The Australian Road Nationals are always exciting, and this years was no exception. All the criteriums have a story to tell with young gun Chris Hamilton showing some raw talent in the U23 race to take a convincing win.
In the Women’s Criterium Kimberly Wells fought hard to take the win from some in-form competitors, and the Men’s race was exciting from start to finish with Steele Von Hoff nudging out race favorite Caleb Ewan for the win.
In the Men’s Time Trial, anyone in the last ten to start could be a medal hope with the best field ever lining up to fight for the Australian jersey. In the end Richie Porte beat Rohan Dennis by 7 seconds to take the win, with Jack Bobridge finishing in third place.
Shara Gillow won the Women’s race and Miles Scotson winning the U23 Time Trial.
After a rainy rest day and fears of the weather setting in even more for the weekend our wishes were granted as the rain stayed away giving the riders and spectators a weekend to look forward to.
Miles Scotson once again won the U23 race, showing what a classy rider he is. I always watch the U23 races closely and get excited knowing the talent that is coming through the ranks. The future looks bright…
The Women’s Road Race didn’t lack excitement either with eventual winner Peta Mullens and 2012 World Road Race silver medalist Rachel Neylan breaking away and fighting it out for the gold medal.
With Simon Gerrans out injured, the Men’s Road Race was an open race. Caleb Ewan attacked on the final climb from the leading group with 6km to go. With 3km to go the leaders had regrouped. Heinrich Haussler and Caleb Ewan then duked it out for the win. Haussler took the win with a disappointed Ewan taking the silver medal.
Another great week at the Australian Nationals.
Kudos to Cycling Australia for holding a great event…
Now it’s onto the Tour Down Under…
