ILLAWARRA’S standing as a cycling powerhouse has been recognised, with the club announced as the best in NSW.
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Brothers Jackson and Scott Law took out the elite rider award, while Werri Beach Paralympian Amanda Reid, a member of the St George club, won the senior rider of the year award.
Illawarra’s Gary Mandy claimed the top masters award and Academy of Sport athlete Chloe Heffernan earned the under 19 best cycling honour.
“Illawarra boasts a host of NSW state champions and representatives as well as multiple Australian titleholders and record holders,” Cycling NSW chief executive Phil Ayres said.
“It was no surprise two of the major award winners – junior and masters riders of the year – were both from the Illawarra club. They were judged by the selection committee for these groups and take into account the performances posted and nature of the competitive environment for that group.’’
A world championship in the sprint at the Manchester masters world track championships was the highlight for Mandy in 2016.
He went on to win three other world titles at the meet.
Mandy was also successful with four Australian Masters titles, including the team time trial and pursuit. Sharon Gibson was celebrated for her success in the Masters 35-39 years division, while Mitchell Wright has been earmarked as a star of the future, announced as the under 17 cyclist of the year.
Reid became the toast of the South Coast when she won a silver medal at the Paralympic Games in Rio last year.
The 19-year-old finished second in the C1-2-3 500m time trial, just 12 months after changing from swimming to two wheels. Reid stopped the clock in 40.354 seconds, slashing two seconds from the C2 Paralympic Games record.
Working with renowned international rider and coach Bradley McGee, Reid finished second in the C2 category at the world championships.
The awards were announced at a ceremony in Sydney on Saturday.