A strong team of local cyclists attended the Southern Division Track Championships at Goulburn last Sunday.

The Southern Highlands has a long tradition of producing exciting junior cycling talents and the current crop is no exception. The weather was as hot and the track surface fast which created both challenges and opportunities for the competitors. Young gun Daniel McGee rode brilliantly to bring home a medal in the U/11. Wagga riders who dominated the U/13 class all meeting had the table turned when highlands rider Nicholas Lockett stole a medal in the scratch race final. A determined Jessica McGee left her mark in the U13 girl’s showing a good turn of speed in the sprints qualifying for the finals. Moss vale rookie Jese Webb continues to improve with every ride and caught some of his more experienced rivals by surprise in the tightly fought out U/15 class.

In many ways the premier class of the championships was the super competitive U/17 Men. Local superstar Caleb Ewan has been almost unbeatable this summer and had been training hard at the Bowral velodrome with fellow club rider Alex Delamont in preparation for the championships. The pair combined to trounce the other contenders both taking medals in every event of the meeting. One of the surprises was Josh Sell,U17, who riding his first ever open race showed no signs of being daunted by the pack. Josh was energetic, taking it up to the others in the sprints; he was unlucky to miss the podium. Big brother Jamie Sell also a debutant was equally impressive in the U/19’s and the two brothers look to have bright futures in the sport.

Three Highlands seniors were amongst the ranks. Rookie rider Rob Buchanan was impressive in a big field of Masters narrowly missing a medal in a photo finish. Moss Vale legend, trans-continental record holder Richard Vollebreght blew away all comers to win the A-grade scratch race. Whilst former World Champion, Robertson resident, Rod McGee was victorious in the A-grade sprint final.