From the keyboard of Melbourne University elite Athlete program&M.U.C.Y.C member Tom BentonThe year so farAs for so many athletes, 2020...
Uni Nationals 2019 Gold Coast Australia
By Steph Hibburt
Cycling is one of the greatest sports in the world. It’s an individual sport that is tough mentally and physically. You have to learn to hurt.
On day one at University Nationals in Queensland, Gold Coast, we embarked on the 60km (Women’s) or 85km (men’s) Road Race. A technical and hilly course saw many failed attempts to finish the race. The heat from the sun and the humidity were tough for the Victorians in the race. Emma Chilton and I were able to finish both in the top 10 and Emma narrowly missed out on the placings, finishing 4th. Tuesday was the start of the time trial races. A flat course, 27km in length, where riders were to race against the clock. Georgia O’Rouke from the University of Melbourne placed 7th in the women’s division. Emma Chilton and Georgia O’Rourke achieved silver in the pair’s time trial competition. The final race was a criterium. An exciting style of racing, where riders circuit around a 1 km course for a duration of time followed by 3 laps sprint finish. Emma Chilton is an expert at criterium races. She finished second in the women’s competition.
Science in Sport
(SIS) is an official sports nutrition partner for many sporting teams across Australia. Whilst competing in the Gold Coast the Melbourne University cycling team used their nutrition products before, during and after racing. We used GO Isotonic Gels, Protein 20 Bars and Electrolyte powders. I was a huge fan of the Gels especially the tropical flavour before and during my races and the protein bars were excellent for replenishing energy after the race.
Our team manager, John Prince, is an everything bike expert. Every single morning John was ready before all of us, he had the van ready to go, waiting for us to arrive with our bikes. He would have the water bottles filled with ice, the rollers ready for a warm-up and the camera ready to capture every moment. John was enthusiastic and his passion for cycling was unbelievable.
The Melbourne University Sport team came together on Wednesday evening to share stories, eat food, reminisce over our success and celebrate the friendships and memories made. The large function room was filled with teams, big and small.