State title for ICC’s Burford

ILLAWARRA cyclist Leonie Burford has become the NSW Elite Women’s Pursuit Champion.

Working as a geologist in the mining town of Cobar is probably not the ideal place for an elite cyclist, but Illawarra Cycling Clubs’ Leonie Burford is making the most of her surroundings.

Despite the remoteness, lack of suitable training roads and training facilities she is thriving in the harsh conditions.

Being eight hours from the nearest velodrome made specific training for the pursuit championships impossible.

Riders raced 3000m solo on the Dunc Gray Velodrome at Olympic Park, Homebush.

In the qualifying round Leonie came in second fastest to qualify for the ride off for gold.

In the final she improved her time to do the fastest ride of the competition to take gold.

While off work for the weekend she was also able to compete in the Cronulla International Criterium.

In the event she established a breakaway with Olympic Road champion Sara Carrigan.

While the breakaway wasn’t a success she recovered well to place fourth in the event.

In other cycling news, the NSW under 19 points race championships was held at the Dunc Gray velodrome at Olympic Park on Saturday.

Scott Law proved to be too strong for his rivals as he powered away to a convincing win with Aaron Donnelly finishing in third place.

Law then finished third in the open Bowral cup race.

Scott then backed up the next day to finish third in the under 19 criterium at Cronulla.

Jackson Law raced in the Southern Highlands track open and made a clean sweep of all six events he competed in.

His best win was in the under 17 Ben Mikic Memorial handicap race, which he won with fellow academy rider Josh Ewan finishing third.