Jnr Worlds: our riders report14 Apr 2015 , by CyclingNSW
Our three medal winning NSW members of the Australian team at the World Junior Track Championships are now back on Aussie soil. We asked Tori Saunders, Nicola Macdonald and Cameron Scott to describe their experiences in Spain.
Tori SaundersOne word to describe your Junior Worlds experience?
Incredible!
What events did you compete in and what were your results?
The Junior Women's Team Pursuit - second
The Individual Pursuit - eights
What was it like being there - the atmosphere, the feeling of wearing the Aust jersey, etc?
Pulling on the Australian Jersey and racing for our country was very special and felt like an honour, as not a lot of people get to wear the green and gold colours. The atmosphere was awesome, every time an Australian was on the track without a doubt; you could always here the support and cheering from the stands.
Any major issues while over there eg sickness to deal with?
I began to suffer from a stomach bug the day racing started, which lasted about four days, and unfortunately I was racing the first three days of competition. It wasn't ideal but I still came away medaling the Teams Pursuit, and being top 10 in the world in the Individual Pursuit even while sick.
Any major learnings either about travelling with bikes, competing internationally, the events themselves?
The main thing I have learnt from my Junior Worlds campaign would have to be how much hard work and sacrifice goes in to being successful at a world level. This year I have also learnt a lot more about teams pursuiting and how to ride this event well.
Anyone you would like to say thanks to?
I would like to say a huge thank you to my parents, John and Ann Saunders and my coach Mick Kejda. These three people have given up their time to help me be where I am today without their help.
Nicola MacdonaldIn a word?
Amazing.
Events?
Teams pursuit: second
Results?
Scratch race: third
Wearing the Australian colours?
It was a surreal feeling pulling the Aussie stripes on, it's something I've been striving to do for a while now and to finally do it was un-believable. The atmosphere was crazy, everyone was so excited to race and make new friends, so it made for some fun times.
Issues?
A few people got ill from the food, luckily I didn't but it wasn't too much of a worry for the team. We pushed through it and came out on top.
Learnings?
I definitely learnt that when traveling you have to pay attention 24/7. There were moments where I lost things and it caused quite a panic. Also the racing is much different to Australian races. Adjusting to that was a new experience. I learnt a lot from this trip and happy with the outcome.
Thanks?
I'd like to thank my coach Brad McGee for helping me with training, CNSW and NSWIS for helping with my funds for the trip, everyone who donated money or just supported me in anyway and especially my parents for the continuous support and driving me everywhere, I wouldn't be where I am today without them!
Cameron ScottIn a word?
Great
Events?
I competed in the Team Sprint, 1km Time Trial and the Scratch Race and placed second, third and ninth respectively.
Atmosphere?
The atmosphere was very much alive at both the velodrome and the hotel where a few of the other countries were also staying. There was a fairly large crowd on the first night of racing to kick things off which was a good start. It always feels good to race in the green and gold Jersey.
Issues?
The main thing was the food made myself and a lot of the other athletes feel a little sick in the stomach
Learnings?
Racing in the scratch race made me realise that racing internationally is very different to racing in Australia. The level of competition is also a lot higher and not knowing any of the other riders also made things interesting. Also travelling with so much equipment, it is important that you’re organised and on the ball whilst at the airport checking in and collecting all of your luggage and bikes.
Thanks?
I'd like to thank my parents, my coaches Ben Kersten, Brad McGee and Jason Niblett, friends and family that have supported me all the way, and all the people that helped out with the donations.
What’s next?
I think my next major event will be the National Omnium in December