NSW State Cycling Championships
State Road Championships.
Owen Macphillamy, Mick Troy and Joe Szpytko headed down to Kurrajong on Sunday morning for the NSW Cycling State Championships. Owen and Mick racing in the combined U23/Elite race that was covering 165km and 5 laps of a demanding course including a brutal 2km climb on the Putty Road while Joe being team mechanic and feed man extraordinaire.
The first lap started sedately with a break of 7 going after 10km but not containing any real names, the bunch was happy to let them go.
On the second lap and second time up the climb the race in the main bunch lit up with a cracking pace being set at the front, there was plenty of splintering of the main bunch. Mick could be seen rounding the top corner in about 10th wheel, while Owen was towards the rear of the bunch by the top of the climb. Across the back of the course there was plenty of attacking with many riders wanting to go for glory, including Mick. Eventually a second break was formed with plenty of big names and members of all the main teams and also Mick Troy.
This second bunch on the road set a cracking tempo trying to reel in the front break while keeping the main bunch at bay. Going into the 3rd lap the front break was visible up the road and by the top of the climb and through the feed station the two breakaway groups made contact. After a bit of a lull, the pace was back on to try and keep the bunch away until the finish.
Starting the 4th lap and going up the climb, there was plenty of speed on while Mick started to suffer from the rapid accelerations and drafted off the back of the bunch and lost contact. Deciding to sit up and wait for the main bunch. The rest of the 4th lap Mick sat in the back of the main bunch trying to recover from his earlier efforts.
Owen was struggling with the hills and the relative heat of the coastal weather and spent much of the morning yo-yoing on and off the back of this main bunch until at the top of the main climb was just one time too many and could not make contact again.
Owen pulled out at the end of the 4th lap, while Mick made it to the feed on the 5th lap and decided, having being put off the back of the main bunch that it was time to call it a day.
Garmin File for the day's effort
https://connect.garmin.com/activity/43597258