Marsh finished just ahead of riding partner Vicki Nicholson in a time of 1:45:54, in the 60 kilometre course.

Jim Lillecrapp and Alice Eason claimed third and fourth respectively in the race that was influenced by strong winds.

Nine riders fronted up for the traditional staggered A and B-grade race, with Cloncurry rider David Atkinson and Mount Isa’s Jason Ahearn and Lyn Roughan starting off scratch.

The two-loop format meant the field only had to face the strong headwind for 15km on the Isa bound leg before turning into a massive tailwind.

Marsh, Nicholson, Lillecrapp and the improving Eason got started after six minutes.

Back markers Ron Pickering, John Braithwaite and Brett Oates had to wait till seven minutes was on the clock till they could start their pursuit.

The front group worked solidly and turned for home with a handy advantage, clocking speeds more then 40km/h, before Ahearn dropped off.

Both the second and third bunches were quickly catching the lead group before Atkinson punctured a tyre 5km into the second trip.

Roughan gallantly pushed on by herself, but with rising headwinds the second quartet quickly caught her.

Pickering and Braithewaite continued their chase for the leaders after dropping Oates off, but it all proved in vain as Marsh claimed line honours.

In the C grade, Simone Marsh and Heather Ford used the 30km course to improve their legs before the upcoming triathlon season.

Both riders started off scratch, five minutes ahead off Tammy Green and first time racers Craig Nicholson and Peter Axsentieff.

The two leaders held off the trio until the turnaround when the three back markers powered past them.

Craig Nicholson claimed line honours ahead of training partner Axsentieff and third placed Green.

The next club ride will be on September 7  at the George Fisher Mine Turnoff start with the club championships to be contested.  A Grade will ride 80 km, B Grade 60 km and C Grade  30 km.  Email the club for further details – coppercitycyclingclub@gmail.com.