Pint-sized pocket rocket Zac Barnhill has pinpointed the Ballarat's extended climb as the aspect which could make or break his National Road Championship campaign.
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The 17-year-old will compete in the 104.4km, under-19 men's road race on Saturday, with the start of each 11.6km lap featuring an extended climb.
The Wagga Cycling Club member has been tackling the hills around the city to prepare himself for what he views as the crucial part of the race.
"I've been concentrating on the climb, which takes around six or seven minutes to finish and I've been doing lots of distance training for that. Hopefully the rest will fall into place," he said.
"I've been going up to a fair few hills around Adelong and doing lots of six or seven minute efforts which will replicate what I'll face at nationals.
"The climbs suit me, I'm not that big. The preparations have been pretty good and I'm looking forward to it."
Barnhill said the smoke haze which has infiltrated Wagga in recent times hasn't been a major impediment in training, and has set a goal of finishing on the podium.
He also wants to use the race as a chance to showcase his ability in his bid to potential teams.
"I've been trying to get out early when the smoke isn't too bad, but there's been a few days where I've had to stay inside on the trainer," he said.
"I'm looking for a podium, but hopefully finish in the first bunch and see what happens.
"That's the plan (to keep trying to attract attention of teams), I've just got to stay consistent. It's about getting consistent results, that's the main thing people look at."
Barnhill is looking to build upon a strong year, highlighted by a top five finish in his first overseas campaign at Korea's Tour de DMZ in September, and
The under-19 road race gets underway at 10.15am on Saturday.
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