Storer Claims U19 Oceania Champs Time Trial Win

WAIS cyclist Michael Storer has made a strong early bid for Junior Road World Championship selection after winning the U19 men’s time trial at the Oceania Road Championships in Toowoomba.

Storer who claimed a bronze medal at the Junior World Road Championships in 2014, put himself firmly in frame to reprise his debut worlds performance, after clocking an impressive 30:38.22mins for victory late last week in the first of the qualifying events that will extend to the National Road Series.

Having won the same title last year in Canberra, Storer said he was pleased with the win and felt in good shape throughout the ride.

“I’m feeling really happy, winning it again this year. I knew it was going to be really challenging with very strong competition.

“I went out hard and held it for the whole way. It was very hot out there which was another challenge but I felt like I was in good condition and was riding as hard as I could.”

Fellow WAIS scholarship holder Darcy Pirotta finished fifth overall, but crucially, third of the Australians, with qualification points factored when the squad is announced later in the year.

The boys rounded out a highly competitive campaign with a top of the field performance in the U19 road race, with Pirotta securing a third place finish and Storer two places back in fifth.

Pirotta and Storer were part of a chase group that bridged the gap to race winner Jackson Carman to 10 seconds in what proved a thrilling finish.

The Road World Championships will be held in Richmond, USA from 19-27 September.