Junior Tour Of Te Awamutu: Stella Nightingale - bmwcycling
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08 Apr Junior Tour Of Te Awamutu: Stella Nightingale

Posted at 21:22h in Race Reports by

The Te Awamutu Junior Tour is an old favourite for many kiwi cyclists, it’s where we first start to develop our race craft and learn the challenges of a stage race. The competitive spirit of TA tour, made even better by the fact that I’m racing my mates, has been a highlight of my years in the junior ranks.  

After a rough February and March of struggling with my form, I approached the opening time trial with a ‘nothing to lose’ mindset. I surprised myself by pulling out a 2nd place, 25 seconds down on the leader I was looking for an aggressive second stage on a short but sharp course. On the key climb as gaps started to form Ella Wyllie and I looked to push the pace and as she lead over the KOM I put in a big effort to establish a break.  

Going into the final stage only 1 second off yellow I was looking for any opportunity to gain time on a fast course. It all ended in a hearty bunch kick where I managed to get up for 2nd, gaining a 3-second time bonus which was just enough for me to finish up with the overall lead by a slim 1-second margin. It was a super exciting weekend with such close competition for the yellow!

Fighting all the way to the line – to take 2nd and the overall yellow jersey!

I’m absolutely stoked to win TA in my last year as a junior, especially after it’s absence last year I’m incredibly lucky that it came back in time for me to give it one last crack!

This wouldn’t have been possible without all the behind the scenes support from the MGH team. Thank you to the TA club and race organisers for continuing to put on a great tour, and putting all the effort in to bring it back this year. I’ll always look back fondly on junior racing and am stoked to finish on a high. 

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