Melbourne to Ballarat handicap
Hayden Eynaud won first U19 and came 9th overall in the Melbourne to Ballarat event on Saturday. Here is what he had to say when we asked him about his race and preparation.
Aaron and Hayden - at presentation
How was your race fitness leading into Saturday’s race?
My fitness was good, I wasn’t sick or anything.
Were you feeling anxious or nervous before the start?
Yes, I always feel nervous before a race because I don’t know what to expect but it wasn`t that bad this time because I am used to racing now.
How many riders were in your bunch? What team mates did you have in your bunch?
About 20 and I had Camden Bush in my bunch which was good.
Did your bunch work well together?
Yes we did and we had to keep everyone going after the hills because it would break up and people wouldn’t work so much.
Was it windy?
It wasn’t that bad. It was windy at the start, then it stopped but towards the end it picked up again.
Did you feel cold or adequately dressed?
I felt adequately dressed.
Did it feel really hard or were you quite comfortable with the pace of the peloton?
The pace was easy, with Camden and I leading up most hills and making sure the pace stayed fast.
Did you get a chance to eat or drink anything during the race?
I actually believe eating is cheating (ha ha not really), but I only had two gels. I always eat well before so I don’t have to eat as much during the race because I find it hard.
Also, what did you eat for breakfast before the race?
5 weetbix and 1 crumpet. Also before the race I had a creamed rice.
Were there many attacks towards the end? I understand you attacked? Can you explain when and if anyone joined you?
Yes, everyone became anxious 10km’s out and everyone was trying to get a break. Yes I did make a break up the last hill, two people joined but we didn’t get far. After that there were a few more but no one got far.
Can you explain what happened in the final km? Where were you positioned?
I was boxed in near the front, but when we had to turn the corner it split up so I made my move there. There was a gap between us and the winner because someone dropped off around the corner giving them a gap.
Were you happy with your result?
Yes I was because I got a place and it has been a while but you always wish you did better and think back on where you could have done better. You will never be fully happy until you win.
Hayden and Camden post race
What did it feel like to cross the line as first U19? Did you know you had won this category or not til later when they announced it?
Once I passed the line I quickly counted the position I came and I couldn’t see any of the under 19 riders that were in the bunch.
Full race results can be found here.