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2019
Australian Road National Championships - Women's Criterium
Preview |
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![](../../../images/Rebecca-Wiasak-2018-Australian-Road-Nationals.jpg) |
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Rebecca Wiasak winning the 2018 title. Photo: Con Chronis |
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The women's criterium is always a hotly contested race during
the Australian Road National Championships and with four
previous winners and a host of other talent on the start list
2019 will be no exception. Defending Champion Rebecca Wiasak
returns and is joined by former winners Sarah Roy, Jessica
Allen and Lauren Kitchen and with the likes of Chloe Hosking,
Lauretta Hanson and Peta Mullens on the start list the
competition is strong. In the under 23 category Kristina
Clonan doesn't return to defend her title with track
obligations, though 2017 winner Nicola Macdonald will be
aiming for another title and with 2018 under 19 winner Sarah
Gigante stepping up the competition will be just as strong.
Start List
Rebecca Wiasak
In the closing stages of the race last year Wiasak looked to
be out of contention sitting towards the back before
unleashing a powerful sprint to overtake everyone and storm
clear to the line taking the win. With frequent wins in
criteriums in Australia and the United States over the last
two years Wiasak is one of the best criterium riders in the
race. Without teammates she will be unable to chase everything
but if it comes down to a bunch sprint expect to see her
challenge again.
Chloe Hosking
Hosking has claimed the under 23 title and an elite medal in
the past though the top step of the podium has proved elusive
in the elite ranks. One of the fastest sprinters in the world
and if Hosking is in the hunt towards the end will be very
hard to beat in an out and out sprint. Racing as an individual
so will be have to play the race smart and can't follow every
move. Comes in off a strong showing at the Bay Crits where she
won stage two.
Sarah Roy and Mitchelton Scott
In Sarah Roy Mitchelton Scott have a former winner and one of
the fastest sprinters in the field. Roy was a surprise winner
back in 2015 but she would not be this time. Over the past two
years Roy has taken wins across Europe including World Tour
stages. Backed by the strongest team in they race they could
control it for Roy with the likes of Lucy Kennedy, Grace Brown
and former winner Jessica Allen chasing down moves and they
have Grace Elvin and Amanda Spratt as well for attacking. On
paper they have multiple riders to win but that doesn't mean
they will.
Lauren Kitchen
One of four former winners on the start like Lauren Kitchen
will be hoping to throw back to 2011 when she claimed the
title. A regular podium finisher at the National Championships
across both the criterium and road race and will be looking to
add another medal to the collection. While she packs a quick
finish is not an out and out sprinter though the uphill drag
to the line helps her chances especially if it is a hard race.
Shannon Malseed
Malseed is never far from the action at Road Nationals
regardless of the race and the criterium is no exception. The
current road race national champion will be looking to add
another green and gold jersey to her collection. The 2015
under 23 champion packs a quick finish and with the uphill
sprint if she can make it a hard race don't be surprised to
see her made another trip to the podium.
Peta Mullens and Josie Talbot - Roxsolt Attaquer
Roxsolt Attaquer have several options including the in form
Peta Mullens who claimed victory on the final stage of the Bay
Crits on Thursday and criterium star Josie Talbot. Mullens has
twice claimed silver medals and a win would add to her road
race title. While Talbot won silver in the under 23 category
two years ago steps up to the elite category for the first
time. With three years in the US racing criteriums in her legs
there are few in the field with her skill set. Has acted as a
lead out rider for the Schneider sisters in the US and expect
to see her lead out Mullens but she could easily fight for the
win herself in the right circumstances. With Sarah Gigante the
team have a strong player in the under 23 field.
Lauretta Hanson
Hanson has signed for the new Trek Segafredo Team after two
seasons with UnitedHealthcare. A very quick sprinter who
claimed multiple podium finishes in UCI races in 2018. The
lack of team support will hurt her chances here but don't
discount her for that.
Ashlee Ankudinoff
Team pursuit world champion Ashlee Ankudinoff is a rider who
could beat some of the more favoured names. A regular winner
in the National Road Series and has spent time in the US
racing and winning criteriums. Packs a very quick finish
though in the middle of track season may not be at her best on
the road.
Other names to watch include Tiffany Cromwell, former Under 23
winners Emily Roper and Jessica Mundy and Kendell Hodges
Under 23 Women
Start List
Nicola Macdonald
Macdonald surprised many including herself in when in 2017 she
sprinted home to the title. Made a name for herself on the
track but has placed a greater focus on the road the last 12
months. With some time off the bike during 2018 what her form
is like is the biggest question
Sarah Gigante
After claiming three gold last year across the criterium, time
trial and road race as an under 19 Gigante steps up to the
under 23 level and will be eyeing further success. Racing
against a field of this size and strength will be a new
challenge and if she can stay in the bunch, she may be able to
sprint to her first under 23 medal.
Elizabeth Stannard
Formerly of New Zealand Stannard could be the surprise packet
in the field. Spent time in the US in 2018 picking up some
strong results in criteriums.
Other names to watch in the under 23 including Jessica Pratt
and Jaime Gunning and Anya Louw. |
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