Taryn Heather
WODONGA cyclist Taryn Heather has recorded the best win of her career.
Heather yesterday smashed a field of current and former national champions from Australia and New Zealand to claim the Oceania road time trial at Canberra.
A spot at the world championships in Italy later this year is now hers to lose.
“It’s probably the best win I’ve had,” Heather said.
“I’m going to Europe later in the year and now I just need to keep riding well.
“The world champs are in Florence in September and I’ve pretty much got a spot now.
“I just need to keep going.”
Heather dominated the 26-kilometre event, finishing 53 seconds ahead of Tasmania’s Grace Sulzberger and last year’s National Road Series winner Ruth Corset.
Heather was the only competitor to post an average speed in excess of 40 km/h on the gruelling time-trial course.
“The course really suited me,” she said.
“It was tough and hilly, which is what I like.”
Heather, a member of the Australian Institute of Sport, now has to re-focus ahead of Saturday’s 102-kilometre road race.
She will be one of four riders in the Australian national team this weekend.