Cyclists rise to the challenge at Yanchep

Northern Beaches Cycling Club president Chris Howard said Travis (who rides for the DRAPAC Racing Team) had recently returned from the Tour Down Under, while Cameron (Orica Greenedge) accepted the challenge of WA’s toughest criterium course to compete in the A-grade event.

‘Children and adults were able to compare their own race times, from graded races earlier in the day, against a world track champion, National Criterium champion, Commonwealth gold medalist, and stage winner in the Tour de France, in Cameron Meyer,’ Howard said.

‘Travis Meyer, despite illness, led out in the early stages of the race before his brother Cameron took over and reeled in many attempted breakaways by local riders.

‘Jonathan Bolton (Satalyst-Giant) stayed with Cameron Meyer in a breakaway for several laps, before he too succumbed to the relentless pace.’

Howard said Cameron showed why he was part of the Orica Greenedge Team that participated in the Tour de France in 2013, winning by 57 seconds over Jonathan Bolton.

‘In a sprint finish for third, Brad Robson edged out Brendon Meney and Dylan Pierre- Humbert,’ he said.

‘In his victory speech, Cameron Meyer stated he had heard of the reputation of the inaugural event in 2013 and was keen to try it for himself.’

Cameron said he looked forward to the YNP Challenge becoming a premier event on the racing calendar.

‘It was a tough, honest, technical and fast course which is everything you want for good criterium racing,’ the cyclist said.

‘The event was well organised and run on the day and I think the event has great potential to grow into a premier race in WA.’

With Cameron touted as a future general classification contender for the Tour de France, Howard said his lap times will be an ambitious target for riders in future Yanchep National Park Challenges.

Travis said the criterium circuit required a whole range of skills, including strength, cornering, recovery and tactics.

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