Japan Awaits Aussie CX Development Team

Eight athletes, as part of an Australian Cyclo-cross development team will head to Japan next week to gain valuable international racing experience.

The development team made up of junior and Under 23 riders will line up at the UCI C2 double header in Utsunomiya, Japan on the 17-18 December.

It’s not the first time an Australian contingent has competed at the event.

In 2019 Ben Walkenden and Nicholas Smith finished on the podium in the elite men category.

For coach Mark Routledge it’s a major opportunity for high-intensity racing with the World Championships to be held early next year.

“It’s exciting to have a supportive sponsor in AVJjennings Limited on board this year to unite the team with kit and offset some of the travel costs.

“I look forward to putting some of our best young riders up against the other nations present.”

Adelaide’s Markus Chandler is one of three Aussies to line up in the U23 men’s race.

“I’m really looking forward to experiencing my first international race, it looks like they have a really big race culture over there so I am keen to experience it as well and travel to a new country with some Australian team mates”

Racing in the Under 23 women is Alanna Van de Hoef, who claimed the bronze medal at the AusCycling CX National Championships in September.

“This is such a unique experience for Australian cyclocross riders and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to race in Japan.

“ Definitely looking forward to experiencing racing in not only a team atmosphere, but in a completely different environment.”

Australian Athletes

Junior Men
Sam Northey; Ty Whitford

U23 Women
Talia Simpson; Alanna Van de Hoef; Anook Simpson

Under 23 Men
Max Hobson; Finn Kane; Markus Chandler

Head to the event website here.

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Main Photo Credit: b.rad_sports