Toowoomba riders in state medal splurge
A host of Toowoomba riders will saddle up for national championship appearances in coming months after a bright start to the new year for Garden City track cyclists.
Ten riders claimed numerous medals during this year’s state championships at Anna Meares Velodrome at under-17, under-19 and Masters’ levels.
Emma Stevens claimed three under-17 silvers along with Declan Trezise who matched that effort at the under-19 and elite championships.
Dean Russell, Karl Morris, Megan Stevens, Nathan Sander, Rob Walker, Richard Watson, Robert Partington and Nathan Graves all added to the Toowoomba medal tally — including multiple gold efforts — in their respective Masters’ divisions.
Stevens and Trezise will now prepare to represent Queensland at upcoming national junior championships in March and April respectively.
Stevens will ride four national events and is targeting the team sprint with Trezise keen to shine in the team pursuit.
In another boon for Toowoomba cycling, Trezise has been named Queensland under-17 male road cyclist of 2018.
Stevens finished runner-up as Queensland under-15 girls’ track cyclist for 2018.
Russell, Morris, Stevens, Sander, and Partington will also compete at the Masters’ nationals in April.
Partington is on the comeback from injury and is preparing for a busy schedule after winning state gold in the individual pursuit.
“I had limited training before states but I was happy with how I went,” he said.
“I wanted to do a 2.30 but I did a 2.34 so I’m nearly there.
“I’ve got a bit of improving to do before nationals but I’m happy to have won state gold.
“There was a fair bit more competition this year and I’m getting towards the middle of my age-group now which means there’s younger riders below me coming through.
“I’m looking forward to nationals but I’ve also got a couple of triathlons coming up where I ride for a team.
“I’ll probably ride the state Masters road champs as well and some time trialling.”