Allen Wins at 2017 Road Nationals

January the 4th saw Western Australian cyclist Jessica Allen named Elite Women’s Criterium Champion at the 2017 MARS Cycling Australia Road National Championships, held in Ballarat.

In her first year out of the U23 age category Allen was lost for words when asked about the moment she realised that she was going to win.

After a number of attacks in the first half of the race Jessica quickly found herself within a five rider breakaway group.

Knowing the need to attack in order to win the title, Allen wasted no time in distancing herself from the remainder of the breakaway.

She said “once I was in the break of five, I knew I had to be aggressive, with three sprinters in there as it isn’t my forte, but we had to attack, I was lucky.” 

“I felt I had really good legs out there and just time trialed all the way to the end.” 

Rounding off the podium positions for the race were Victorians, Kendelle Hodges in second and Shannon Malseed in third.

The Western Australian’s Criterium win in Ballarat followed her win from the previous day in Williamstown. 

Fellow Western Australian cyclist Jai Hindley achieved success in the U23 Men’s Criterium race.

Also part of a five rider breakaway group, Hindley crossed the line to gain fourth place.

The Elite Men’s Road Race took place in Buninyong with three Western Australians finishing in the top 15, Travis Meyer, Cameron Meyer and Luke Durbridge.

Of the trio, 2010 Champion, Travis Meyer achieved the greatest success finishing in sixth place.

Cameron Meyer and Luke Durbridge finished in 13th and 14th respectively.

The race was taken out by BMC Racing Team’s Miles Scotson, claiming the gold jersey.