Linfield and Meyer Sprint to Glory

WAIS cyclists Bradley Linfield and Cameron Meyer both earned gold this week at the Mars Cycling Australian Road National Championships in Ballarat.

Linfield won an exciting sprint to the finish over Josh Taylor (NSW) and WA representative Andrew Martin to win the under 23 national criterium title.

“I was worried coming into the finishing straight,” said Linfield. “I haven’t got much of a sprint so really I wanted to come to the line solo if I was going to try and win.”

He credits the late attack by South Australia’s Damien Howson which allowed him to recover enough for the final sprint.

“It worked out really well for me with Howson going up the road and the boys from Huon Genesys chasing it back, giving me a bit of a sit in until the last lap,” Linfield said.

Cameron Meyer won the men’s criterium national title with a solo victory over Victorians Steele Von Hoff and Leigh Howard.

“Going solo was definitely not the plan,” Meyer remarked post-race. “I would have liked some friends out there but the peloton just seemed to let me go.”

Mayer gained a 27 second lead by the last five laps allowing him to celebrate as he crossed the finish line.

“I was glad that was the last lap and I could put the hands up and celebrate.” He said.

Not usually a criterium specialist, Meyer was surprised but happy with the win.

“It’s another special win,” said Meyer. “Obviously to win any Australian championship is special. I’m a little surprised as the criterium is not my forte. I’m definitely thought of more as a time trialist or road racer, but I went out there today and showed I have good form.”

The Mars Cycling Australia Road National Championships continue on Saturday January 12 when the women and under 23 men contest the road race at Buninyong.

For more articles on these races, click here.