Velo Canberra had a great weekend of racing at the NSW Road Championships hosted at Gunning on the weekend of the 7th-9th of September.
First up was the Time Trial, covering 22km between Breadalbane and Gunning. This region is known to be windy as the array of Wind Power turbines on the ridge nearby can attest. Race day was to be no different with strong winds and stronger gusts buffeting the fields throughout the event. Masters 2 were first of the Velo riders to set off with both Mick and Allan seeded among top contenders. At the finish only seconds separated the top places with Allan taking 1st place and the gold medal, and Mick picking up the Bronze, separated by the evergreen and always fast Pete Milostic.
Next up was the masters 3 event with Les and Steve both braving the worsening conditions. In this event Steve literally held on for 3rd place as he battled the strong winds.
Sunday was the road race for Master 2 and 3. In the Masters 2 Velo had four riders, Mick, Felix, Ben and Allan. Ben was the first to stretch his legs and head up the road, in what was going to turn out to be the winning break of the day as he was later joined by three other riders. This quartet worked well together and manage to hold off the field. On the final lap Mick tested his legs jumping across the gap to the break solo. At the finish it was Mick who picked up 2nd place and a silver medal, Ben came home in 4th and Allan in 8th.
Masters 3 was highlighted by a series of attacks and corresponding chase downs, none of which held until the final lap when Steve Isbel powered away with Andrew East. Coming into the final kilometer Steve faltered and Andrew just managed to hold on for the win. Steve Blackburn held good position in the sprint to pick up 6th place.
With four Medals, 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Velo was very happy with the weekends results as the team now focuses on the upcoming National Titles.
Mick powering into 3rd place in the Time Trial