Mackay track cyclist Hamish Wright proved once again that he is a force to be reckoned with at the Australian Masters Track Cycling Championships, held at the Anna Meares Velodrome earlier this month. In the M4 category, Hamish emerged victorious in both the sprint and the keirin events, successfully defending the two national championship titles he had won in 2022. He also claimed a bronze medal in the scratch race, rounding off an impressive performance.
Though no stranger to winning, Hamish’s achievements this year meant more to the veteran racer, who had only welcomed his newborn son into the world 10 days prior to his competition.
“It was certainly an unconventional leadup to nationals compared with other years,” Hamish said.
“The focus the past few months has primarily been on welcoming our son Brydon into the world, so training had taken a backseat, particularly around the time of his birth when my wife and I navigated a new world of 2am feeds and endless nappy changes.
“But it added a new dimension to my determination, I had an extra 8 pounds and 2 ounces of motivation every time I hit the track.”
Hamish said his experience played a large part in defending his two national titles.
“The racing was hard, as you’d expect when you put yourself against the best in the country.
“In the keirin the gold was won on a photo finish, by approximately 1/1000th of a second. It came down to the throw of the bike,” Hamish added.
“In one of my sprint rounds, to progress into the final it came down to another photo finish. Those fractions of a second were the difference between gold and silver or bronze.”
"The level of competition at this year's championships was incredibly high, but that's what makes it so rewarding when you come out on top."
"Every race is a battle, and you have to be prepared to fight for every inch."
Having competed at the World Masters Track Cycling Championships in Los Angeles last year where he won silver and bronze, Hamish said that he’s unlikely to contest the championships this year.
“With a newborn our focus will be on family which gives me the opportunity to relax and work on building a solid foundation of strength and endurance for future goals,” Hamish said.
“I have my eye on competing in France in 2024 or 2025.”
Hamish Wright said his newborn son Brydon was the extra motivation he needed to defend two national masters track cycling championship titles less than a fortnight after his son was born. Images supplied
Hamish Wright (centre) successfully defended his keirin title at the Auscycling National Track Cycling Championships
Hamish Wright in action in the sprint
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