Emma Pritchard

More than 300 competitors participated in the 62nd Squadron Energy Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic on April 29 and 30, pushing themselves to the limit throughout a tenacious journey commonly referred to as one of the toughest and most iconic races in Australia.

Conducted over two days, the AusCycling National Road Series (NRS) event featured the Men’s NRS Grafton to Inverell race over 228km, the Women’s NRS Grafton to Mount Mitchell race over 119km, and the Non-NRS Grafton to Inverell race, also held over 228km, with cyclists tackling the challenging 16km climb over the imposing Gibraltar Range.

Circuit racing was also held for competitors at the Lake Inverell purpose built cycling track during the event this year.

While several competitors from Grafton and Inverell took their place across three divisions on the starting line in Prince Street, Grafton, at 7am on Saturday morning, it was South Australian teenager Zac Marriage from Team BridgeLane who was victorious in the Men’s NRS Grafton to Inverell, pedalling across the finish line just before 1pm in a time of 5:55:29.

After being forced to withdraw from the race upon reaching Glen Innes last year, the 19-year-old described his win in 2023 as “pretty unreal.”

Max Campbell from Tandem Co Pro Cycling finished second, while the winner’s teammate Rhys Robotham crossed the line in third.

Cyclists from Team BridgeLane dominated the Women’s NRS Grafton to Mount Mitchell, filling the first four places, respectively.

Mia Hayden powered to the line, crossing in a time of 3:59:32 from Talia Appleton, Emily Watts, and Gina Ricardo.

It was the 22-year-old’s first AusCycling NRS win, as she proudly declared she was relieved and happy to get it done for her team.

Event organiser Chris Thompson said he was extremely pleased with how the event unfolded and was happy to see competitors cross the line safely, adding there were no first aid incidents or major crashes over the weekend.

“It was another fantastic edition of the race,” he said.

“This is also the first year we have introduced a new, more sustainable format in the event, including a new course for the Women’s NRS, and some changes to the support events.

“All the riders have been really positive with their feedback, and we’re already looking ahead to the 63rd edition of the event in 2024.”   

For the full list of results, please visit www.graftontoinverell.com.au