More than 60 cyclists from around the world took to Targo Street for the Super Street Criterium to start UCI Cyclefest International.
Targo Street in the Bundaberg CBD was closed to traffic for the international cycling event on Wednesday night, as the race got underway for the 35 minute, plus two laps, street races.
The hearts of more than 60 competitors were pumping as they strapped their helmets on and lined up for the men’s and women’s races.
With hair-pin turns the “hot-dog” course with a slight up-hill finish would prove a difficult task for those unaccustomed to the lung-busting lay out of the course.
Taking out the Elite Men’s International Super Street Criterium race was Graeme Frislie, second was Declan Trezise and third was Henry Dietze.
“When I kicked at the end, I was expecting them to come with me,” Graeme said.
“I looked over my shoulder and I saw they weren’t coming with me and it was a good feeling!”
Winning the B-grade Men’s International Super Street Criterium race was James Thomas, with Brett Lutz coming in second, followed by Mitch Davis in third.
Ruby wins Elite Women’s race
Winner of the HitzFM Elite Women’s International Super Street Criterium race was Australian Ruby Rose Gannon.
She took the lead early, supported by ARA Pro Racing Sunshine Coast teammates Georgie Danford and Sophie Edwards.
“I’ve just done a month of road racing with the national develop team in Australia, with the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, which is a world tour and it was the first time they have ever raced a women’s race in the southern hemisphere so that was really cool,” Ruby said.
“I thought our team had a good chance, as we have been racing together for quite a while now, and we came first, third and fourth.”
Making the trip from New Zealand 19-year-old McKenzie Milne was pumped and ready to give the Elite Women’s International Super Street Criterium race all she had.
McKenzie said she would be participating in a number of the races while staying in the Bundaberg Region, and said this event would help her obtain her goal of high-performance racing.
“I don’t do much street racing, but I like to do it to build my confidence,” McKenzie said.
“It’s more frightening but my goal is just to do my best each time I race.”
While in the area McKenzie said she hoped to check out a number of local attractions and was enjoying her stay at Bargara.
- Earlier report: Brody Allison pumped for UCI Cyclefest
