WAIS Athletes Named in National Training Squad
Six WAIS cyclists have been named in the National training squad, vying for selection for the up coming UCI Track World Cup in Melbourne from 20-22 November 2008.
Beijing Olympian Cameron Meyer, Scott Sunderland, Travis Meyer and Josie Tomic have been named along with newcomers Sarah Kent and Luke Durbridge. Sarah Kent and Luke Durbridge get their chance to impress the National coaches and selectors for the first time after impressive showings in the Junior World Championships in Cape Town earlier in the year.
WAIS Cycling Program Co-ordinator, Andrew Smith, said “It is great to see such a great representation of WA athletes in thistraining squad prior to the Melbourne Track World Cup and it gives them all a real chance to stake their claim in being part of the National team in the start of the cycle towards London in 2012.”
“It is very impressive to see them transition into the competitive senior ranks after their performances at Junior World level and shows the depth and quality of cycling in WA at the moment. It also great for Luke to gain this senior recognition while still having a another year as an Under 19 athlete.”
In other cycling news:
Three Western Australian riders competed in last week’s Tour of Tasmania, with Ben King, Adam Semple and Luke Durbridge all in action.
The Tour showcased many of Australia’s best and brightest young riders and represented a good opportunity for the newly formed WA based Plan – B Racing Team to gain experience against the country’s leading cycle teams.
Ben King produced a solid tour claiming a stage win and a stage second place finish, to take tenth position in the general classification. Adam Semple enjoyed a consistent performance to take eighth position over-all, whilst Luke Durbridge captured a second place stage finish and 12th position overall, a fine performance from the youngster.
The Final day was a 56km Criterium on a challenging 1.4 km circuit supported by a good crowd watching the climax of the Tour. There were several attacks with the racing aggressive throughout.
Ben King positioned himself in the final three man attack that held a six second advantage at the bell over the chasing group that included Adam Semple, Luke Durbridge and Neill Manning. The lead group managed to withstand the pelotons advances with King unlucky not to take the stage win, finishing second to Dale Scarffe of NSW and Tasmanian Caleb Manion claiming third.
Praities’ Ritchie Porte took the Tour win from SA.com’s Will Ford and Jack Bobridge of SASI in third.