AS an under 17s rider Eliza Bennett has an impressive resume, but on Saturday the Bathurst Cycling Club talent faced arguably her biggest challenge yet.
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Competing at the Bathurst Track Open, she not only tested her legs in her age division, but took on an open women’s field including three-times world champion Kaarle McCulloch and NSWIS rider Sophie Knox.
“It was a little bit scary, a little bit intimidating, there were some pretty good riders out there,” Bennett said.
“I’m just there to learn. It’s one thing to watch these girls, but riding in there, it’s a whole other way to learn, it’s awesome.”
In the invitational derby Bennett placed fifth, but when it came time for the invitational keirin, she rode her way onto the podium.
She was at the rear as the bell for the last lap sounded, but had improved to second into the final bend and followed McCulloch when she jumped. She was the only one that day
Bennett pushed hard all the way to the line and while McCulloch held on to win, the effort showed why the Bathurst rider was given her chance in open company.
