{"id":1843276,"date":"2026-03-23T04:24:51","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T01:24:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1843276"},"modified":"2026-03-23T04:24:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T01:24:51","slug":"australias-rebecca-henderson-takes-13th-consecutive-elite-cross-country-mountain-bike-national-title-new-zealands-anton-cooper-makes-it-an-11th","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1843276","title":{"rendered":"Australia&#8217;s Rebecca Henderson takes 13th consecutive elite cross-country mountain bike national title, New Zealand&#8217;s Anton Cooper makes it an 11th"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uYMyBxvjNMYYfUnfa2jw8m-1200-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Australia&#8217;s Rebecca Henderson takes 13th consecutive elite cross-country mountain bike national title, New Zealand&#8217;s Anton Cooper makes it an 11th<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-23T04:24:51Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n23 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">A first elite men&#8217;s Australian XCO title for 20-year-old Jack Ward as three-time winner Samara Shepherd claims women&#8217;s sliver fern jersey in New Zealand<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uYMyBxvjNMYYfUnfa2jw8m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uYMyBxvjNMYYfUnfa2jw8m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uYMyBxvjNMYYfUnfa2jw8m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uYMyBxvjNMYYfUnfa2jw8m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uYMyBxvjNMYYfUnfa2jw8m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uYMyBxvjNMYYfUnfa2jw8m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uYMyBxvjNMYYfUnfa2jw8m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Rebecca Henderson takes victory in the XCO at the 2026 GWM Mountain Bike National Championships<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: AusCycling \/ 2026 GWM Mountain Bike National Championships)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\"><span class=\"font-normal\">0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"f4c42b87-0625-4955-8f15-3dacdf001220\">It was a weekend of chasing mountain bike national titles in Australia and New Zealand, delivering both the continuation of some impressive runs from well entrenched players, Rebecca Henderson and Anton Cooper, but also foreshadowing the emergence of a new generation of challengers.<\/p>\n<p>In Australia as the racing unfolded at Mt Buller on Sunday, Henderson took an impressive 13th elite women&#8217;s national cross-country title in a row. Even though she was picking her way through the course carefully after crashing in brutal wet conditions last year and unknowingly racing to her 12th title with a fractured shoulder, the Orbea Fox team rider claimed victory in dominant style.<\/p>\n<p id=\"f4c42b87-0625-4955-8f15-3dacdf001220-2\">\u201cI was so hyper-focused the whole way, I never really rode into it, my eyes hurt because I was just laser focused, seeing every rock and risk averse,\u201d Henderson said in an AusCycling media release after adding her 13th elite cross-country Australian title to the short-track one she claimed earlier at the event.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2h7L55ABJxX32bpVpHn2nS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2h7L55ABJxX32bpVpHn2nS-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">First-year pro Mackenzie Coupland wins Australia&#8217;s elite women&#8217;s road race title with late solo move<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FaQRX8NzcYzFbgWJTgkiGj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FaQRX8NzcYzFbgWJTgkiGj-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Ally Wollaston continues flying start to season as she clinches New Zealand national road race title<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvQdM3US575EM4p7qZkFkj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvQdM3US575EM4p7qZkFkj-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Ruby Roseman-Gannon launches from break to claim elite women&#8217;s criterium at Australia&#8217;s Road National Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It didn&#8217;t, however, seem to hinder her run. After six laps, taking an average of 14:33 each, Henderson crossed the line with a 4:08 lead to second-placed Sarah Tucknott, while Katrina Dower was third.<\/p>\n<p>The U23 women&#8217;s riders were also out on the course at the same time, but starting a minute later for their five-lap event. Even so, that didn&#8217;t stop U23 winner Ruby Taylor \u2013 who last month won two stages on the road at the Hertz ProVelo Super League&#8217;s Tour of Tasmania \u2013 catching and passing all but Henderson on her way to victory in her first year out of the junior category. With an average lap time of 14:44, just 11 seconds more than Henderson, the 18-year-old carved out a gap of 3:30 to her nearest U23 rival Ella Menigoz.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">In the men&#8217;s elite race at the 2026 GWM MTB National Championships, there was a new Australian XCO title holder, with a win for 20-year-old Jack Ward, who stepped up into the category early and came second in the tough conditions last year.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just wanted to rip the first lap and put everyone in the red and I could recover quicker and go from there,\u201d said Ward, who also won the short track title.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qivukhJUVYebWk5uctQ7ZP\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qivukhJUVYebWk5uctQ7ZP slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">By the time he crossed the final finish line after seven laps the multi-discipline Lidl-Trek Future rider had built the gap to second placed Harry Doye to 1:19 while Tasman Nankervis was 32 seconds further back in third.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Reuben Page-Brown claimed the U23 win ahead of Joel Dodds, who was just 37 seconds back.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Over in New Zealand it was Anton Cooper who was racking up the title count on Saturday, claiming an 11th elite XCO title after taking off on the third lap and holding on to win the 6 lap combined men&#8217;s elite and U23 race. He had a gap of 1:24 to his nearest rival Matthew Wilson, who won the title in 2023. Fletcher Adams came third overall and also claimed the U23 title.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i2x9pNcZFn2aKLvEKXjmPH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i2x9pNcZFn2aKLvEKXjmPH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">George Bennett solos to emotional second New Zealand national title in elite men&#8217;s road race after &#8216;rough 18 months&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQk687F6Dnbza2KwwNEZ8A-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQk687F6Dnbza2KwwNEZ8A-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;An extra bit of motivation&#8217; &#8211; Finn Fisher-Black repeats 2025 time trial victory in the New Zealand National Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko486z2XSUEPcsqSrvtDFG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko486z2XSUEPcsqSrvtDFG-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Expectation was &#8216;pretty chill&#8217; but reality &#8216;got even better day by day&#8217; \u2013 New Australian champion Mackenzie Coupland close to podium at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The 11th win for Cooper, who now races with Lapierre PXP, came after a disrupted pre-race build. He got a nail through the tyre as he was warming up 15 minutes from the start, that meant he had to arrange to be picked up and do a quick wheel change before rushing to the line without the planned warm-up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a challenging start to the day but in the end, I was happy with how I rode,&#8221; said Cooper in a media statement from Cycling New Zealand. &#8220;You need to show some calmness when things don\u2019t go to plan.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Three-time XCO title holder Samara Sheppard had been away from the title hunt for some time given her focus on gravel but the New Zealand rider who lives in Australia returned with her winning form intact.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI had a couple of days to dial-in the track and go out there with a game-plan and execute a good race was really satisfying,&#8221; said Sheppard.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I was consistent throughout the whole course, climbing well and able to put the power down and ride smoothly and cleanly.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Sheppard, who races the Life Time Grand Prix series, finished the five-lap race with a 2:40 gap to Maria Laurie who was in second overall but claimed the U23 title in the combined women&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">On Sunday, Mary Gray and Cooper won the New Zealand elite short-track titles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Mountain Bike<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-qivukhJUVYebWk5uctQ7ZP\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-qivukhJUVYebWk5uctQ7ZP slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Simone Giuliani<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2h7L55ABJxX32bpVpHn2nS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2h7L55ABJxX32bpVpHn2nS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2h7L55ABJxX32bpVpHn2nS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2h7L55ABJxX32bpVpHn2nS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2h7L55ABJxX32bpVpHn2nS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">First-year pro Mackenzie Coupland wins Australia&#8217;s elite women&#8217;s road race title with late solo move<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FaQRX8NzcYzFbgWJTgkiGj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FaQRX8NzcYzFbgWJTgkiGj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FaQRX8NzcYzFbgWJTgkiGj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FaQRX8NzcYzFbgWJTgkiGj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FaQRX8NzcYzFbgWJTgkiGj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ally Wollaston continues flying start to season as she clinches New Zealand national road race title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvQdM3US575EM4p7qZkFkj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvQdM3US575EM4p7qZkFkj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvQdM3US575EM4p7qZkFkj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvQdM3US575EM4p7qZkFkj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvQdM3US575EM4p7qZkFkj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ruby Roseman-Gannon launches from break to claim elite women&#8217;s criterium at Australia&#8217;s Road National Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i2x9pNcZFn2aKLvEKXjmPH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i2x9pNcZFn2aKLvEKXjmPH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i2x9pNcZFn2aKLvEKXjmPH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i2x9pNcZFn2aKLvEKXjmPH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i2x9pNcZFn2aKLvEKXjmPH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">George Bennett solos to emotional second New Zealand national title in elite men&#8217;s road race after &#8216;rough 18 months&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQk687F6Dnbza2KwwNEZ8A-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQk687F6Dnbza2KwwNEZ8A-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQk687F6Dnbza2KwwNEZ8A-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQk687F6Dnbza2KwwNEZ8A-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQk687F6Dnbza2KwwNEZ8A-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;An extra bit of motivation&#8217; &#8211; Finn Fisher-Black repeats 2025 time trial victory in the New Zealand National Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko486z2XSUEPcsqSrvtDFG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko486z2XSUEPcsqSrvtDFG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko486z2XSUEPcsqSrvtDFG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko486z2XSUEPcsqSrvtDFG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko486z2XSUEPcsqSrvtDFG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Expectation was &#8216;pretty chill&#8217; but reality &#8216;got even better day by day&#8217; \u2013 New Australian champion Mackenzie Coupland close to podium at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Pro Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Sometimes it is up to me to bang on the table and say that I am still here&#8217; \u2013 Why Lotte Kopecky demanding Milan-San Remo leadership is an ominous sign for the rest of the Classics<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Every detail counts at Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 How former pro Niccol\u00f2 Bonifazio taught Tadej Poga\u010dar the secrets of Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My legs felt heavy at the start of the race today&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock comes through Milan-San Remo fatigue to claim third place on opening stage of Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The traffic is a little bit criminal&#8217; &#8211; Why Tadej Poga\u010dar may never target Milan-San Remo the same way ever again <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Sometimes it is up to me to bang on the table and say that I am still here&#8217; \u2013 Why Lotte Kopecky demanding Milan-San Remo leadership is an ominous sign for the rest of the Classics<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Every detail counts at Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 How former pro Niccol\u00f2 Bonifazio taught Tadej Poga\u010dar the secrets of Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My legs felt heavy at the start of the race today&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock comes through Milan-San Remo fatigue to claim third place on opening stage of Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The traffic is a little bit criminal&#8217; &#8211; Why Tadej Poga\u010dar may never target Milan-San Remo the same way ever again <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It makes no sense to do that&#8217; \u2013 Eddy Merckx hails Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s unconventional journey to Milan-San Remo victory but argues that comparisons remain futile<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4gLqKSGtCsRKj52uduxXnT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4gLqKSGtCsRKj52uduxXnT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4gLqKSGtCsRKj52uduxXnT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4gLqKSGtCsRKj52uduxXnT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4gLqKSGtCsRKj52uduxXnT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tom Pidcock suggests Milan-San Remo victory would have been &#8216;a bit of a fluke&#8217; as he makes quick switch to GC mode for Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span 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class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-23T04:24:51Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n23 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">A first elite men&#8217;s Australian XCO title for 20-year-old Jack Ward as three-time winner Samara Shepherd claims women&#8217;s sliver fern jersey in New Zealand<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uYMyBxvjNMYYfUnfa2jw8m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uYMyBxvjNMYYfUnfa2jw8m-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uYMyBxvjNMYYfUnfa2jw8m-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uYMyBxvjNMYYfUnfa2jw8m-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uYMyBxvjNMYYfUnfa2jw8m-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uYMyBxvjNMYYfUnfa2jw8m-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uYMyBxvjNMYYfUnfa2jw8m-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Rebecca Henderson takes victory in the XCO at the 2026 GWM Mountain Bike National Championships<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: AusCycling \/ 2026 GWM Mountain Bike National Championships)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\"><span class=\"font-normal\">0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"f4c42b87-0625-4955-8f15-3dacdf001220\">It was a weekend of chasing mountain bike national titles in Australia and New Zealand, delivering both the continuation of some impressive runs from well entrenched players, Rebecca Henderson and Anton Cooper, but also foreshadowing the emergence of a new generation of challengers.<\/p>\n<p>In Australia as the racing unfolded at Mt Buller on Sunday, Henderson took an impressive 13th elite women&#8217;s national cross-country title in a row. Even though she was picking her way through the course carefully after crashing in brutal wet conditions last year and unknowingly racing to her 12th title with a fractured shoulder, the Orbea Fox team rider claimed victory in dominant style.<\/p>\n<p id=\"f4c42b87-0625-4955-8f15-3dacdf001220-2\">\u201cI was so hyper-focused the whole way, I never really rode into it, my eyes hurt because I was just laser focused, seeing every rock and risk averse,\u201d Henderson said in an AusCycling media release after adding her 13th elite cross-country Australian title to the short-track one she claimed earlier at the event.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2h7L55ABJxX32bpVpHn2nS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2h7L55ABJxX32bpVpHn2nS-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">First-year pro Mackenzie Coupland wins Australia&#8217;s elite women&#8217;s road race title with late solo move<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FaQRX8NzcYzFbgWJTgkiGj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FaQRX8NzcYzFbgWJTgkiGj-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Ally Wollaston continues flying start to season as she clinches New Zealand national road race title<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvQdM3US575EM4p7qZkFkj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvQdM3US575EM4p7qZkFkj-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Ruby Roseman-Gannon launches from break to claim elite women&#8217;s criterium at Australia&#8217;s Road National Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It didn&#8217;t, however, seem to hinder her run. After six laps, taking an average of 14:33 each, Henderson crossed the line with a 4:08 lead to second-placed Sarah Tucknott, while Katrina Dower was third.<\/p>\n<p>The U23 women&#8217;s riders were also out on the course at the same time, but starting a minute later for their five-lap event. Even so, that didn&#8217;t stop U23 winner Ruby Taylor \u2013 who last month won two stages on the road at the Hertz ProVelo Super League&#8217;s Tour of Tasmania \u2013 catching and passing all but Henderson on her way to victory in her first year out of the junior category. With an average lap time of 14:44, just 11 seconds more than Henderson, the 18-year-old carved out a gap of 3:30 to her nearest U23 rival Ella Menigoz.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">In the men&#8217;s elite race at the 2026 GWM MTB National Championships, there was a new Australian XCO title holder, with a win for 20-year-old Jack Ward, who stepped up into the category early and came second in the tough conditions last year.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just wanted to rip the first lap and put everyone in the red and I could recover quicker and go from there,\u201d said Ward, who also won the short track title.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qivukhJUVYebWk5uctQ7ZP\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qivukhJUVYebWk5uctQ7ZP slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">By the time he crossed the final finish line after seven laps the multi-discipline Lidl-Trek Future rider had built the gap to second placed Harry Doye to 1:19 while Tasman Nankervis was 32 seconds further back in third.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Reuben Page-Brown claimed the U23 win ahead of Joel Dodds, who was just 37 seconds back.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Over in New Zealand it was Anton Cooper who was racking up the title count on Saturday, claiming an 11th elite XCO title after taking off on the third lap and holding on to win the 6 lap combined men&#8217;s elite and U23 race. He had a gap of 1:24 to his nearest rival Matthew Wilson, who won the title in 2023. Fletcher Adams came third overall and also claimed the U23 title.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i2x9pNcZFn2aKLvEKXjmPH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i2x9pNcZFn2aKLvEKXjmPH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">George Bennett solos to emotional second New Zealand national title in elite men&#8217;s road race after &#8216;rough 18 months&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQk687F6Dnbza2KwwNEZ8A-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQk687F6Dnbza2KwwNEZ8A-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;An extra bit of motivation&#8217; &#8211; Finn Fisher-Black repeats 2025 time trial victory in the New Zealand National Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko486z2XSUEPcsqSrvtDFG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko486z2XSUEPcsqSrvtDFG-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Expectation was &#8216;pretty chill&#8217; but reality &#8216;got even better day by day&#8217; \u2013 New Australian champion Mackenzie Coupland close to podium at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The 11th win for Cooper, who now races with Lapierre PXP, came after a disrupted pre-race build. He got a nail through the tyre as he was warming up 15 minutes from the start, that meant he had to arrange to be picked up and do a quick wheel change before rushing to the line without the planned warm-up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a challenging start to the day but in the end, I was happy with how I rode,&#8221; said Cooper in a media statement from Cycling New Zealand. &#8220;You need to show some calmness when things don\u2019t go to plan.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Three-time XCO title holder Samara Sheppard had been away from the title hunt for some time given her focus on gravel but the New Zealand rider who lives in Australia returned with her winning form intact.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI had a couple of days to dial-in the track and go out there with a game-plan and execute a good race was really satisfying,&#8221; said Sheppard.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I was consistent throughout the whole course, climbing well and able to put the power down and ride smoothly and cleanly.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Sheppard, who races the Life Time Grand Prix series, finished the five-lap race with a 2:40 gap to Maria Laurie who was in second overall but claimed the U23 title in the combined women&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">On Sunday, Mary Gray and Cooper won the New Zealand elite short-track titles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Mountain Bike<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-qivukhJUVYebWk5uctQ7ZP\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-qivukhJUVYebWk5uctQ7ZP slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RUKCQmBBgAFRGkijgpLyah.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Simone Giuliani<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Australia Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Simone is a degree-qualified journalist that has accumulated decades of wide-ranging experience while working across a variety of leading media organisations. She joined <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> as a Production Editor at the start of the 2021 season and has now moved into the role of Australia Editor. Previously she worked as a freelance writer, Australian Editor at <em>Ella CyclingTips<\/em> and as a correspondent for <em>Reuters<\/em> and <em>Bloomberg<\/em>. Cycling was initially purely a leisure pursuit for Simone, who started out as a business journalist, but in 2015 her career focus also shifted to the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2h7L55ABJxX32bpVpHn2nS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2h7L55ABJxX32bpVpHn2nS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2h7L55ABJxX32bpVpHn2nS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2h7L55ABJxX32bpVpHn2nS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2h7L55ABJxX32bpVpHn2nS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">First-year pro Mackenzie Coupland wins Australia&#8217;s elite women&#8217;s road race title with late solo move<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FaQRX8NzcYzFbgWJTgkiGj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FaQRX8NzcYzFbgWJTgkiGj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FaQRX8NzcYzFbgWJTgkiGj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FaQRX8NzcYzFbgWJTgkiGj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FaQRX8NzcYzFbgWJTgkiGj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ally Wollaston continues flying start to season as she clinches New Zealand national road race title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvQdM3US575EM4p7qZkFkj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvQdM3US575EM4p7qZkFkj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvQdM3US575EM4p7qZkFkj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvQdM3US575EM4p7qZkFkj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvQdM3US575EM4p7qZkFkj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ruby Roseman-Gannon launches from break to claim elite women&#8217;s criterium at Australia&#8217;s Road National Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i2x9pNcZFn2aKLvEKXjmPH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i2x9pNcZFn2aKLvEKXjmPH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i2x9pNcZFn2aKLvEKXjmPH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i2x9pNcZFn2aKLvEKXjmPH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i2x9pNcZFn2aKLvEKXjmPH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">George Bennett solos to emotional second New Zealand national title in elite men&#8217;s road race after &#8216;rough 18 months&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQk687F6Dnbza2KwwNEZ8A-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQk687F6Dnbza2KwwNEZ8A-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQk687F6Dnbza2KwwNEZ8A-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQk687F6Dnbza2KwwNEZ8A-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQk687F6Dnbza2KwwNEZ8A-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;An extra bit of motivation&#8217; &#8211; Finn Fisher-Black repeats 2025 time trial victory in the New Zealand National Championships<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko486z2XSUEPcsqSrvtDFG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko486z2XSUEPcsqSrvtDFG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko486z2XSUEPcsqSrvtDFG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko486z2XSUEPcsqSrvtDFG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko486z2XSUEPcsqSrvtDFG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Expectation was &#8216;pretty chill&#8217; but reality &#8216;got even better day by day&#8217; \u2013 New Australian champion Mackenzie Coupland close to podium at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Pro Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Sometimes it is up to me to bang on the table and say that I am still here&#8217; \u2013 Why Lotte Kopecky demanding Milan-San Remo leadership is an ominous sign for the rest of the Classics<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Every detail counts at Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 How former pro Niccol\u00f2 Bonifazio taught Tadej Poga\u010dar the secrets of Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My legs felt heavy at the start of the race today&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock comes through Milan-San Remo fatigue to claim third place on opening stage of Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5Vm9dU3aSU7GbwC5cbSPod-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zoJJCX4nUaWyVrSTTnJDtC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The winning was never the boring part \u2013 When Tadej Poga\u010dar does it like he did at Milan-San Remo, I could watch him win every week<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The traffic is a little bit criminal&#8217; &#8211; Why Tadej Poga\u010dar may never target Milan-San Remo the same way ever again <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QA29koQarCiGLEMs7RhWm6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Sometimes it is up to me to bang on the table and say that I am still here&#8217; \u2013 Why Lotte Kopecky demanding Milan-San Remo leadership is an ominous sign for the rest of the Classics<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2CVBgoeMR96yF7tv47cp2Q-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Every detail counts at Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 How former pro Niccol\u00f2 Bonifazio taught Tadej Poga\u010dar the secrets of Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2gbdv3B8hCJKNgXrye8MLE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My legs felt heavy at the start of the race today&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock comes through Milan-San Remo fatigue to claim third place on opening stage of Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3kB2UNkaftSo6LYS9xF2Va-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The traffic is a little bit criminal&#8217; &#8211; Why Tadej Poga\u010dar may never target Milan-San Remo the same way ever again <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/54YBwPgaUbNAJzxXd6nGZ3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It makes no sense to do that&#8217; \u2013 Eddy Merckx hails Tadej Poga\u010dar&#8217;s unconventional journey to Milan-San Remo victory but argues that comparisons remain futile<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4gLqKSGtCsRKj52uduxXnT-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4gLqKSGtCsRKj52uduxXnT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4gLqKSGtCsRKj52uduxXnT-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4gLqKSGtCsRKj52uduxXnT-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4gLqKSGtCsRKj52uduxXnT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tom Pidcock suggests Milan-San Remo victory would have been &#8216;a bit of a fluke&#8217; as he makes quick switch to GC mode for Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span 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class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Sometimes Poga\u010dar doesn&#8217;t need tactics to win<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Sometimes it is up to me to bang on the table and say that I am still here&#8217; \u2013 Why Lotte Kopecky demanding Milan-San Remo leadership is an ominous sign for the rest of the Classics<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Every detail counts at Milan-San Remo&#8217; \u2013 How former pro Niccol\u00f2 Bonifazio taught Tadej Poga\u010dar the secrets of Milan-San Remo<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;My legs felt heavy at the start of the race today&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock comes through Milan-San Remo fatigue to claim third place on opening stage of Volta a Catalunya<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Volta a Catalunya: Dorian Godon denies Remco Evenepoel in punchy finish on stage 1<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Australia&#8217;s Rebecca Henderson takes 13th consecutive elite cross-country mountain bike national title, New Zealand&#8217;s Anton Cooper makes it an 11th<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nSimone Giuliani <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-23T04:24:51Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n23 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">A first elite men&#8217;s Australian XCO title for 20-year-old Jack Ward as three-time winner Samara Shepherd claims women&#8217;s sliver fern jersey in New Zealand<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"f4c42b87-0625-4955-8f15-3dacdf001220\">It was a weekend of chasing mountain bike national titles in Australia and New Zealand, delivering both the continuation of some impressive runs from well entrenched players, Rebecca Henderson and Anton Cooper, but also foreshadowing the emergence of a new generation of challengers.<\/p>\n<p>In Australia as the racing unfolded at Mt Buller on Sunday, Henderson took an impressive 13th elite women&#8217;s national cross-country title in a row. Even though she was picking her way through the course carefully after crashing in brutal wet conditions last year and unknowingly racing to her 12th title with a fractured shoulder, the Orbea Fox team rider claimed victory in dominant style.<\/p>\n<p id=\"f4c42b87-0625-4955-8f15-3dacdf001220-2\">\u201cI was so hyper-focused the whole way, I never really rode into it, my eyes hurt because I was just laser focused, seeing every rock and risk averse,\u201d Henderson said in an AusCycling media release after adding her 13th elite cross-country Australian title to the short-track one she claimed earlier at the event.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2h7L55ABJxX32bpVpHn2nS-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2h7L55ABJxX32bpVpHn2nS-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">First-year pro Mackenzie Coupland wins Australia&#8217;s elite women&#8217;s road race title with late solo move<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FaQRX8NzcYzFbgWJTgkiGj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FaQRX8NzcYzFbgWJTgkiGj-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Ally Wollaston continues flying start to season as she clinches New Zealand national road race title<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvQdM3US575EM4p7qZkFkj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PvQdM3US575EM4p7qZkFkj-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Ruby Roseman-Gannon launches from break to claim elite women&#8217;s criterium at Australia&#8217;s Road National Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It didn&#8217;t, however, seem to hinder her run. After six laps, taking an average of 14:33 each, Henderson crossed the line with a 4:08 lead to second-placed Sarah Tucknott, while Katrina Dower was third.<\/p>\n<p>The U23 women&#8217;s riders were also out on the course at the same time, but starting a minute later for their five-lap event. Even so, that didn&#8217;t stop U23 winner Ruby Taylor \u2013 who last month won two stages on the road at the Hertz ProVelo Super League&#8217;s Tour of Tasmania \u2013 catching and passing all but Henderson on her way to victory in her first year out of the junior category. With an average lap time of 14:44, just 11 seconds more than Henderson, the 18-year-old carved out a gap of 3:30 to her nearest U23 rival Ella Menigoz.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">In the men&#8217;s elite race at the 2026 GWM MTB National Championships, there was a new Australian XCO title holder, with a win for 20-year-old Jack Ward, who stepped up into the category early and came second in the tough conditions last year.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just wanted to rip the first lap and put everyone in the red and I could recover quicker and go from there,\u201d said Ward, who also won the short track title.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qivukhJUVYebWk5uctQ7ZP\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-qivukhJUVYebWk5uctQ7ZP slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">By the time he crossed the final finish line after seven laps the multi-discipline Lidl-Trek Future rider had built the gap to second placed Harry Doye to 1:19 while Tasman Nankervis was 32 seconds further back in third.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Reuben Page-Brown claimed the U23 win ahead of Joel Dodds, who was just 37 seconds back.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Over in New Zealand it was Anton Cooper who was racking up the title count on Saturday, claiming an 11th elite XCO title after taking off on the third lap and holding on to win the 6 lap combined men&#8217;s elite and U23 race. He had a gap of 1:24 to his nearest rival Matthew Wilson, who won the title in 2023. Fletcher Adams came third overall and also claimed the U23 title.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i2x9pNcZFn2aKLvEKXjmPH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/i2x9pNcZFn2aKLvEKXjmPH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">George Bennett solos to emotional second New Zealand national title in elite men&#8217;s road race after &#8216;rough 18 months&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQk687F6Dnbza2KwwNEZ8A-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZQk687F6Dnbza2KwwNEZ8A-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;An extra bit of motivation&#8217; &#8211; Finn Fisher-Black repeats 2025 time trial victory in the New Zealand National Championships<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko486z2XSUEPcsqSrvtDFG-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ko486z2XSUEPcsqSrvtDFG-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Expectation was &#8216;pretty chill&#8217; but reality &#8216;got even better day by day&#8217; \u2013 New Australian champion Mackenzie Coupland close to podium at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">The 11th win for Cooper, who now races with Lapierre PXP, came after a disrupted pre-race build. He got a nail through the tyre as he was warming up 15 minutes from the start, that meant he had to arrange to be picked up and do a quick wheel change before rushing to the line without the planned warm-up.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was a challenging start to the day but in the end, I was happy with how I rode,&#8221; said Cooper in a media statement from Cycling New Zealand. &#8220;You need to show some calmness when things don\u2019t go to plan.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Three-time XCO title holder Samara Sheppard had been away from the title hunt for some time given her focus on gravel but the New Zealand rider who lives in Australia returned with her winning form intact.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI had a couple of days to dial-in the track and go out there with a game-plan and execute a good race was really satisfying,&#8221; said Sheppard.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I was consistent throughout the whole course, climbing well and able to put the power down and ride smoothly and cleanly.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Sheppard, who races the Life Time Grand Prix series, finished the five-lap race with a 2:40 gap to Maria Laurie who was in second overall but claimed the U23 title in the combined women&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">On Sunday, Mary Gray and Cooper won the New Zealand elite short-track titles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/australias-rebecca-henderson-takes-13th-consecutive-elite-cross-country-mountain-bike-national-title-new-zealands-anton-cooper-makes-it-an-11th\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uYMyBxvjNMYYfUnfa2jw8m-1200-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Australia&#8217;s Rebecca Henderson takes 13th consecutive elite cross-country mountain bike national title, New Zealand&#8217;s Anton Cooper makes it an 11th News By Simone Giuliani published 23 March 2026 A first elite men&#8217;s Australian XCO title for 20-year-old Jack Ward as three-time winner Samara Shepherd claims women&#8217;s sliver fern jersey in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1843276","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1843276","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1843276"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1843276\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1843276"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1843276"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1843276"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}