Wagga cyclist Carina Perri has never raced at the state championships, but she’s set her sights on the highest possible outcome this weekend in Sydney; to be selected for the state team.
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At just 16, and having just two and a half years’ experience under her belt, she’s certainly not fased by the idea of competing against the state’s strongest cyclists; in fact, she’s excited about the prospect of a challenge.
“Been training a bit harder over the last eight months, entering more comps, and hoped I would make it to states and make the state team,” she said.
Perri’s happy with her form after racing at the National Junior Track Series in Melbourne two weeks ago and making it into a number of finals.
“It’s really intense, especially with Brooke and Lara Tucker, world champion riders, I’m not on that level yet but it’s alright, I’ll get there,” Perri said.
She will take on four events this weekend, and hopes to excel in the 200m standing lap.
Perri thanked her coach, Paul Fellows, for his commitment and motivation.
Charlie Hamilton, 16, has had tremendous success in road events in recent years, and has reverted to the track over the past few months in the lead up to the state championships.
“I’ve been racing faster people and training harder this year so hopefully I’ll do better [than last year],” he said.
A real contender for state selection, Hamilton hopes for a top five finish or two this weekend.
“There’s some really fast guys in the scratch race, Cameron Scott who’s just been to world champs, so it’ll be tough but I’d like to do well there,” Hamilton said.
It’s a friendly rivalry, however, with Hamilton and Myles Stewart staying at Scott’s place.
Meantime, Stewart’s dreams of being selected for the state team have been quashed by a case of bad timing.
The 16 year-old crashed his bike on a training ride two weeks ago, and has been fortunate to recover in time for the event.
After months of intensive training, Stewart was on track for podium finishes, however, the break from routine and rehabilitation period has caused him to adjust his goals.
“Hoping for a top five or 10 in some of the races,” he said.
His conundrum, one faced by many cyclists; just months ago his sister, Bronte Stewart had a crash, which stripped layers of skin from her arms and face.
Stewart has put on a brave face for the competition, and is looking forward to catching up with old friends.
“The best thing is just to get up and keep on going, and hopefully everything’s good,” he said.
