1st, Gravelista (UCI Gravel World Series)
My First Win in the Green and Gold – Gravelista Beechworth
There are some moments in a cycling career that stay etched in your mind forever. Winning the Australian Elite Men’s Gravel National Championships in Derby was one of them, but lining up just weeks later at Gravelista Beechworth for my first race in the green and gold jersey was something truly special.
The Weight of the Jersey
Pulling on the green and gold for the first time was more than just slipping into a piece of kit. It carried the weight of history, pride, and the responsibility of representing Australian gravel racing at its highest level. It felt surreal to zip it up on race morning in Beechworth but im not going to lie, I was incredibly nervous
Gravelista 2023 – A Festival of Gravel
The second edition of Gravelista saw over 500 riders descend on Beechworth, with distances for everyone, from the 120km qualifier, to the 80km race, and a more relaxed 45km ride for those just wanting to experience gravel
I was lining up in the 120km men’s race, and with such a deep field, I knew wearing the jersey also meant having a target on my back. Everyone wanted to test themselves against me
The Race
From the first climbs, the pace was relentless. The course demanded constant focus, fast rolling gravel, sharp corners, singletrack and little pinches that hurt the legs. I kept reminding myself to ride smart, not just hard, knowing others would be watching every move I made.
By halfway, a small lead group had formed, I knew everyone who had made the break and what they were capable of, I also knew everyone behind and how strong we were. The gap to the breakstayed consistant at 1 minute with a lot of climbing in the back end of the course. With about 20km to go, I made a real push to open a gap on the bunch I was with. I caught them on a steep climb and was able to go straight around. for the next 20kms i was solo riding into the finish at Beechworth.
Victory in the Stripes
Rolling into the finish, crossing the line first, and raising my arms in the green and gold was a moment of pure pride. To win in my first outing as national champion made the jersey feel even more real, it was a huge relief to make the jersey feel like something I’d earned and defended.
Sharing the podium with strong riders like Torben and Daniel Braunsteins, and seeing the depth of competition in the women’s race where Courtney Sherwell rode to a dominant win, reminded me just how far gravel racing in Australia has come in such a short time.
First win in the stripes: done. Now, onto the next challenge.
