Cycling: Whanganui wins masters gold medals at track nationals in Cambridge – New Zealand Herald

Whanganui’s total of medals from the recent Vantage Age Group Track Cycling Nationals ultimately came to eight and included another national record as two Masters riders had a memorable competition in Cambridge.

Adam Hamlin and Janice O’Brien each won gold medals in both the Pursuit (2000m) and the 500m Time Trial (TT) for the 80-85 and 70-75 age groups respectively.

Although neither had many competitors to face, with Hamlin also entering mixed grade competition for the Scratch and Keirin events, their coach Lyall Hastie said they still had to reach the required standard to travel with the West Coast North Island squad.

“They have to be competitive to medal.”

Hamlin set a new national record in the TT of 44.52s, which is over two laps.
He had gone a little faster on the same track at the World Masters Games, but in a different age group.

“Anyone that can do under 50s in my eyes is pretty good,” said Hastie.

Along with the Masters success, as was written last week, Whanganui’s Jack Overweel won a gold medal and three silvers in the Under 15 boys division in Cambridge.

Also competing were the Whanganui Collegiate brother and sister duo of Finnegan and Millie Murphy.

Finnegan Murphy had a very busy Under 17 boys programme, showing his versatility by competing in all eight events.

At her first New Zealand champs, Millie Murphy rode in the Under 15 girls grade and was competitive in the field races, while setting a personal best time in the 500 TT.

Hastie said his training group will now be doing road work in preparation of next season, which starts in November.