Junior cyclists thrive on home turf
TOWNSVILLE’S leading young cyclists took full advantage of their home venue at the Queensland Junior Road Cycling Championships to medal in every age group.
More than 70 riders gathered to compete in the three- day championships held at Anderson Gardens and High Range.
And while the visiting competition proved to be strong, Townsville held its own.
Townsville’s Kobe Ormes, Scott Lynch, Caitlin Corset and Stephanie Corset capped off the successful weekend with selection in Queensland’s team for the National Junior Cycling Championships being held in September in Western Australia.
“The home town advantage certainly helped our riders out,” Townsville Cycling Club president Marcus Monteith said.
“We had a lot of terrific riders from all over the state but it’s always special when you’re riding at a big event like this and it’s your home turf.
“It’s also a big opportunity for riders who can’t really afford to travel to another part of the country and compete.
“The support they got was tremendous and they rode exceptionally well.”
Riders competed in road race, in- dividual time trial, criterium and team trial events throughout the championships, which saw under- 9, under- 11 and under- 15 riders racing at Anderson Gardens, and under- 15 and under- 17s competitors racing at High Range.
Anderson Gardens consisted of a track regarded as highly technical for juniors, and High Range’s rolling terrain came as an advantage for local riders who knew the area.
“They’ve worked hard and the dedication our young riders have to training is second to none,” Monteith said.
“It was great experience for them and for everyone involved.”