Contributed by Dubbo Cycle Club.

Dubbo Cycle Club has had yet another incredible week at State-level competition — this time at the Dunc Gray Velodrome in Sydney contesting the Masters NSW State Track Titles. Representing Dubbo with outstanding performances were age-defying wonders, Darrell Wheeler and the speedster, Erica Lunney. Together, they brought home a phenomenal swag of gold medals!

On Friday the first event of the competition was the 2000-metre Individual Pursuit. While certainly not her pet event, Erica powered her way to victory in the Women's Masters 3, clocking a respectable time of 2:51.81 — and thereby securing the first gold medal of the weekend.

Next to shine, Darrell, in incredible form, set-out to make a statement and took a gold medal of his own along while setting an Australian Record in his individual pursuit recording a time of 2:47.832! What a way to kick off the championships…

On Saturday, Erica qualified strongly in the Sprint and advanced to a thrilling mixed final against Laurelea Moss from Coffs Harbour. Erica mentioned it was incredibly close in both sprints, while claiming yet another gold in her division.

Sunday’s Individual Time Trial saw even more success for Dubbo. In her long-awaited favourite event then, Erica delivered a blistering performance in riding a personal best time of 38.537 seconds to again narrowly defeat her Coffs Harbour rival by just under a second and secure yet another gold medal.

Darrell matched that feat with an outstanding gold medal-winning ride in his division, finishing in 41.130 seconds — taking the NSW title and breaking the Australian Record against Central Coast rider, Hugh Gray.

 Moving on to the Keirin event, where riders are paced by a motorbike and, with three laps to go, the riders fight it out to the line. Wheeler competed in the Mixed Masters 9+ category, finishing second behind St George rider, Ivan Kolega. However, as the top competitor in Masters 11, he claimed yet another state title. Erica followed suit, taking-on her Coffs Harbour rival once again and beating her to the line and securing the gold medal in her Keirin.

 The final event of the weekend, the longer distance Points Race where riders sprint for points every 10 laps, Erica fought hard in what is far from her favourite event, securing yet another Masters 3 gold medal! Darrell did the same, picking up a good deal of points during the race and finishing in the top spot again leaving the championship weekend on a golden high!

All in all, both riders performed exceptionally well, representing Dubbo Cycle Club with strength, and determination. They will return home with an incredible haul of 11 gold medals, a testament to their relentless training and dedication.

“Dubbo Cycle Club is immensely proud of Erica and Darrell, in whose hard work  exhaustive training with their coaches have led to a wonderful start to the Nationals campaign,” a Club spokesperson said.

“Now, with the National Titles looming on the horizon, there is no doubt that we will see more amazing results in Brisbane at the National Track Titles in early April,” they added.

Capt (01…jpg): Pursuit win for local rider, Erica Lunney, flanked by place-getters, Laurelea Moss and Laura Brineesse. Image: MoHo Photography

Capt (02…jpg): Dubbo’s Pursuit winner in Sydney Darrell Wheeler (right) with place-getter, Hugh Gray  of the Central Coast Club. Image: MoHo Photography

Capt (03…jpg): Another podium finish for Dubbo’s Darrell Wheeler in the Time Trial with second place-getter, Hugh Gray  of the Central Coast.  Image: MoHo Photography

Capt (04…jpg): Sprint winner, Dubbo Cycle Club’s Erica Erica Lunney, flanked by place-getters, Laurelea Moss and Laura Brineesse. Image: MoHo Photography

Capt (05…jpg): Point-score winner, Dubbo’s Darrell Wheeler, (right), again with Hugh Gray. Image: MoHo Photography

Capt (GOLDEN HAUL.jpg): Two local cyclists doing Dubbo proud with a golden haul of medals in Sydney recently contesting the Masters NSW State Track Titles, Erica Lunney and Darrell Wheeler. Image: Ray Wheeler — Wheeler Cycles

Capt (ERICA AND DARRELL.JPG): Dubbo Cycle Club’s Erica Lunney and Darrell Wheeler are all smiles after a golden haul of medals in Sydney recently contesting the Masters NSW State Track Titles. Image: Ray Wheeler — Wheeler Cycles