Sport
9 February, 2024
Elite cyclists return 'home'
ELITE cyclists Steph Hibburt and Bailey McDonald returned ‘home’ to the Camperdown Cycling Club last week.
Much to the delight of the club’s younger riders, the two champions were special guests at the club on Thursday.
Steph featured in the Cadel Evans Great Road Race as part of ARA Australian Cycling Team and spent quite a bit of time in the break-away group.
And as a recent signing with the Roxsolt Liv SRAM line-up, Steph also took part in last Sunday’s Lochard Energy Warrnambool Women’s Classic.
Bailey McDonald recently signed with Team BridgeLane following an amazing 2023 which included a podium finish in the coveted Powercor Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic and completing at an elite level around Australia.
During their visit to the Camperdown club, both Bailey and Steph shared their cycling journey with the junior riding team.
During the pre-race Q and A, the club’s junior riders learnt about what it’s like to ride at an elite level and the importance of nutrition, healthy mindset, and their unique pathway to reaching their cycling teams.
Both riders spoke about the club and its special involvement as a stepping stone to great success and then supported the juniors throughout their Thursday Summer Series, racing in windy conditions.
Coached on the road by Bailey, Quinn (10:43) was able to take the win over Ava (12:00) in second who was joined by Steph.
The third and fastest place was taken by Oliver (09:56).
Lawson, the youngest rider for the night, was able to wear the ARA Australian Cycling Team top Steph had brought along.
The senior race was a great experience for the club’s younger riders who were coached by Bailey on the road, instructing the crew on turns, speed and the sprint finish.
The race was won by the in-form Zane (28.55), Oliver (28:56) was second and Finn (29:05) came across the line in third.
Scratch rider Robert Hibburt (23:37) was fourth and fastest.