NICK Gates has taken out the race that bears his name but he was made to fight for it in an epic weekend of sport on The Strand.

The former Australian cyclist pipped Townsville's Chris Clem and Tim Broad in the Nick Gates Classic, which was held on Saturday in conjunction with the TP Human Capital Corporate Team Triathlon.

It is the second time he has won the event, after launching it last year as part of his organisation - the Nick Gates Foundation - which aims to raise money for up-and-coming riders. Last year he had to contend with the likes of current Australian riders Cadel Evans and Robbie McEwen in his final professional career race.

But this year the big guns were absent due to the earlier scheduling of the event and Gates was competing against North Queensland's finest cyclists.

They didn't disappoint either, with Gates admitting he felt the pressure in the opening minutes where Clem pushed him hard.

''They all did (well), I was actually shocked at how good these young guys are going,'' he said.

''The race went for 40 minutes and in the first 10 I was in trouble, to tell you the truth. I think it was just a bit of experience that got me over the line in first.''

One of the big rising talents in the juniors, Jacob Restall, did it easy for the second consecutive year.

Restall is one of the local talents that Gates has identified as a future star and has been mentored by the decorated Australian representative over the past two years.

He has already represented his state and country and Gates predicted big things for him in the coming years.

''That's why I wanted him in the Nick Gates Foundation, I think he's a big talent for the future,'' he said. ''He's only 16 years of age and he's showing a lot of potential. He's very aggressive, he doesn't hold back and that's why I wanted to be associated with him.

''I think he's got a big future.''

In the support race Byron Tucker came in first, edging out Russell Weary.

Gates was happy with the participation and support of the event, despite the absence of the blue-chip riders who are currently competing in Europe.

The event was brought forward to coincide with the triathlon to create a mega-weekend of sport on The Strand and is likely to be expanded.

''It turned out well I think,'' said Gates.