Durbridge hammers into Mersey Valley lead

Jayco-Skins Luke Durbridge took a commanding lead at the Mersey Valley Tour, finishing over a minute ahead of his nearest rival on the opening time trial. The Australian U23 runner up in the discipline laid down an impressive 51.5 kilometre/hour average speed over the 24 kilometre circuit to take the race leader’s jersey into today’s second stage.

"The time trial today was super quick and I had great legs," said Durbridge. "When I caught Will Clarke before turn around I knew I was on it, but didn't think the margin would be that big. So I'm really happy."

Defending National Road Series champion Will Clarke (Genesys Wealth Advisors) was second quickest over the opening stage, 1:20 minutes behind Durbridge. Michael Freiberg rounded out the podium for new squad Virgin Blue-RBS Morgans, 2:08 minutes down.

The three stage race continues this afternoon with a 93.7 kilometre road race. This year’s route has been described as one of the toughest in the event’s history by the race’s director, meaning Durbridge’s lead could be tested.

Durbridge is the only Jayco-Skins rider in the field, leaving him tactically exposed to the seven man teams of both Genesys Wealth Advisors and Virgin Blue-RBS Morgans on the road stages.

Gillow lands ladies lead

Shara Gillow set the quickest time in the women’s field, taking the race’s lead heading into this afternoon’s stage. Gillow was nearly seven seconds quicker than Alexandra Carle over the course, but both were well ahead of their nearest rivals.

Mountain biker Rowena Fry lost around 30 seconds to Gillow and Carle, yet still managed to put herself in the top three. Former Olympic rower Sally Robbins was the fourth fastest, around one second slower than Fry.

Results