Benson Predicts Bright Future for WAIS Cyclists
Having just arrived home after one of WA’s best ever showings at the National Track Championships, it’s not surprising WAIS Head cycling Coach Darryl Benson is feeling confident about the sport’s future.
The reigning Coach of the Year witnessed medal after medal for his young squad with success in both sprint and endurance events, and it is those results he hopes will catapult up to five WAIS athletes onto the senior Australian team for the World Championships in Poland in March.
Of particular note in Adelaide (host city of 2009 Track Championships) was the success of the men’s and women’s team pursuits.
“They were very strong results (WAIS athletes) that will enhance the prospects of national selection for both our senior and junior U19 track teams,” said Darryl Benson.
“For the men to ride a world class 4:04 and break the national record by four seconds is an outstanding effort.”
“It was brilliantly led by Cameron Meyer and he was exceptionally well supported by Travis (Cameron’s younger brother), Michael Freiberg and 17 year-old Luke Durbridge.”
Benson was equally glowing in his praise for the entire women’s team that included Josie Tomic and Sarah Kent in both qualifying and finals and Michaela Anderson (qualifying) and Melissa Hoskins (final) who both recorded excellent times to help the team to the title.
“To break the national record was awesome, a tremendous ride,” said Benson. “And then to rotate Michaela and Mel and come out and win in a world class time of 2:26 just shows we are very strong in female track endurance.”
“The future is very strong,” Benson said.
Josie Tomic and Sarah Kent finished first and second respectively in the women’s individual pursuit, which confirmed both girls as strong prospects for the future.
“The IP result was particularly pleasing,” said Benson. “Both girls continue to lower times in an event they’re working hard for towards London in 2012.”
Scott Sunderland has had a busy start to 2009, featuring for Team Toshiba in several UCI events and claiming two medals in Adelaide.
“Scotty had a good second in the keirin and a third in the time trial, hopefully that will be enough for him to make the World Champs in Poland,” said Benson.
“Michaela Anderson’s second in the IP U19 shows good consistency after she claimed silver at the recent Australian Youth Olympic Festival and Holly Williams second in the junior 500m time trial shows that she can be a real contender next year.”
Benson believes Australian cycling is in a good position at the start of a four year cycle, and sees no reason why the Cyclones can’t be a threat in 2012.
“Australian cycling is going through a healthy rebuilding phase,” Benson said. “It’s an exciting group of youngsters which WAIS has a strong investment in towards rebuilding our stocks for London and beyond.