Persistence prevails in AusCycling Club Esports Series round 9

Patience and timing paid off in a tightly contested Round 9 of the AusCycling National Club Cycling Esports Series last week.

Cyclists completed four laps of the relatively flat 5.4km London “Classique” circuit, that takes in virtual London landmarks including Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace, with a sprint finish on the Mall.

A maximum of 20 points were awarded for the fastest time through each of the four segments, with another 30 points on offer for first across the finish line.

With little incentive to strike out, a large peloton became a feature of the race, as cyclists jostled for prime drafting position at the rear of the main bunch leading into each segment.

In Men’s A, Trent Stevenson (Echuca Moama CC) and James Fowler (Dulwich Hill BC) would emerge as the top riders over the course of the race. Fowler added points in every segment, but Stevenson edged out a two-point advantage for the points race win, ahead 69-67.

Men’s C rider David Nicholas (Bathurst CC) also impressed, winning two sprints overall and amassing 90 points to win the category by 17 points.

The Women’s A featured only two riders, with Marjan McGarry and Valentina Paniagua combining to claim more valuable points for Randwick CC. Paniagua won the first two segments, before McGarry bounced back to claim the final two segments as well as finishing first across the finish line.

Other winners of their respective categories included Ian Morrison (Randwick CC), James Salafia (Waratah Masters CC), Ella Falzarano (Bathurst CC), Courtney McGowan (University of Queensland CC), and Claire Rawlinson (North Sydney CC).

In the leaderboard, Waratah Masters CC holds onto top place with three rounds remaining, ahead of Bathurst CC and Randwick CC.

Standings after round 9:

1. Waratah Masters Cycling Club 3807
2. Bathurst Cycling Club 3339
3. Randwick Cycling Club 2516
4. Vikings Cycling Club 2097
5. Gold Coast Cycling Club 1434
6. University of Queensland Cycling Club 1357
7. Southern Cross Cycling Club 1121
8. Northern Sydney Cycling Club 1095
9. Mackay Cycling Club 1069
10. Illawarra Cycling Club 694

For full standings, information and how to participate, visit the AusCycling National Club Cycling Esports Series page.