‘Best titles’ as club comes to rescue
THE Gold Coast Cycling Club wasn’t expecting to host the 2020 Queensland Junior State Championships – but it could turn out to be the “best” it has ever hosted.
Bundaberg was initially scheduled to host the 2020 titles but due to COVID-19, its cycling club could no longer host the event.
After hosting the event in the past, the Gold Coast Cycling Club came to the rescue and 110 cyclists from around the state are preparing to compete in time trials, criterium and road races across four locations this weekend.
The road races are set to be a particular highlight with Guanaba added as a racing location as the club pulls out all the stops to replicate the full Tour de France experience.
“This could be one of the best titles we’ve ever hosted,” Gold Coast Cycling Club race secretary Dominique Verstreken said.
“We were put under the pump but our race directors have done an incredible job.
“The big drawcard is the road course at Guanaba and if things go well, that course could be earmarked for future open events.
“There’s probably no course in closer proximity to civilisation which makes it more attractive to competitors and securing support from governments because it brings in tourism.
“We’re hoping to create a full Tour de France experience for the kids.”
Of the 110 competitors, 40 are from the Gold Coast Cycling Club. Several will vie for selection in the state team to compete at nationals, and Cycling Queensland scouts will be watching closely.
Verstreken earmarked Gold Coast products Luke Richert, Maddison Smith, Aspen Anderson, William Laspina, Reilly Dickson and Noah Blannin as cyclists to watch.