Neylan nabs national silver

NSWIS cyclist Rachel Neylan has made an impressive start to 2015 by claiming silver in the women’s elite road race at the Australian Road National Championships in Victoria.

After riding in the peloton for much of the race, Neylan made an attack and managed to take the outright lead before being caught by eventual winner Peta Mullens.

“I really backed myself,” said Neylan to Cycling Australia.

“I knew I had good legs and I knew also that the field was really strong. I think in those situations it’s about backing yourself and taking a chance.

“I did a fair bit of work up the climb and I think I probably paid for that in the sprint in the final. I’m really, really happy with my silver medal,” she said.

There was also success for fellow NSWIS athlete Caleb Ewan, who took silver in the men’s elite road race. Ewan narrowly missed out on gold following a sprint finish to the line, with Heinrich Haussler taking the win.

In other cycling news, three NSWIS athletes will compete at this week’s UCI Track Cycling World Cup.

Headlining selections is dual 2014 World Cup gold medallist Tirian McManus, with fellow NSWIS athletes and brother combination Jackson and Scott Law also lining up. The trio will compete in the men’s endurance events.

The final UCI Track Cycling World Cup takes place in Cali, Colombia from 17-18 January.