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IF you were at the finish line at yesterday’s Blayney to Bathurst Cyclo Sportif Challenge (B2B), you just may have witnessed one of Australia’s future Olympians in action.
This year’s event attracted around 1500 riders, slightly down on last year, but still a success according to Cycling NSW chief executive officer Phil Ayres.
“It’s fantastic and these are prominent events,” he said.
The inaugural Gold Wave was held as part of yesterday’s 110-kilometre Cycle Sportif Challenge, with around 130 top riders taking part in the race start before the remaining riders were released in two-minute increments of 100 riders.
“A lot of them are in semi-professional or professional teams and the next step is some European events, then world,” Mr Ayres said.
“There are some future Olympians in that group.”
Celebrations Racing Team’s Josh Berry arrived at Mount Panorama’s Pit Complex in first place for the 110km Cyclo Sportif Challenge, with an average speed of 40km/h.
Participants in yesterday’s 70km and 110km Cyclo Sportif Challenges came from across NSW to take part. Mr Ayres estimated around 80 per cent of people came from outside the Central West.
With events held across the weekend, Mr Ayres said many participants choose to book accommodation in the city.
“It’s an economic benefit and certainly a lot of income for the town,” he said.
This year was the first time total road closures had been enforced for the B2B. B2B committee member Rob Barlow said this provided a safer riding environment for all participants.
“Doing anything for the first time is a challenge,” he said.
“I’ve only recorded three complaints [about road closures] from people.”
Mr Barlow said 213 volunteers stationed along the B2B route helped to ensure participants had a smooth ride.
On Saturday, a NSW Short Course Hill Climb Championship and ‘The Pits’ Criterium Racing were held as part of the B2B event line up.