An excellent turnout of 70 riders from across the state and some tight times made for nervous watching in the first open individual time trial of the cycling season.
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More than 40 were vying for the title of junior state time trial champion. While some prefer bunch racing, time trials are a true test of a cyclist's form, fitness and mental stamina.
Plenty of that was on display from under-11s on tiny road bikes to those who compete nationally and internationally who set some blistering times.
Clearly plenty of seniors had been training through the COVID break with some fast times recorded. Hobart's Matt Byrne took the fastest over the 24km lumpy course followed by John Gregory (MAS5), of Launceston, and Clint Wighton (MAS2), of Devonport, who beat Burnie's Jordan Matthews by one second.
Hobart's Nicole Frain took the fastest time in the senior women with a blistering 33 minutes followed by Kristy Grubits (MAS2), of Burnie, and Jen Booth (MAS3), of Westbury.
But the day really was a focus on juniors with Burnie's Dalton Stretton pipping Devonport's Jack Menzies by 14 seconds in the under-19 men's category and Jonte Armistead taking third.
Under-19 women featured Launceston's Catelyn Turner on the top step with a top time of 20 minutes over the shorter 15km course from Amy Wright, also of Launceston, and Grace Johnstone.
The under-17 fields were on fire with some riders clearly putting it all out on the road to capture the title.
Hamish McKenzie, of Launceston, managed to do just that with a top time of just over 19 minutes followed closely by Hayden van der Ploeg, of Burnie, and Thomas Clayton, of Launceston.
Launceston newcomer Mia Brown won the women with an exceptional ride, followed by Devonport's Eugenie O'Rourke and Zoe Wright, of Launceston.
Under-15s saw an equally large and determined field with Lachlan Oliver taking the gold from Vinnie Manion, of Devonport, and Alex Eaves.
Meika Derrico won the women with a top time of 16 minutes, followed by new road rider Maya Martin and Cloe Jordan.
Sybille O'Rourke took the 13s from Julia Whiton while Thomas Blazley claimed the men's title from Gus Challis and Monty Manion.
The under-11 state titles went to Rory Stretton and Archie Martin.
Clearly riders were pleased to be back racing with plenty of socially distanced banter under a beautiful bright and still day. Follow the Cycling Tasmania Facebook and webpage to keep up to date with the racing schedule and new riders are most welcome.
