Tenacity pays off after all
WorldTour contract next objective for joyous Jones
AFTER going head-to-head with Caleb Ewan at the Bay Crits all week, it was a subtle hint from the pocket rocket that told Brenton Jones this might finally be his year at the national championships.
Having finished on the podium four times with two silver and two bronze medals in the national criterium race, Jones finally cracked the top step by outsprinting Tristan Ward and Jay McCarthy in a bunch finish in Ballarat last night.
Ewan, the reigning threetime champion, was a late scratching from the field while he focuses on tomorrow’s road race at Buninyong.
The 27-year-old said it was a dream to win the title and he would likely sleep in his new jersey to celebrate.
“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet; I don’t think it will until I sit down and see the green and gold jersey in my bedroom.
“A lot of hard work and perseverance has gone in over the years to get to the top step, it’s been a challenge but to finally get there is a massive reward for everyone who has supported me along the way.
“And it’s a pat on the back to myself for persevering and not letting people distract me from never trying to get to the top step.”
It was a reward for years of perseverance for Jones, who rides for Delko Marseille Provence and still harbours ambitions of racing at the top level.
“I’m 27 and still chasing that WorldTour contract and I hope to have that in 2020.
“That’s my goal, and I think this year has started off quite well and a result like this will give me confidence for the rest of the season,” he said.
“I would love to race the Sun Tour with the national team that would be great preparation for Oman, then after that … hopefully set eyes on Roubaix.”