Riding for Victoria
Heading to Canberra: Leongatha’s Thomas McFarlane is heading to the National Titles in September to represent Victoria.
THOMAS McFarlane is set to compete at the top of his sport in his age group early next month.
The 13–year–old cyclist is heading to the National Titles in Canberra after outstanding performances in the Victorian competition.
He will be representing Victoria along with four other team mates in the Under 15 age group at the national competition.
McFarlane secured his spot in the team after winning two of the three tours in the state aggregate series along with taking out the road race at the state titles two weeks ago.
The young gun is happy with making the state team but is not new to the experience.
“I made the state track team in summer which was cool as well,” he said.
The National Titles are being held at Mt Stromlo in Canberra on September 7, 8 and 9 and will be made up of three separate events over three days.
“There will be a time trial, road race and a small circuit race called a criterium,” McFarlane explained.
If McFarlane is to win a race at the titles that will have him placed as high as possible in his age group.
“There are no more titles after this,” he said.
“The Nationals are the highest I can go before Under 19 age group.”
Once in this age group competitors progress to the junior world titles.
The Leongatha Secondary College student trains three to four times a week under local coach Tony Smith.
“I do about 200kms in a week,” McFarlane said.
“I do gym work as well to improve my core and race with the seniors at the Leongatha club which makes it harder and better training.”
After the National titles McFarlane is looking at taking a break before getting back into the circuit season in the summer where he will be boosted up into the Under 17 age group.
Short URL: http://thestar.com.au/?p=4215
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