| |
|
|
| |
Junior Women's Individual Time Trial Preview |
|
| |
|
|
| |
The 2014 National Junior Road
Championships will see some of Australia's top juniors battle
it out and hope to be selected for the World Championships
later in the year. A number of the riders come from having
competed at International Track Series Adelaide last month and
are in final preparation for Junior Track Worlds next month so
their road form may not be at its best.
The Course
The 15km course has some minor undulation but nothing that
should really trouble anyone. The first 14km are mostly strait
and will allow those with big engines to put the power down.
Riders turn in to the final km that is slightly uphill and
will test the legs. If you go out to hard you could pay for it
and lose crucial seconds in the uphill ramp to the line.
The Contenders
Alex Manly
Alex Manly is the current Oceania Champion and was third at
the World Championships last year just eight seconds off the
win. Manly is one of the best in the world against the clock
both on the track and road. Won the Individual Pursuit earlier
in the year at Track Nationals and was very consistent at ITS
Adelaide. In the middle of her build up for Track Worlds but
still expect a very strong ride.
Macey Stewart
A crash nearly ended her life two years ago but Stewart has
bounced back to her dominating ways. Was the top junior in the
time trial at the Mersey Valley Tour earlier this year putting
big gaps in to her rivals. A slightly hillier course might
suit her better but Stewart is a genuine contender for the
title. Finished third last year just 5" down on Manly.
Anna-Leeza Hull
Has stormed on to the national stage with strong rides in the
NRS this year. 7th in the time trial at the Mersey Valley
Tour. Finished behind Stewart but ahead of U23 National
Champion Janelle Crooks and Alex Manly. Unlike rivals has not
spent the past few months focused on the track and that could
give her an advantage.
Josie Talbot
Finished 5th last year 37" behind Manly. Went to Track World
Championships last year and will again this year. A strong IP
rider on the track but the distance is a disadvantage for her.
Finished over two minutes behind Stewart at the Mersey Valley
Tour TT.
Lauren Perry
Perry is the current Junior World Champion in the IP on the
track. There is no doubting her talent over 2km on the track
but the 15km distance poses a much bigger challenge.
Dani McKinnirey
Finished second behind Manly at the South Australian State
Championships last month and is a year younger than most of
her Junior Track Worlds teammates.
|
|
|
|