The AusCycling Road Development Academy team completed a challenging and rewarding seven-day experience earlier this month at the Yunca Junior Tour of Southland in New Zealand.
With favourable weather conditions throughout the three-day, six-stage tour, the athletes were able to make the most of each stage and the opportunities presented both on and off the bike.
Bendigo and District Cycling Club's Tobias Jelbart led the way for the under-17 men's team, winning the general classification along with two stage victories.
Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club's Juno Smith, fresh off an individual time trial and road race national title double on the Sunshine Coast, finished second in the U17 women's GC.
AusCycling Track and Road Development Academy Manager Brenton Jones said the tour provided an excellent opportunity for continued athlete development.
"Across the week, all riders gained valuable racing experience, developed new skills, built confidence and strengthened their understanding of competing as part of a team," he said.
"Every rider returned to Australia with new experiences, lessons and motivation to continue progressing within their cycling pathway."
Key results:
U17 Men
- Tobias Jelbart (Bendigo and District CC / VIC)
- General classification - 1st
- Stage 1 - 1st
- Stage 2 - 3rd
- Stage 4 - 2nd
- Joseph Hewlett (X-Speed Australia CC / WA)
- General classification - 3rd
- Stage 3 - 2nd
- Stage 4 - 3rd
- Stage 6 - 2nd
- Harrison Dowling (Hamilton Wheelers CC / QLD)
- King of the Mountain classification winner
- Ben Noonan (Hawthorn CC / VIC)
- Sprint/Points classification winner
- Stage 4 - 1st
- Bryn McDonnell (Fraser Coast CC / QLD)
- Stage 5 - 3rd
- Stage 6 - 3rd
U17 Women
- Juno Smith (Dulwich Hill BC / NSW)
- General classification - 2nd
- Stage 1 - 2nd
- Stage 6 - 3rd
- Ellie Walduck (Tas Junior Cycling Foundation / TAS)
- Stage 5 - 1st
- Jenna Gallagher (Bathurst CC / NSW)
- Stage 2 - 3rd
- Stage 6 - 2nd
- Ava Rodgers (X-Speed Australia CC / WA)
- Stage 3 - 3rd
- Stage 5 - 2nd
- Matilda Taylor (Hamilton Wheelers CC / QLD)
- Stage 4 - 3rd
New South Wales-based Team Rauland also used the tour as a development opportunity, with their riders winning four of the six stages in U17 men.
Orange's Billy Yeo finished second behind Jelbart in the GC, while U17 road race national champion Josh Moore won the final stage in his new jersey.
Team Rauland also used the Yunca Junior Tour of Southland as a development opportunity for its riders.
Key Team Rauland results:
- Billy Yeo (Orange CC / NSW)
- General classification - 2nd
- Stage 2 - 1st
- Maddox Mascari (Camden CC / NSW)
- Stage 1 - 2nd
- Stage 3 - 3rd
- Stage 5 - 1st
- Josh Moore (Lidcombe Auburn CC / NSW)
- Stage 2 - 2nd
- Stage 6 - 1st
- Jacob McLachlan (Wagga Wagga CC / NSW)
- Stage 3 - 1st