In the hunt: Andrew Lumley (far left) and Jordan Davies (centre with red sleeves) compete in the recent NSW State Criterium. The Blue Mountains cyclists competed at Penrith last weekend. Photo: Mark Gunter Photography.
Mountains cyclists battled miserable conditions as much as their fellow competitors during the gruelling Sydney Road Championships at Penrith last Saturday.
Jordan Davies was the best of the local brigade over the 100km event at the International Regatta Centre, putting himself in contention with a stunning effort to chase down a 10-man breakaway group before claiming eighth-place overall.
Davies was able to reel in the leaders after the intial breakaway but was unable to stick with the eventual winner and runner-up when the decisive move was made with two laps to go.
“I am disappointed to let a good opportunity slip. I didn’t position myself for the sprint which is the key,” said Davies, who was fifth in the under-23 category.
“I was happy I made the main move but there are bigger races to come this season which I’m really looking forward to.”
Penrith Cycling Club member and Mountains resident, Robby Dalitz, could not stay with clubmates Davies and Peter Milostic but was pleased to see what he described as their “epic effort” to cross the gap.
“I was happy to sit in the bunch knowing I had fellow club members in the break.
“Some days you feel strong, but this wasn’t one of those days for me,” he said.
The day ended much earlier for the third Mountains competitor, Andrew Lumley, who crashed in the initial stages of the race.
Davies, Dalitz and Lumley will now focus on the upcoming Santos North Western Tour from June 21-24, where they will compete against the nation’s best over 400km in four days.
For club details visit penrithcyclingclub.com. The next winter series race with grades A to E will be held at the Regatta Centre on June 3.