Wrap up - Canberra riders at round 3 of the National Road Series

All roads led to Narribri this week as round 3 of the Subaru National Road Series commence. The inaugural race of the Santos North West Tour was not without controversy as stage 5 of the men's race was neutralised due to safety concerns as the 117-strong men's field being unable to remain inside one lane as demanded by race regulations. Unfortunately (probably due to cost), the race organisers were unable to have rolling road closure, but forced riders to stay within the left lane at all time. Unfortunately, as an cyclists knows, it is difficult to keep within the confines of the left lane, especially when passing.  

After long discussions between teams and race organisers, the general classification was neutralised, handing Budget Forklifts rider Mark O'Brien the overall victory.

The race was not without its testing conditions, freezing winds, rain, sub-zero tempertures and headwinds that affected the ability of  riders to get into breakaways.  Something about safety in numbers. Note: These conditions could explain why Canberra riders performed so well.

Notwithstanding this controversy, it was a impressive display by Canberra riders. There were stage wins, jersey claimed and success amongst the teams.

The best result for Canberra women was Lisa Keeling (Boss Construction/Nutrixxion), who finished in 8th spot on the General Classification around 4.27 minutes from overall winner, Ruth Corset. In the men's race, Ben Hill (winner of the u19/u23 jerseys) finished in second spot. Joe Lewis, made up for forgetting his mother's birthday, by securing a top 10 spot in the General Classification. But success, did not stop here.   The four days were characterised by resilient performances by Canberra riders.

It all started on Thursday, when Suzuki-Trek rider, Rebecca Wiasek won the opening prologue in an impressive ride. The time was enough for Rebecca to pull on the leaders jersey after day one and two stages.  It was not the only success for Canberra on the day, with Kimberly Wells finishing 3rd during the stage 2 criterium.




Joe Lewis (RBS Morgans - ATS Pro Cycling) was Canberra's best finisher in the men's race, picking up a 3rd spot in the stage 2 Criterium.

While Canberra riders experienced a lean Stage 3, it all come together during Stage 4. RBS Morgans rider Ben Hill claimed an impressive solo victory ahead of James Boal (John West) and Canberra's William Lind (Suzuki-Trek). A ride that moved Hill into second spot on the GC, and the sprint and KOM jersey. Not content with the males taking all the glory, Kimberly Wells (Specialized SA Womens) took out the stage win. The win moved Kimberly into the second spot on the sprint classification.

Courtesy of the Cycling Australia website.

Stage 5, even though neutralized for the men, was equally successful. Joe Lewis (RBS Morgans - ATS Pro Cycling) won Stage 5 in another impressive display over the weekend. I understand that it was Joe Lewis' first NRS Stage win. One of many to come after his display over the last two races.

While Lisa Keeling and Megan Bagworth (Boss/Nutrixxion) helped team mates Ashlee Ankudinoff take out the women's Stage 5 race.

Joe Lewis - Stage 5 winner (Courtesy of Cycling Australia)

Overall, in the team event, Suzeki-Trek finished third in the women and 12th in the men's race. Boss/Nutrixxion, a team with a strong Canberra contingent finished 4th.

The results in NSW underlined the strength and depth of the Canberra cycling scene.  Congratulations to all Canberra riders that picked up stage wins and performed strongly to help riders take out stage wins.

Ben Hill - KOM Jersey (Courtesy Cycling Australia website)

More Ben Hill - Sprinter Jersey (Courtesy of Cycling Australia website)

The next event on the calendar is the Canberra Women's Tour from 6 to 8 July, with the men back in action at the Tour of Gippsland from 1-5 August.