Esports Nationals: 8 riders qualify for Brisbane final

Eight riders have secured their place at the 2024 AusCycling Esports National Championships through last night’s qualifying round.

The first of two qualifiers was a scratch race on the ‘Makuri 40’ route on Zwift, totalling 40 kilometres with two main climbs. The first four men and four women would earn a spot in the final later this month.

An aggressive, attritional race saw just three of the 34 starters reach the finish together. Josh Harris – despite competing in the Zwift Games only hours earlier – sprinted to the win ahead of Trent Stevenson and Sam Hill.

Andrew Downie snagged the last men's qualification spot despite losing contact with the leaders after a chain drop. Downie recovered from his brief mishap to roll in 10 seconds behind the winner.

On the women’s side, Jessica Bemrose locked herself in for the final after staying with the front group for more than half the race. The Gold Coast rider was dropped several times but clawed her way back while her rivals fell away.

Bemrose was the only woman to finish within one hour. Vicki Whitelaw and Brianna Samuhel soloed in one-by-one to secure their spots.

The last qualification place was a three-way tussle between Kate Trdin, Hannah Gianatti and Katelyn Nicholson, who reached the uphill finish together. Some well-timed power-up use and a strong sprint allowed Trdin to cross the line first and book her place in the final.

The second and last qualifying round will take place next Monday, March 11 ahead of the in-person final at The Cube, QUT in Brisbane on March 22. Enter the qualifier and learn more at the 2024 AusCycling Esports National Championships page.

Qualified Riders

Women

1. Jessica Bemrose (Gold Coast CC)
2. Vicki Whitelaw (Canberra CC)
3. Brianna Samuhel (Parklife CC)
4. Kate Trdin (Launceston City CC)

Men

1. Josh Harris (Launceston City CC)
2. Trent Stevenson (Echuca/Moama CC)
3. Samuel Hill (Tamworth CC)
4. Andrew Downie (Carnegie Caulfield CC)