Improved international performances following recovery from injury helped elite sprinter Natasha Hansen claim the Elite Rider of the Year – Track at Cycling Southland’s prize giving awards on Friday.
Hansen headed in to the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast this year in great form and secured a hat trick of medals with silver in the sprint, bronze in the keirin and silver with fellow Southland rider Emma Cumming for silver in the team sprint.
That combination has produced great results in world cups too.
Eddie Dawkins’ collection of gold, silver and bronze at the Games earnt him the best performance award, particularly for the impressive silver in the kilo time trial.
Cycling Southland’s annual awards recognise the achievements of riders along with the countless hours that volunteers commit to the club to help deliver many quality track and road events held each year.
A new category of Elite Rider of the Year – Road went to Tom Scully for his superb efforts in Europe with his Cannondale-Drapac team, including a stage win on the Route du Sud Tour in France.
The Senior Rider of the Year – Track was again awarded to international masters medallist Erin Criglington, with consistent results at world and national levels. Matt Zenovich, who is about to head to race in Asia, was name Senior Rider of the Year – Road, recognising his results in various races in China, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Corbin Strong, currently racing in Europe having won a rainbow jersey in the team pursuit at the Junior World Track Champs, was named Junior Rider of the Year. He had an outstanding 12 months, albeit one affected by a serious road crash. He was also named U19/SIT Regional Performance Hub rider. Rising star Mitchel Fitzsimons was U17 rider, Ronan Shearing was U15 rider, Magnus Jamieson was U13 rider, and Caitlin Breen received the Junior Newcomer and Off the Bike awards, while sister Alana was U15 Newcomer.
Setting a new national age group time trial record, although just for one race, and taking gold in the team sprint saw James Jubb named Senior Newcomer, while life member and Tony Ineson was awarded the Peter Kissell Memorial for the senior Off the Bike award for his ongoing efforts in running the popular Wednesday Worlds road race night.
Contribution awards went to Brendon McLeod who received the Laurie Tall Cup for contribution to junior cycling, Tracey Miller received the Tony Ineson Cup for senior cycling and Roger Nicholas received the Peter Grandiek Cup for masters.
Most improved rider was judged to be track sprinter Nicole Marshall, who produced some impressive efforts at the national championships.
Special contribution awards went to long-serving Tour de Lakes director Allan Dunn who stepped back from the role earlier this year after 23 years, along with commissaire Paul Tomlinson, and Junior Division stalwart and results manager Andrea Borrie. The volunteer of the year award was presented to Neil Jamieson for his tireless efforts in coaching, commissairing and lead mechanic in the neutral van for the SBS Bank Tour of Southland.
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