Ramblers once again strong and impressive in the new kit at the CRI Junior selection Tour in Rotorua.
The weekend got off to a good racing start in very wet conditions with Ben Ross winning the first stage in the U17 boys after attacking with 15 km to go He won by about 1.5 minutes but was docked 1 minute in GC for a sign-in transgression.
Fraser Gough had a huge race in the u19's escaping early with Dion Smith. Fraser put 3:47 on the field and 12 seconds on Dion to a take a strong grip on the tour. James Oram won the 10km hilly TT later in the day averaging 49.6 kmh with Fraser 2nd 6 secs back. The Pure Black Boys put on a good show in Sundays Criterium but were unable to put any real time on team mate Fraser. Fraser was again prominent in Sundays final stage to take the tour by over 3 minutes. Sam Clark and Logan Bean both show that they can compete at this level with Sam 13th on GC and Logan 32nd out of 54 starters.
Hannah Van Kampen rode well all weekend in the open woman's race finishing in the top 10. Megan Watson trying hard to find some form after her French sojourn was 17th but will be better for the k's next week at the Te Awamutu tour.
Regan Gough fought hard all weekend to finish 4th on GC with the u17 boys taken by Placemakers teammate Mark Findlay. Ben Ross (16), Tobias Robertshawe (18th) Mike Garrity (20th) William Green (21st), James Lochhead (26th) all continue to improve and got stronger as the weekend progressed all finishing with the bunch in the last race. Damien Lysart was forced to withdraw with a mechanical in the last stage after being one of the better performers in the TT. First years Ben Peterson and Luke Mudgeway will benefit from the experience, watch out for these guys next year.
Phoebe Treseder and Holly Atkins were both competitive in the U17 girls with Phoebe 9th and Holly 14th in the 30 strong field.
CHB Cycling's Corbin Mason Smith continued his form from the CHB Junior Tour winning the last race but unable to overcome Sam Dobbs 8 second lead to take Silver on GC.
Amanda Jamieson also from CHB had a good weekend taking the Bronze in the u15 girls and will be another to watch at Te Awamtut next weekend.
Busy camp mother Ashleigh Neave was awarded the 2010 U19 woman's national point series jersey at the event unfortunately is sidelined recovering after a knee injury sustained while running during an Outwardbound sabbatical.
It was good to see Peter and Elaine Gavin strong supporters of the Juniors and Ramblers at the event and wish them well for their future in Tauranga.
Ivar Hopman aka coach will have a busy week getting the Juniors ready for next weekends Te Awamutu tour considered the premier event for Juniors and well worth a look if you are in the vicinity.
For full results from the CRI tour http://www.cyclingrotorua.co.nz/results.htm
