On 8 September six Catholic College Bendigo students contested the Midlands Zone Finals of the Victorian Schools Cycling Championships. It was a cool and windy day to be out on the bike, but the CCB team was determined to ride onto the podium.
Alexander Evans (VT1) opened the account for the College with a strong ride in the M13 Racing category. In a strong finish Alexander claimed the bronze medal. Next to hit the road was Aiden Bowe (JR3) and Julian Thomson (VT1) in the M15 Racing category. The pace was on right from the start and after the turn the attacks were coming fast. Aiden raced in to claim 4th spot in the sprint finish to the line and Julian rode admirably into 10th position.
Our sole female representative, Imogen Jelbart (VT5) was keen to flex her muscle in the W17 Racing category. And flex she did, with a dominant text book sprint to the line to claim yet another bottle green winners jersey, a highlight of her racing wardrobe. CCB had two riders representing at the M19 level; Kieran Pontelandolfo (MY9) in the racing category and Finnian Sullivan (JR7) in the Novice category. Kieran found the pace a little too hot after the turn around but completed the race not too far off the others. Finnian rode impressively from the start doing the lion’s share of the work on the front of the bunch. Having led most of the way, it was only fitting that the Flying Finn pulled away, in the sprint to the finish line to claim race honours and another winners jersey for the school.
Finnian, Imogen and Alexander have all qualified for the state finals, to be held on Saturday 17 October at Lygon Street Carlton in conjunction with the Herald Sun Tour. We wish our riders every success for this event.
Cycling Successes