2022 Criterium State Champions Crowned for South Australia

On a day that might have changed Adelaide from being known as the City of Churches, to the City of Crosswinds - riders battled it out on the exposed course of Victoria Park Racecourse in Pakapakanthi for the title of Criterium State Champion!

The Junior races kicked off proceedings with some fantastic tactical races taking place across the morning.

The excitement for the days elite races was matched by the strong crosswinds blowing across the course, which played a large part in the highly selective combined U23/Elite race which was to follow. Local NRS riders Tristan Saunders (Norwood CC) and Iven Bennett (Norwood CC) headed up the road early, and when Lucas Hoffman (Whyalla CC) decided it was time to bridge across to the front of the race - there were very few who could match his pace to head across the gap with him. This bridging effort proved to be an omen of the final standings in the race with Hoffman taking overall line honours in the Elite race and Saunders taking second place overall and first in the U23 category. The podium was rounded out by Bennett in third overall.

The Womens U23/Elite race was an equally windy affair, with a strong group heading up the road part way through the race and staying away for the duration. After a few early moves off the front, a five strong group consisting of Penny May (South Coast CC), Chelsea Holmes (Norwood CC), Natalie Redmond (Port Adelaide CC), Elizabeth Young (Norwood CC), and Carlee Taylor (Norwood CC) made the final selection. The pace eventually proved too hot for May and then Redmond, leaving Young to try and outride the two teammates from InForm TMX Make. After some valiant efforts by the Butterfields Racing rider Young to pull back multiple attacks, Holmes rode away to take line honours, with Young holding on for the Silver and Taylor taking home Bronze.

After the conclusion of the Elite racing, the afternoon was packed with exciting Age Category races which finished off the days programme with some great racing and wholesome family filled podiums!

Full results available here!