Ben Hill and his partner Rebecca Wiasak are a cycling power couple having both been first across the line in the 60th Cootamundra Annual Classic and the recovery race in men’s and women’s respectively.
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Saturday’s 100km race ended in a dead heat with both Hill and Ayden Toovey crossing the line simultaneously with a time of 2:15:34.
On Sunday, Hill was just able to edge Toovey out finishing the 69km race in 1:13:24 with Toovey just a few seconds behind.
Wiasak was the first woman across the line on both days, asserting her dominance over the competition.
Both Hill and Wiasak are accomplished cyclists, riding across Australia and overseas.
Hill rides for Attaque Team Gusto and has competed in Poland, Thailand and Japan this year.
Wiasak, who rides for the High5 Dream Team, is a world champion track cyclist having won the individual pursuit at the World Championships in 2015 and 2016.
The transition from track cycling to road racing was difficult for Wiasak but she enjoyed the challenge.
“It was a challenge getting back on the road. It was longer than I’m used to,” she said.
“It’s always really hard racing but it’s great training. You’ve just got to hang in there and keep going hard.”
Hill is more accustomed to road riding and thoroughly enjoyed his ride.
“I love the course, there are lots of ups and down and exposed hills. It’s good, hard riding,” he said.
The pair are veterans of the 70 km Cootamundra Haycarters event that is held in May but are less experienced when it comes to the Cootamundra Annual Classic.
Competing in the longer event was a welcome change for the pair.
“It was great going for longer at the Annual than at the Haycarters,” Hill said.
After such an outstanding weekend the pair is keen to return next year.
“It was great, we had a very successful weekend between us. We love coming to Coota,” Wiasak said.
It was great, we had a very successful weekend between us. We love coming to Coota.
- Fastest female in both races Rebecca Wiasak
Hill echoed Wiasak’s sentiments.
“I love the country handicaps, they’re always a lot of fun. If I’m in Australia I’ll be back next year for sure,” he said.
Other results in the Cootamundra Annual Classic were as follows; 3rd place – Troy Herfoss. 4th place – Stuart Shaw. 5th place – Joel Walsh. 6th place – Christopher Miller. 1st local rider – Rohan Christmas. 1st under 19s rider – Lachlan Scott.
