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Kurri Kurri to host junior state cycling championships

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In a major coup for the region, the newly-formed Newcastle Hunter Cycling Club (NHCC) will host the 2021 AusCycling Junior Road State Championships at Hunter Economic Zone (HEZ) Kurri Kurri next month.

After a couple of false starts, due to COVID-19 and subsequent NSW Health restrictions, the prestigious event is now scheduled for Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 November.

And, not only are NHCC members Travis, Corinne and Rhys Erby thrilled to be kitting up for their first-ever major meeting, president Justin Rose is equally ecstatic.

He’s worked hard behind the scenes of late to ensure it’s all systems go for the local organisation.

“Previously, we’d committed to hosting the junior championships on 30-31 October,” Rose said.

“That commitment was based on the NSW Government’s advice at the time that community sport and travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW would restart after 80% of the adult population was fully-vaccinated.

“However, on Friday, we encountered a slight obstacle.

“The NSW Government announced regional travel would not begin until 1 November, even though the vaccination milestone had been reached.

“That decision forced AusCycling and NHCC to reschedule the Junior Road State Championships by one week.”

The Tamworth Track Open (previously scheduled for 6 November), however, has been cancelled due to the regional travel delay.

AusCycling is exploring alternative dates for the Junior Criterium and Scratch Race State Championships, which had been incorporated into the Tamworth weekend.

“The regional travel delay is a setback, but thanks to the support of NHCC we’re delighted that it will only add one more week to the wait for junior racing,” AusCycling NSW & ACT event manager James Nguyen said.

“We want to thank riders and parents for supporting the club by entering early.

“More than 90 riders have already entered – and we’re excited to see them all back at racing soon.”

Rose admitted there were many benefits to having the event in the Hunter.

“This is our first state cycling meeting to be held since lockdown,” he said.

“The NHCC nominated to host this event, to give the children something to look forward to.

“Although these races are competitive, it is always a very social weekend, with the kids from all over the state reuniting.

“Furthermore, it is a great economy booster for the region, with accommodation, food and fuel needed by participants and their families.

“Even more special is the fact it’s NHCC’s inaugural state event since merging earlier this year.

“Newcastle Hunter Cycling Club was formed with the aim of one united and strong organisation within the region.

“We comprise of past members from Hunter District Cycling Club, Newcastle Cycling Club and Hunter Valley Masters Cycling Club.

“Our goal is to provide local racing and training in a fun, inclusive environment for all ages, while promoting and encouraging the sport of cycling.”

The 2021 AusCycling Junior Road State Championships will include the road, time trial and criterium disciplines for the under-7s to under-17s.

“Our club is expecting its biggest contingent for many years,” Rose said.

“We’re excited that several younger riders will make their debuts, Corinne, Travis and Rhys Erby from Luskintyre, Caleb Ashpole and Joshua Crawford.

“On top of that, seasoned campaigners such as Anderson Dell, Jake Pajtl and Oliver Richards will be keen to produce strong performances.

“The event is also a selection hit-out for the NSW team (U15 and U17) to compete at the National Junior Road Championships in Shepparton in November.

“Caitlin Rose and Hayley Dell will be hoping to make the squad in the under-15 women’s, along with Jake Pajtl (under-15s), Noah Mason of East Maitland and Matthew Drohand in the under-17 men’s and Phoenix Jullian in the under-17 women’s.”

Existing entries for the Junior Road State Championships will automatically carry over to the new date.

Riders who wish to withdraw can do so by the new closing date of 31 October in EntryBoss or by emailing [email protected]

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