2011 RaboDirect Club Road National Championships – Time Trial Wrap

Subway Pro Cycling’s Sam Horgan won his first senior national title yesterday at the RaboDirect Club Road National Championship in Wanganui. Horgan stormed home in 51 minutes 59 seconds to win the senior men 40km time trial.

“Time trials are always a race against yourself. I tried to sit at my limit for most of the ride, but I faded a bit. It’s amazing to have won,” Horgan said.

Horgan recently returned from the Tour of Korea where he supported Subway Pro Cycling teammate Paul Odlin who won the sprint jersey.

“Korea was awesome, but it was a hard tour. I had a week off to recover, but I didn’t know if it was going to be enough.”

Last year’s winner Olympian Chris Nicholson (Tasman) had to settle for the silver medal with Wellington’s Andy Hagan taking the bronze.

Morrinsville’s Sarah Morrison won the gold medal today in the senior women’s time trial after placing second last year. Morrison completed the 25 kilometre course a minute faster then Karen Fulton (Tasman) with Kerri-Ann Torckler (Hawke’s Bay) in third.

The 2010 Commonwealth Game’s representative Gordon McCauley heralded his masters debut by finishing nearly two minutes ahead of his nearest rival (35-39 years) rival Wayne Mason (Te Awamutu.)

Pure Black Racing’s James Oram (Auckland) stole the under 19 men’s title from teammate Fraser Gough (Hawke’s Bay). Junior track world championship representative Georgia Willams (Auckland) won the women’s under 19 title.

While dark clouds threatened for most of the day, the conditions on the out and back course were favourable.

The championship continues until Sunday.

Time Trial results:
Under 23 Men (40km): Darcy Ellerm-Norton (Pegasus) 53:44, 1; Tom Francis (Wanganui) 54:15.66, 2; Roger Grieson (Marsden) 58:42.54, 3.
Senior Men (40km): Sam Horgan (Pegasus) 51.59.14, 1; Chris Nicholson (Tasman) 52:08.28, 2; Andy Hagan (Port Nicholson Poneke) 52:30.35, 3.
Senior Women (25km): Sarah Morrison (Morrinsville) 36:00.48, 1; Karen Fulton (Tasman) 37.01.74, 2; Kerri-Ann Torckler (Ramblers) 37:36.25, 3.

Full results available here: www.bikenz.org.nz/Article.aspx?ID=5451