Gold medals and standout performances capped a big weekend for Nelson–Tasman riders at the Age Group Road National Championships, in Tasman last weekend.
Mitchell Cooper and Zoe Bonny both claimed national titles, finishing the event with gold medals and adding to a strong showing by local cyclists across multiple categories.
Waimea College’s Zoe Bonny, riding for Black Magic Women’s Cycling Club, enjoyed a dominant weekend, winning both the open women’s road race and the time trial. Her double victory marked one of the standout performances of the championships and underlined her potential at national level.
Zoe says the time trial event was not for the faint hearted.
“It was a brutally hilly course, but the home advantage definitely played into my favour. I raced hard, and was stoked to take the win.”
The road race event was equally tough, but for different reasons.
“With a hard day of racing already in my legs, my main tactic was to stay with any breakaways. The finish unfolded into my favourite scenario, which was a sprint to the line.”
Mitchell Cooper took gold in the masters 1 time trial category, delivering a strong ride on the challenging Upper Moutere to Dovedale course.
The championships, organised by Dynamo Events, are the premier road cycling event for masters, age group and para cyclists, with competitors representing their chosen clubs. Racing took place across several routes throughout the Tasman and Upper Moutere–Motueka region, including the time trial and the road race circuits.
Nelson–Tasman riders featured prominently throughout the weekend, recording multiple podium finishes across a range of age groups and categories.
