Dole hits new heights after successful tour of New Zealand

Wollongong's Tahlia Dole comfortably fits into that first group and she has the recent results to show for it.

Having travelled to New Zealand as a member of a Cycling NSW development team, Dole won the Queen of the Mountain classification in the highly competitive Junior Tour of Southland. The 16-year-old also won three of the six stages and finished second overall.

Dole said it was a great feeling to perform so well against some of New Zealand's top cyclists.

"It was a six stage tour and by the last day, I was tying for the mountain classification," Dole said.

"At that time, my goal was to get that Queen of the Mountain jersey. I rode smart and was able to get it and the stage win.

"I was going over there hoping for the overall win. Unfortunately I didn't get the win, all the riders over there were extremely tough to race against. It sets the bar high, but it's great to have that competition.

"I felt pretty happy to get the Queen of the Mountain jersey. The day before I didn't have the best day on my bike, so to change what I had to do the next day and win both stages was a great feeling."

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The Illawarra Academy of Sport member's racing isn't confined to the road, with Dole also achieving impressive results inside the velodrome, including a second place finish in the open women's Sydney Cup on Wheels last Saturday.

The next major event on Dole's schedule is the Road National Championships in January, where she is eyeing off a podium finish.

"I like both track and road racing equally. At the moment I'm preferring the road, but that's because we're more focusing on the road at this time of year.

"I have road nationals in January. Last year I was fourth so I really want to get top three this time. It's something I'm training towards, so I believe I can do it."

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