I was thrilled to re-join the Cycling Australia media team for the Road National Championships across the first weekend of January this year. The annual event attracts Australia’s best cyclists to Ballarat and Buninyong, just over an hour for Melbourne, to compete for the honour to wear the green and gold stripes in 2019.
My roll primarily focused on assisting in the management of Cycling Australia’s social media channels. Here I captured content, hosted and shared race updates. I also interviewed cyclists and assisted with media management of photographers and journalists.
I had so much fun over my three days at the Championships, working under Cycling Australia’s National Manager of Communications Amy McCann. I find it hard to see myself tiring of the thrill cycling brings with unexpected results and the proximity you can get to the athletes.
Race highlights in Ballarat included an absolutely gut-wrenching effort from U19 Men’s Criterium Championship winner Jesse Norton. The local was unfortunately cleaned up from behind after crossing the finish first in 40 degree heat.
On the weekend in Buninyong, 18-year-old Sarah Gigante claimed both the U23 and Elite Women’s Road Race titles. Sarah’s phenomenal solo-effort and history-making win was undoubtedly the highlight of my three days.
In the Elite Men’s Road Race, Michael Freiberg’s celebrations with his family were heart-warming moments to capture for Cycling Australia’s audience.
Enjoy a snapshot below of my favourite moments from the criteriums and road race events.
Jesse Norton, U23 Men’s Criterium Champion 
Matthew Keenan chats to ex-Essendon footballer turned cyclist Hal Hunter 
Patrick Eddy, U19 Men’s Road Race Champion, with his coach (center) and brother Samuel Eddy 
Nick White, U23 Men’s Road Race Champion 
Sarah Gigante, U23 and Women’s Road Race Champion 
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Behind the scenes: 2017 Cycling Australia Road Nationals
