Bayside Leader: Silverware for Brighton cyclist (5th August, 2008)

Brighton cyclist Stephanie Hansen picked up a pair of silver medals at the Victorian Junior Road Cycling Championships at Wangaratta. Competing in her first year of the Under 17 category, Hansen, 14, placed second in both the 10km individual time trial and the 35km road race.

She finished the Victorian road series in second place, giving her selection in the Victorian team for the Australian Junior Road Cycling Championships to be held in Canberra from September 5-7. Hansen, who took up cycling in February last year, was a member of the state team at last year’s nationals on the road (U15) and this year’s nationals on the track (U17), coming in sixth and 10th.

Coached by Hilton Clarke, she is a member of Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Club and races in C grade with men.

At the last club race over a 75km hilly course she finished fifth in a breakaway, moving her to B grade.

She’s had a successful road season, including winning the Australian Schools Cup Road Race while representing Haileybury College (Brighton campus), the Metropolitan Road Championships and the Revolution Future Stars Scratch race at Vodafone arena.

“I really love cycling and racing, especially the hills,” she said. “I have learnt a lot from Hilton Clarke, who has been fantastic as a coach and mentor.

“I have also learnt a lot from one of my best friends, Shannon McCurley from Traralgon, who is second-year U17 and has already won national titles, taking out the gold medals from the weekend.

“She has pushed me to higher levels.”

* Stephanie Hansen is this week’s Leader Junior Sports Star.