Time Trial Gold for Tomic as WAIS Stars Shine
WAIS cyclist Josie Tomic starred on the first day of the Australian Open Road Championships in Ballarat, Victoria yesterday. Tomic added the women’s under 23 individual road time trial title to her collection just one day after finishing second at the culmination of the Bay crits championships.
The first day of the championships produced more positive results for WAIS Head cycling coach Darryl Benson and his squad with Travis Meyer earning a second place finish behind 2008 Beijing Olympian Jack Bobridge in the men’s under 23 individual road time trial.
Riding for Team AIS, Meyer and his teammates dominated, with Bobridge and third place getter Michael Matthews also representing the team colours. Meyer was thrilled at having gone one place higher than 2008.
“To get beaten by a guy like Jack is not a bad effort,” the 20-year-old said adding, “If you are going to win the national titles in the under 23 you have to have an exceptional ride and I did that, but Jack was the stronger rider on the day.”
Following from the men’s race Tomic and fellow WAIS rising star Sarah Kent had their opportunity to tackle the hilly 28km course, and they took the chance with both hands. Despite having only arrived in Ballarat at midnight on the eve of race day, Tomic and Kent proved that they have the stamina to match their speed with Tomic taking the win and Kent finishing third.
Despite clocking a time of 42:56.14min that would have seen her seventh in the open age field, Tomic felt she can go faster through the Mt Buninyong circuit next year.
“I am quite happy just coming off the Bay crits as Sarah (Kent) and I are quite tired,” Tomic said. “I didn’t actually mind the hill and I think I saved myself too much thinking it was going to be even more hilly.
“At least I know for next year,” said Tomic.
Kent had one objective for the time trial and was pleased with the outcome. “My goal was just to get my name up there and on the podium, so I am happy,” said Kent.
In the open age women’s event Athens Olympian Sally Robbins competed in her first road individual time trial clocking a time of 47:04.58mins. Having only recently switched to cycling from rowing, Robbins enjoyed the new challenge.
“It’s a really good change, a good break mentally and I’m enjoying the experience and enjoying being here,” said Robbins who will also contest the road race on Saturday.
WAIS athlete Adam Semple will join up with Team AIS for the men’s road race this Saturday, a competition that teammate Bobridge is looking forward to.
“We have all come here with great form and it is always good to see your teammates up along side of you. I think that we will all be looking forward to Saturday’s road race,” said Bobridge.
The Championships are being staged at Buninyong, near Ballarat in Victoria, from 7 to 11 January.