WINNER:
Local cyclist Dylan Sunderland finished second in this year's Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic, closely behind winner Will Hodges.
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Hodges, 22, became the first NSW rider to win the 228km race since 2004.
The Bathurst cyclist's victory today follows his win in the 2019 Orica Kermesse and a fourth placing earlier this year at the Melbourne to Warrnambool race.
Unfortunately for Inverell, Sunderland wasn't able to break the 40-year drought since we last had a local winner.
A local hasn't won the difficult one-day race since the handicap was removed in 1979.
EARLIER:
It's one of the biggest races on the cycle calendar, and the toughest one day course in Australia, the 59th Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic.
One of the strongest fields in recent years, 350 riders will take on the 228km course on Saturday, May 11.
Locals will have their fingers crossed for Dylan Sunderland, Ryan Thomas and Brent Rees riding in division one, a key event in the Cycling Australia National Road Series.
Meanwhile, Zak Sunderland, Alwyn Miller and Callum Dolby will compete in division two and Codie Miller in division three.
The Grafton to Inverell des Femmes women's category has assembled its strongest ever field for the third edition.
Riders to watch include Oceania individual time trial champion Kate Perry, World Masters medallist Katie Banerjee and last year's third placegetter Megan Scott.
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