Canterbury Schools’ Cycling Champs

Canterbury Schools’ Cycling Champions!

This year we had a record number of 21 boys join the Medbury Cycling Team for 2020.

Every Monday and Friday team members attended lunchtime training sessions. Due to COVID-19, official racing did not start until Term 3, all of the Term 2 weekly events were cancelled!

The first race of the cycling season began with an 8km individual time trial. I felt very nervous because I was not familiar with the course. I was pleased with my effort because I finished in the top four, meaning that I could ride in the top team. All of the boys, including me, were disappointed when we heard that the South Island Road Cycling Championship event in Blenheim was cancelled. This event was to include an individual time trial, hill climb, criterium and a road race.

Wednesday 2 September was a big day for us because it was our first real event where we would find out what we were up against. The event was the 15km Canterbury Schools’ Teams Time Trials for boys under 14. It was held at Tai Tapu. I rode in the top team and my job was to ride as hard as possible at the start to keep the other boys’ legs fresh for the remainder of the race.

The time stops on the third rider to cross the finishing line. Medbury’s first team won the race by more than two minutes at 25:54.80! Our second team came third at 28:51.65.

This was a proud moment for Medbury as we were awarded the Kevin Searle Cup, as winners of the Canterbury Schools’ Teams Time Trial competition. Our second team received bronze medals in this event.

I would like to thank Mr Taylor for managing our teams. I would also like to thank all of our parents who helped out with transport and support for the team.

Jake Bennett, 7B