Perth’s Sophia Sammons (Team Redcat) has taken an emotional victory on home soil, blasting the field to win the under-23 women's time trial at the Westbridge Funds Road National Championships today.
Sammons finished 55 seconds ahead of her nearest rival, Sophie Marr (Liv AlUla Jayco), with fellow West Australian Mackenzie Coupland (Liv AlUla Jayco) in third.
Sammons, 20, came into the event with all the pressure of pre-race favourite, having placed third last year and devoted herself to preparing for these National Championships.
The under-23 women's event took on three laps of the Bold Park circuit, starting and finishing at Perth HPC for a total distance of 29 kilometres. At the first time check, the top three riders were separated by just three seconds.
By the end of the second lap, Sammons had pulled her lead out to 27 seconds, and she would double it by the time she reached the finish. Her performance was so impressive, it would have earned her the bronze medal in the elite event.
“It was just insane, I knew how much work I put into it, I knew I put everything out onto the course today,” Sammons said. “To be rewarded with this result is really, really good. Crossing that line was such a big relief."
After finishing her race, Sammons was quickly surrounded by family and friends eager to celebrate her win.
“It’s insane to have so many people watching and to hug to share this with, I’m really grateful for all these people who have helped me.
“My team and I had a plan that we stuck to, we really wanted to control the first lap and see how it was going on the second lap and then go balls to the wall on the final lap, that’s exactly what we did. My legs really delivered today.
“I hope this is a big step forward for my career.”
- Sophia SAMMONS (Team Redcat) 40:22.42
- Sophie MARR (Liv AlUla Jayco Women's Continental Team) +55.4
- Mackenzie COUPLAND (Liv AlUla Jayco) +1:09.7
- Amelie SANDERS (Meridian Bikebug Women's Continental Cycling team) +1:49.6
- Emily DIXON (Canyon // SRAM Zondacrypto) +2:09.5
Photo: Zac Williams