Rooting Interests – Australian Championships
It does not happen very often, but there was some genuine rooting interests for American cycling fans in another country's national championships as several riders on American based teams competed in the Australian Championships this past week.
TIBCO's Corset Prevails In Road Race
Team TIBCO's newly signed Queensland mother of two, Ruth Corset, overcame illness and tough conditions last Saturday to win her first Australian open road cycling championship this past week.
Vomiting and cramping late in the 102km event on the difficult 10km circuit at Buninyong, near Ballarat, the 32-year-old outlasted the remaining field to take the women's road race at the Australian Championships.
Corset was one of 29 riders from the original 71 woman strong field to finish the women's road race as temperatures soared into the 90s and strong winds prevailed during the contest.
"I've just been wanting this more than anything," said Corset, who was second in 2009 behind Carla Ryan.
"It was very, very hard, tough conditions - I'm from Townsville and it's quite humid there, I'm not used to the dry heat. The last few laps I was throwing up, I couldn't hold anything down and that last lap was so hard, my legs were cramping, I just gritted my teeth and went for it."
Rhodes Frustration
At the other end of the spectrum was Team Vera Bradley Foundation's Alex Rhodes, who found little success while competing in the time trial. One of the favorites to take home the Australian Championship jersey, the former Team Webcor Builder rider suffered two successive flats out on the course, the second of which caused her to uncharacteristically throw her bike to the side of the road in frustration.
Sweep for Team Garmin-Transitions' Meyer Brothers
Cameron Meyer and his younger brother Travis pulled off the double in winning the Australian national road and time trial titles, respectively.
"Coming into the finish line was the most amazing feeling of my life. It was something I had only dreamed about but never truly thought as a reality," said Travis who was racing in his first professional race.
"I am very happy to have won my first elite championship," said Cameron. "It will be a huge honor to compete in Europe this season wearing the Australian champion's colors and one that I am very much looking forward too!"
Related:
Younger Meyer recounts the second Aussie Championship - Team Garmin - Transitions
Corset battles illness to claim national title - The Age
Photo: Megan Brayley
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