It was close, but Darren Reed managed to claim victory in the John Collier Handicap at the weekend.
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He beat out Bob Brazzell in a sprint for the line after a tough 84km ride.
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42 riders began at Kingston Showgrounds and headed towards Blampied in some tough, windy conditions.
The 10-minute group, headed by Reed, settled into a nice rhythm but were awaiting a challenge from the elite level riders who took off 45 minutes after the start.
It never came, so emerging out of the head wind on the last lap, the 10-minute group believed in a win.
They still had an uphill climb into a head wind ahead of them, but the finish line was in sight.
Luke Taylor attacked for the line with 400 metres to go, however was overtaken by Reed and Brazzell who battled it out to the finish, Reed victorious.
Sharron Boyd finished fifth and was the first female across the line while Liam White took out fastest time with 2:03.04.
RESULTS
1st - Darren Reed (2:32.29)
2nd - Bob Brazzell
3rd - Mick Kanizay
4th - Luke Taylor
5th - Sharron Boyd (first female)
6th - Liam White (fastest time, 2:03.04)
7th - Mitchel Couper
8th - Nick Locandro
9th - Kobe Henderson
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