Record Shattered as Walsh Conquers Brutal Grafton to Inverell Classic

Fastest race in history sees relentless attacks, heroic breakaways and a thrilling sprint finish in Inverell.

Record-Breaking Speed and Grit Define Grafton to Inverell Classic

The Squadron Energy Grafton to Inverell once again lived up to its reputation as one of Australia’s toughest and most prestigious one-day cycling races, with this year’s edition producing the fastest race in the event’s history.

First contested in 1961, the gruelling 228-kilometre journey from Grafton to Inverell has long been regarded as a true test of endurance, tactics and climbing strength. This year’s race delivered relentless action from the very beginning, as riders attacked almost immediately after the flag dropped.

The pace was fierce from the opening kilometres, with teams repeatedly launching attacks to fracture the peloton before the demanding climbs of the New England region. Among the most aggressive was Team Brennan_, whose constant pressure stretched the field and forced the race into a brutal early rhythm that ultimately helped shatter the previous course record.

Defending champion Tristan Saunders produced one of the rides of the day, launching a bold solo move near Glen Innes with around 40 kilometres remaining. Riding alone across the rolling terrain toward Wire Gully, Saunders held off the chasing riders for an extended period in what proved to be the longest breakaway of the race.

But the relentless speed of the chase eventually brought him back as the race entered its decisive phase.

By the time the riders reached Elsmore, just 15 kilometres from the finish, the punishing pace had reduced the field to a small group of the strongest climbers.

It was there that Finlay Walsh (CCACHE x BODYWRAP) and Lindon Milostic (Team Rauland) launched the decisive move, breaking clear on the final climb. The pair quickly opened a gap on the remaining contenders and headed toward Inverell together.

In the finishing straight, Walsh proved the stronger of the two, timing his sprint perfectly to claim a memorable victory in the fastest edition of the race ever contested.

Milostic finished second, matching the best-ever Inverell result achieved by his father, Peter Milostic, while Jeremy Smith (Butterfields Ziptrak Racing) sprinted to third place after Levi Hone (Team Brennan_) attempted to close the gap in the closing kilometres.

Local riders also delivered strong performances, with Peter Horwood finishing an impressive 10th, while Darren Halliday (45th) and Brendan Jones (46th) represented Inverell strongly in the demanding race. Darren Halliday has now competed in 17 Grafton to Inverell bike races and Brendan Jones has 15 to his account. Well done!

While improvements to the finish area in Inverell were welcomed this year, one concern remains — the declining number of spectators at the finish line. Observers noted that crowds along the climb at Elsmore appeared larger than those gathered at the finish itself, raising questions about how the event can better attract supporters to the final moments of this historic race.

Men’s Podium – Squadron Energy Grafton to Inverell

Finlay Walsh – CCACHE x BODYWRAP

Lindon Milostic – Team Rauland

Jeremy Smith – Butterfields Ziptrak Racing

Once again, the legendary race from Grafton to Inverell delivered a powerful display of endurance, strategy and determination — reinforcing its place as one of the great challenges on the Australian cycling calendar.

Report and photos covering the 2026 Grafton to Inverell Cycling Classic by Heinrich Haussler

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