The 2024 Rockhampton Cup on Wheels and the Capricornia Cup, held on the March 22 & 23, unfolded as a spectacular weekend of cycling, marking the 57th and 56th instalment of these prestigious events, respectively.
Characterised by their feature Wheelraces, which are Handicap events, these races offer every competitor, regardless of their starting position, an opportunity to clinch victory in their class’s event. However, the 333m track at the Kenrick Tucker Velodrome posed a challenge, with its length not always allowing for a significant head start against the fastest riders, who started from ‘scratch’ (0m).
The weekend’s events kicked off under the uncertainty of rain, which dampened the track just before the warm-up sessions were to begin. In many venues such conditions might have led to a postponement, but the Kenrick Tucker Velodrome in Frenchville is an outdoor track resilient to the whims of Mother Nature and its newly resurfaced track maintained excellent grip even in slightly damp conditions. The track’s 31° angle efficiently directs water off the Mapei Track TNS surface making it an exceptional facility for outdoor cycling.
After a short delay the competition commenced with only one round being cancelled due to time restrictions. Friday night served as a period of warm-up and assessment for both riders and officials, with the night’s performances being instrumental in determining the placement for Saturday’s main events.
Entering the competition, Duncan Allen from UQ Cycling was determined to extend his winning streak, having already surpassed Kenrick Tucker’s two Rockhampton Cup wins by securing his third victory the previous year.
Duncan boldly declared his intention to secure victory saying, “I’m coming for the 4th.” His prediction materialised as starting from scratch, he adeptly maneuvered through a field of 19 riders to claim the Rockhampton Cup. Duncan’s ambitions now stretch towards matching Lara Tucker’s record of five wins in the Capricornia Cup.
In the women’s division, the Capricornia Cup was convincingly won by Victoria Smith who returning from a successful showing at the National U19 and Elite Track Championships, proved too formidable for her competitors. Her victory was all the more special as it occurred on her birthday.
The U17 Men’s racing throughout the weekend was marked by close finishes, with the top four riders consistently placing on the podium, setting the stage for a competitive final race. Will Holzberger from Bundaberg emerged victorious, capturing the U17 title in a tightly contested battle.
U13/U15 Boys was a diverse field with two new riders who had only been riding a short time but were keen to give it their all. Rockhampton rider Cooper Wilson, put all his energy into the race and came away with the win upsetting the scratch marker who had won all the races at the carnival up until this point.
Keirin races, always a highlight at the carnival for their tactical depth and speed, saw cyclists being paced by a motorcycle for half the race. As the Keirin races concluded and the presentations got underway, the skies opened up. However, the rain failed to dampen the spirits of the competitors or the audience, with smiles and applause dominating the atmosphere despite the downpour.
Image caption: Capricornia Cup winner Victoria Smith and Rockhampton Cup on Wheels winner Duncan Allen. Photo credit: Taila Jay Photography
