WAIS Cyclists Compete in Czech Road Tour
Whilst the Tour de France takes the world’s attention during July as it snakes its way through the picturesque settings of France, four WAIS cyclists have been excelling across Europe under the watchful eye of WAIS cycling coach Darryl Benson.
Josie Tomic, Sarah Kent, Mel Hoskins and Bella King have been competing in European road races for team Jayco, whilst Benson has been part of the coaching group overseeing their progress.
The WAIS girls most recently competed in the Tour de Feminin Krasna Lipa in the Czech Republic along with a very strong stable of Australian riders. The tour was won by Australian AIS road team member Amanda Spratt, who was supported by the WAIS contingent over the four days of competition.
Benson described the UCI tour as a good test for the squad with plenty of challenges across the four days.
“The circuits were technical and challenging with plenty of rolling hills and tight descents and narrow road sprint finishes,” he said.
Hoskins impressed throughout the tour, winning the second stage despite a puncture six kilometres from the finish as the Aussie girls took first, second and third on the podium. Hoskins was intended as the lead out rider but produced such a burst the train line followed through un-rivalled.
“Mel punctured 6km from home, so Josie dropped back to assist and gave Mel her wheel before we could service from the support car,” Benson explained. “Mel then chasing hard to catch the peleton, moved straight to the front to set up her role as lead out sprinter for Netti (Annette Edmondson) and rode so strongly to the finish, no one could come off the wheel leaving the Aussie train all in tow behind her.”
Benson also reserved praise for Sarah Kent who as he observed, “rode very impressively in a support role for the team.”
Kent showed her own form on the third day time-trial, finishing seventh whilst Josie Tomic also impressed finishing 11th quickest.
The squad is now in the Netherlands where it will compete in two races, before embarking on another three tough weeks of racing.