes to build on that placing this year.

"I'm in better shape this year than I was last year,” Jones said.

"Plus I've ridden it now and have that bit of experience.”

Jones said for he and fellow cyclist Andrew Wyper, this race was the one that mattered.

"There's a lot of pressure,” Jones said.

"You're local so everyone wants you to do well.”

Jones said he did not doubt his ability, but he would be up against mature riders in a mature rider's race.

"This isn't a young person's race,” he said.

"There will be older people who are a lot more experienced and have more strength than younger riders.

For Jones, a good placement in the Grafton to Inverell would be the feather in his cap.

He is prepared for the steep accent he will make up the Gibraltar Range tomorrow, after competeing in the NSW Road Championships recently.

He achieved second place in the under 23s section of the event, which was 12 laps around Mount Panarama- the same track used for the Bathurst 1000 super car race.

The track included a 1.5km incline, which Jones braved to lead the field for the first 100kms.

He was caught in the final stage of the race to achieve a second placing.

but Jones has reached more enduring titles this year, named second best under 23s road champion and is leading the NSW under 23s roadman of the year points score.

© 2005 Inverell Times

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