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Oceania Championships Women's U19
Road Race Preview |
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A small field of just eight
riders will make for an interesting race.
The Route
Two laps of a 35.78km circuit around Goombungee, just north of
Toowoomba. The hilly course is one that suits the puncheur and
climbers. An undulating eight kilometres opens the laps before
a 13.17km climb starting at the 8.4km mark. While the average
gradient might only be 1.5% if raced at a fast pace will
likely put a lot of riders under pressure.
Over the top there is a short descent of just under two
kilometres before a second 1.9km climb that tops out after
25km. After a gradual downhill run for two kilometres the
peloton will face another rise before a seven kilometre run in
to the finish. If a rider or a group is able to get a gap
there is a strong change they could solo away to the finish.
The Contenders
Start list available
here
Anna-Leeza Hull
Despite illness after the Santos Women's Tour and crashing out
at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race Hull showed she is on
good form taking victory in the time trial on Friday. The
course suits Hull although she would probably prefer a hillier
course. Hull claimed the bronze medal last year and will be
looking to find the top step this year. Hull will likely look
to get away on the climbs and solo to the finish.
Jessica Pratt
Silver medallist in 2014 winning the sprint for silver ahead
of this years stand out favourite Anna-Leeza Hull. Pratt
finished fourth in the time trial in a sign she is on some
decent form. If she can still with Hull going in to the finish
stands a good chance of claiming gold.
Kristina Clonan
Silver medallist in the under 17 road race at the Australian
Championships in 2014 and bronze medallist in the time trial
on Friday. Stepping up to the under 19 ranks for the first
time the greater distance could be a challenge. Clonan comes
in after a strong showing on the track claiming 2ilver in the
scratch race and bronze in the points race. If Clonan is in
contention in a sprint will be dangerous.
Other names to watch: Tori Saunders and Ashleigh Hocking. |
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