National Junior Road Championship begin at Ulverstone

The under-17 women’s was taken out by Gold Coast’s Francesca Sewell ahead of ACT’s Lauren Robards and Brooke Carnes, of Balmoral, with Turner finishing in fifth place.

Turner’s teammates also put in impressive performances with Mersey Valley Devonport’s Meg Lampaugh coming in 14^th, Launceston’s Amy Wright in 15^th and Anna-Charlotta O’Rourke (Mersey Valley Devonport) finishing 23^rd.

Turner said she took advantage of the undulating terrain on the Penguin Road track despite the gusty conditions. “My strength was using little hills and many riders would not be used to time trialing on a track like this.” she said.

“But it was not easy for anyone on the way back to the finish line, as it was straight into a head breeze.”

Turner said the time trial was not her strongest event and is confident leading into the road race.

“There are some very good climbs around Sheffield and we ride on roads like them all the time, we will be ready.”

In the under-15 men’s, Dubbo’s Dylan Eather claimed the gold, silver for Gold Coast’s Zakk Peterson and bronze for Zachary Kelly, of Hawthorn.

But there was drama for the locals with Mersey Valley Devonport’s Jack Menzies, who turned around early and had to retake the turn, which cost him up to 30 seconds and a top 10 position.

Menzies steadied to finish in 14^th place, ahead of Burnie’s Lachlan Spurr in 15^th and North District’s Hamish McKenzie in 29^th.

The under-15 women’s continued Dubbo’s domination of the youngest age group with Hayley Fuller claiming gold from silver medalist Isabelle Carnes, of Balmoral, and bronze medalist Alli Anderson from Alice Springs.

Hobart’s Renee Philpot was the best of the Tasmanian’s in 22^nd, with Mersey Valley Devonport’s Eugenie O’Rourke 23^rd and Launceston’s Zoe Wright in 25^th.

The under-17 men’s had some lightning fast times, with Sunshine Coast’s Alastair MacKellar coming away with the gold medal in a time of 19:10.

Balmoral’s James Moriarty claimed silver 25 seconds behind and bronze went to Harry Morgan, of Blackburn.

Launceston’s Cameron McPherson led the charge for the locals finishing in 33^rd, with Launceston sprint specialist Ryan Lawson 39^th and Mersey Valley Devonport’s Tristan Aylett 40^th, closing out the top 40.

Lauceston’s Mountain Bike Club’s Riley Cowling 42^nd, Launceston’s Henley James-Smith 45^th, Burnie’s Oscar Varney 46^th, Launceston’s Liam Johnston 47^th, Hobart’s Daniel Di Domenico 50^th and Launceston’s Jack Schouten 61^st battled hard in the trying conditions.

The championships move to Sheffield for the road races on Saturday going along the scenic countryside Nook and West Nook Roads before finishing up High Street. 

The day begins with the under-15 Women on the two lap 31-kilometre race followed by the under-15 men, before the under-17’s compete over the gruelling four lap 61km track.