NSW JUNIOR STATE TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP 2018 – Report

Just spent 3 days watching and helping a terrific bunch of kids race the state championships for track in Sydney. Watching these kids work so hard and improve so much over the years is very satisfying as a parent. For Tahlia it’s her last junior state track championship, 3 years ago she rode states and in the Individual pursuit rode 3 min 18 secs for 2km, coming last and getting lapped twice. This weekend over the same distance she rode 2min 36secs and taking a gold medal. Big thanks to Mick Kejda for the “marginal gains” and Simon and Nicole Britten for the time and “patience” they give to all the kids.
A huge first day by our U15/17 riders at the NSW JUNIOR TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP. First event was the Individual Time Trial and our U15 women shone. Silver medal to Sarah Cliff and a bronze medal to Bronte Stewart. Emily strumfin had a great ride for 6th. In the U15 men Ryan Britten rode a great back half to secure his first gold medal of the day. Tane was 6th and Curtis 16th in his first big state hit out. In the U17 women Tahlia was 5th and Amelia 8th both setting some ripping PB’s. Next was the scratch race and Sarah Cliff riding on pure guts lead the sprint out from a long way and refused to be beaten taking away the gold. Bronte 4th and Emily 7th. Next up was Ryan and he didn’t mess around. With 4 laps to go he hit the front and was never headed taking another gold. Tane flew home to take a great Bronze and Curtis 12th. Taking some inspiration from the young brigade Tahlia and Amelia both attacked and coming to the bell Tahlia took a flyer and nearly pulled it off for silver and Amelia 11th. Big day tomorrow with the IP and kierins.

Well that’s a wrap for the NSW JUNIOR STATE TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP. Today in the sprint Sarah rode for gold and coming away with silver and some fantastic experience riding against the current Australian record holder. Bronte and Emily were 5th and 8th with both making the 1/4 finals.

In the U15 men Ryan and Tane rode off for gold and Ryan prevailed to make it an incredible 5 from 5 for the weekend. Tane taking silver but rode very well all day. Curtis was 13th on the table and with another year in age group will smash it next year. In the U17 women Amelia and Tahlia both set PB’s in the fly and eventually found each other in a very entertaining 1/4 final involving track stands, a long range launch, an even longer run at the wheel and a photo finish. Tahlia eventually finished 4th and Amelia 5th. The girls running on fumes decided the best recovery was a late entry to the madison where they took 4th place. Our kids both rode and carried themselves in a fashion the club can be proud of and when the state track team is picked to ride Nationals in Melbourne later this month there is a good chance there will some Illawarra kids wearing blue jerseys.
Cut and pasted from Steve Dole and Nicole Britten