Factory Team CycleCraft Australia didn’t disappoint at the 2014 Australian National Titles held in Shepparton Victoria last week.

Local Victorian Tahlia Waldron started her campaign by winning the “Welcome to Victoria” meet on Sunday recording some quick times. Round 5 of the Champbikx’s was no different either, the final which didn’t quite go all her way placing 6th. “The big day was here and it definitely was scary and I’ve never been so nervous.” Tahlia one of the favourites for the 16 Girls Class, placing 1st, 2nd, 1st in her moto’s and 1st in the semi. The final was a nail biter with Tahlia in 3rd into the first corner, diving low into the second corner securing 2nd place, digging deep down the last straight to take the win over the line by a narrow margin. Cruiser on Sunday was a clean sweep taking her to the podium again, and double National Champion for 2014.

World 1 Jesse Asmus was defending his National 1 title, Friday Jesse represented Qld in the Dynamite Series in 11 boys and didn’t drop a race all day. Jesse moved into the final, but unfortunately crashed in the first corner, not the result he was after. Friday was similar results with Jesse 1st in his motos, eighths, quarters and 2nd in his semi. The final was tough, Jesse chased hard to take 3A. “I would have liked to have taken the number 1 again, but was very happy with top 3.” Jesse will be straight back into training to defend his world title in a few months.

12 Boys Kai Angel defending his National 2 ranking was prepped and well ready for the event. With less than desirable conditions in the afternoon and a big class of 70 plus riders. Kai kicked off his campaign with all wins up to his semi, Kai slipping out of the gate and sitting at the back of pack into the first corner he chased hard moving up the field placing fifth, dashing his chances of a finals berth. “I was 0.2 seconds off making it to the final. I had a great week and was proud of my achievement.”

Joey Graham coming into the Champs was not fully fit but confident for some great results in his first year in Elite Men. Fridays Probikx round Joey pushing his way through the motos and quarters. A loaded semi with Sam Willoughby and Anthony Dean meant a little luck was needed. Joey finished a respectable 5th place, not enough to transfer to the final but a brilliant result. Saturday Joey’s moto draw wasn’t confidence building with a loaded gate including Sam, Dirk and Anthony. Joey pushed out some great races, but breaking into that top 4 group was tough, just lacking the horse power needed. Joey will be back next year better prepped and ready. Missing from this year’s event was Steve Ewart injured racing at the NZ Champs a few weeks prior.
Congrats to all the guys on there great results and all the tireless training they put in up to the Championships. Thanks to all our sponsors: Megaburn Australia, ANSR Racing, 100percent, Serco, Crit Plates, Michram Industries, VEE Tires, ECI Imports, Rainbow Cycleworx, A’ME Grips, Shaw Signs & Designs, Nimblewear, ProAm Industries.
CycleCraft Celebrating 30 Years – www.cyclecraftaus.com.au