Storer Wins U19 National Road Title
WAIS cyclist Michael Storer won the U19 Men’s Criterium title on the weekend after a successful breakaway at the national road championships in Canberra.
In the last event of the championships, Storer – the reigning Oceania time trial champion – out-sprinted his breakaway companion Joel Yates (NZL) for the win, with Queensland’s Daniel Fitter leading the field home for bronze.
After missing the podium in the earlier men’s road race and time trials, Storer said the criterium result was a positive way to finish the championships.
“I am really happy to win the criterium,” said Storer. “I was a little bit disappointed with my road race and I felt that my position in the time trial wasn’t what I would expect to get so I’m really happy to find my legs again and get the win.”
Storer took advantage of a lull in the pace of the reduced peloton, attacking with Yates and Cyrus Monk (VIC) with four laps remaining in the 30 minute race.
On a windy day at Stromlo Forest Park, the field of 49 split into small groups early with two crashes in the field causing even more havoc and allowing the final breakaway much needed time.
WAIS athlete Darcy Pirotta crossed in 12thplace, with fellow WAIS cyclists Reece Tucknott in 15th and Sam Welsford unable to finish.
Pirotta was the best of the WAIS finishers in the men’s road race on Saturday, taking eighth place. Storer claimed 12thplace ahead of Tucknott in 15th and Wesford 29th.
In the time trial, Storer narrowly missed the podium in fifth place, Pirotta recorded the seventh fastest time, Welsford the 10thfastest, whilst Tucknott recorded a hattrick of 15th place finishes.
The Under 19 Road National Championships doubled as the final selection race for the UCI Junior Road World Championships with the team to be announced later this month.
-with CyclingAus