ATHLETES within the FedUni WestVic Academy of Sport\u2019s cycling stream have taken part in an annual tradition this month.<\/p>\n
A RoadNats recon session was held around Buninyong and Mount Helen last week with 18 young riders taking to the road ahead of racing in early January.<\/p>\n
Riders did a lap of the Buninyong course in the company of elite cyclists and under the guidance of Tokyo Olympic coach Cam McFarlane.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Australian Road Cycling Championships are the highlight and dream of every red-blooded road cyclist, so it\u2019s understandable that the first time anyone enters it is with a bit of fear and trepidation,\u201d McFarlane said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why the WestVic Academy of Sport Cycling program holds a nationals recon session every year, and this year\u2019s session featured some very special guests, all with amazing experiences of the Buninyong circuit.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurrent national road champion Luke Plapp, Commonwealth Road Champion Georgia Baker, Ballarat legend and nine-time Nationals veteran Liam White, 2020 Bronze medallist Lauretta Hanson, and NRS under-23 winner Keely Bennett were our guests.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe group were also humbled to have 1998 silver medallist and two-time Giro D’Italia contestant Tom Leaper attend, and it was great to listen to his experiences and thoughts on the ride.\u201d<\/p>\n
McFarlane said \u201cthe big and little things\u201d about the course and race day rituals were covered.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom having a 60-tooth chainring for the time trial, to having dad at the start with electrolytes, and mum at the end with water, everyone went home with a greater understanding of what to expect and how to plan, prepare, and enjoy their Nationals experience,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just beat the rain, and of course, on the big day, there will be that guy cheering them on at the top of the mountain with the barbecue ready.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ATHLETES within the FedUni WestVic Academy of Sport\u2019s cycling stream have taken part in an annual tradition this month. A RoadNats recon session was held around Buninyong and Mount Helen last week with 18 young riders taking to the road ahead of racing in early January. Riders did a lap of the Buninyong course in […]<\/p>\n