Armidale Cycling Club held its junior club championships on Saturday 14 November, with riders competing in Under 17, 15, and 12 age groups.

The race program featured a single lap time trial of the Traffic Education Centre circuit, followed by a three lap scratch race, and concluding with a criteriums of 5min+1 lap for the U12’s, and 10min+1 lap for the U15’s and U17’s.

The winners were Brent Weston in the U17 boys, Britt Sisson in the U17 girls, Kyle O’Hara in the U15’s, and Jack Parker in the U12’s.

The U17’s were dominated by Brent Weston who won all three events. Brent was pushed in the first two legs, with a very fast time trial of 1:50 only just enough to beat Angus Swan on 1:51. Ben Castle and Chris Jones both recorded times of 1:59, with Britt Sisson at 2:01. This was Chris’ first time under 2 minutes, and he became the latest member of the Sub 2 club – well done Chris!

In the second race, Brent narrowly beat Angus into second place followed by Chris, Ben and Britt. In the final race however, Brent’s superior fitness and racing legs really proved to be the difference. In a performance full of determination he rode everyone off his wheel, winning by a half a lap. The rest of the field were unable to organise themselves to chase him down, and were led home by Chris Jones.

Brent was a deserving champion finishing on 30 points, with Angus on 23, Chris on 21, and Ben on 18. Britt rode well all day having no trouble keeping up with the boys to take out the girl’s title. Given that she has only just come back to racing in the last few weeks, Britt will no doubt provide stiff opposition for the other riders in the womens club championships in a few weeks time.

The U15’s was a close contest between Kyle O’Hara and Gil Burgess. There were several personal bests in the time trial, with Kyle on 1:50, Sam Jenner 2:04, and James Murray 2:39. Gil also joined the Sub 2 club by smashing the 2 minute mark to record a time of 1:51, a very impressive performance for a rider of his age. Adam Burke and Ben Sullivan also rode well, posting times of 2:07 and 2:16.

In the scratch race Kyle just pipped Gil on the line by the narrowest of margins, with Sam coming home in third place just ahead of Adam. Gil turned the tables in the criterium, beating Kyle in another close contest.

In the final standings, Kyle finished on 28 points, with Gil on 26, Sam on 21, Adam on 18, Ben 15, and James 12.

Jack Parker blitzed the field in the U12’s, winning the time trial with a time of 2:06, from Reece Burton on 2:28, Lachie Harris on 2:37, and Kieran Sullivan 2:40. Jack went on to win the next two races by a handy margin, with the other place getters coming home in the same order.

Jack finished as champion on 30 points, with Reece runner up on 24. Lachie and Kieran were very close all day, with Lachie finishing on 21 points and Kieran on 18.

Well done to all the riders who competed to the best of their abilities, and congratulations to the winners. The effort and sportsmanship on display was a credit to everyone.

Finally, our thanks go to Al O’Hara, Dave Jenner and their helpers who made sure the event went off without a hitch, as per usual.