Last year at the Tour of Radiant two 19-year-old riders, Jack Ward and Talia Appleton set heads turning when thay charged up Tawonga Gap on the opening stage to claim victory. Now a year later both are heading into the new season with development team contracts, Ward with lidl-Trek Future and Talia appleton with the liv AlUla Jayco Continental team while the overall winner in 2024, Alli Anderson, is also joining Appleton at the Australian squad.

This three-stage race in the high contry of Victoria is one where opportunity knocks. For a start ther is testing terrain across the event with two summit finishes and a time trial. Then there is also the unique combination of domestic riders eager to prove they have what it takes against those that have already sealed their pathway with development team contracts and also the sprinkling of professionals that line up while back in australia from Europe.

This year the list of top-tier riders at the Tour of Bright included Brodie Chapman (UAE Team ADQ), Oscar Onley (Picnic PostNL), Kell O’Brien (Jayco-AlUla) and Luke Plapp (Jayco-AlUla), who knows all too well what a big boost a young rider can get from riding alongside established professionals after his effort up willunga alongside Richie Porte at the Santos Festival of Cycling turbo charged his career.

Bright Futures Shine at the Tour of bright: Young Riders Make Their Mark

The Tour of Bright has long been a proving ground for Australian cycling talent,and the latest edition is proving no different,with a wave of young riders making significant impacts on the race. Stage one, finishing on Tawonga, saw not only established names battling it out but also a showcase of the next generation.

Cooper, riding strongly, took the stage win, but the performance of 17-year-old Oliver Ward (team Brennan) was especially noteworthy. Ward stayed with Cooper for much of the race, demonstrating impressive resilience and composure, only being overtaken by teammate Tristan Saunders to secure third place. This result also meant he held off the challenge of Plapp, who despite a fast pace, couldn’t bridge the gap created by the breakaway.

On the women’s side, neve Parslow (ARA Skip Capital), also 17, delivered a standout performance. While last year’s stage winner, Appleton, set a blistering pace, Parslow matched the speed of seasoned WorldTour professional Chapman.She ultimately finished second, crossing the line ahead of the eventual overall Tour of Bright victor from UAE Team ADQ. This performance is a strong indication of Parslow’s potential,especially following her eighth-place finish in the junior road race at the World Championships in september.

These performances highlight the depth of talent emerging within Australian cycling and suggest a bright future for these young riders.

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Time Trial Technique: How to Ride Faster Against the Clock

the time trial. It’s cycling’s purest test of power and efficiency. No drafting, no pack tactics – just you, your bike, and the road. But simply being strong isn’t enough. Mastering the right technique can shave significant time off your personal best. Here’s how to ride a faster time trial.

Position is Paramount

Your position on the bike is the biggest factor in time trial performance. You want to be as aerodynamic as possible. This means a low, stretched-out posture. Don’t just bend at the waist, though. Focus on rotating your pelvis forward. This flattens your back and opens up your hip angle, allowing you to get lower without straining.

Consider these key points:

• Reach: A longer reach reduces your frontal area.However, don’t overextend to the point where you can’t maintain control or breathe effectively.
• Elbows: Keep your elbows tucked in close to your body. This minimizes drag.
• Hands: Hands should be relaxed and positioned on the extensions (if using aero bars). Avoid a death grip.
• Head: Tuck your chin towards your chest. Look ahead, but don’t lift your head.

Getting a professional bike fit specifically for time trialing is a worthwhile investment. A fitter can dial in your position for optimal aerodynamics and comfort.

Power and Pedaling Efficiency

Once you’re in a good position, focus on delivering power efficiently.High cadence isn’t always the answer. Many riders find a lower,more powerful cadence (around 80-90 RPM) is more effective,especially on rolling courses.

Think about these pedaling cues:

• Smoothness: Avoid stomping on the pedals. focus on a smooth, circular pedal stroke.
• Pull-Through: Actively pull up on the pedals during the recovery phase of the stroke. This helps maintain momentum.
• Engage Your Core: A strong core stabilizes your body and allows you to transfer power more effectively to the pedals.

Regular strength training, particularly focusing on core and leg strength, will improve your power output and pedaling efficiency.

Aero Equipment Matters

Aerodynamics aren’t just about your body position. Your equipment plays a huge role. A properly fitted aero helmet, skin suit, and aero wheels can save you watts. Don’t underestimate the impact of these items.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Helmet: Choose a time trial-specific helmet that’s streamlined and fits snugly.
• Clothing: A skin suit reduces drag compared to traditional cycling shorts and jerseys.
• Wheels: Deep-section aero wheels substantially reduce aerodynamic drag.
• bike: A time trial bike is designed with aerodynamics in mind, but even on a road bike, consider aero bars.

Pacing and Course Awareness

Time trials aren’t about going all-out from the start. Smart pacing is crucial. Study the course beforehand and identify hills, corners, and technical sections.

Develop a pacing strategy based on the course profile. Don’t blow up on the first climb. Maintain a consistent effort throughout the race. Use a power meter or heart rate monitor to help you stay on pace.

Pay attention to wind conditions. A headwind requires more effort,while a tailwind can help you maintain speed. Adjust your pacing accordingly.

Practice Makes Perfect

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