With interstate travel and competitive racing back on the cards in 2021 following a COVID induced hiatus, our SASI cyclists were in Ballarat from 3 – 7 February for the 2021 Federation University Road National Championships.

Wearing the SASI uniform with pride when she crossed the finish line, Annette Edmondson won the Elite Women Criterium event and expressed how much she wanted to win in this event.

“I wanted this so bad,” Edmondson said.

“Those close to me knew just how hungry I was.

“What better way to do it than in my South Australian Sports Institute colours and with the Cervélo Australia brand across my chest.”

This was Edmondson’s maiden road title adding to her already impressive resume as an Olympic medallist, three-time world and 17-time national champion on the track.

Amber Pate was also in excellent form, placing fourth in the Elite Women Road Race and was also awarded most aggressive rider in the Women Criterium.

“Although disappointed to be so close to the podium, I am extremely proud with fourth in the Road Nationals,” Pate said.

“I couldn’t have imagined to finish where I did but I came into the race mentally prepared and gave everything on the day.

“It has been a positive week and I am hungry to keep improving on this.”

SASI Cycling Head Coach Brett Aitken was rapt by the efforts put in by all SASI team members, acknowledging riders were pushed out of their comfort zone.

“Overall the performances were huge and it’s great to see such impressive results from athletes like Leo Zimmermann and Amber Pate who are both traditionally track riders,” Aitken said.

“This was Leo’s first year competing and at 19 years old it was outstanding to see him place fourth in the Junior Men Individual Time Trial against so many experienced riders.

“Amber was all but set to win a medal in the Elite Women Time Trial but a mechanical mishap saw her finish in 10^th place which is an incredible result given the challenges she faced on the day and the calibre of riders she was up against.

“There were consistent results across the board by everyone which I was really happy with.”

View the full list of SASI results below:

Elite & U23 Women Criterium

1^st Place – Annette Edmondson

Most Aggressive Rider – Amber Pate

Junior Women Criterium

5^th Place – Tess Wight

8^th Place – Alli Anderson

Elite & U23 Women Road Race

4^th Place – Amber Pate

Junior Women Road Race

8^th Place – Tess Wight

Elite Women Individual Time Trial

10^th Place – Amber Pate

Junior Men Individual Time Trial

4^th Place – Leo Zimmermann

Junior Women Individual Time Trial

5^th Place – Alli Anderson

8^th Place – Tess Wight

Paracycling Road Race Men C2

1^st Place – Darren Hicks

Paracycling Road Race Women C2

1^st Place – Kaitlyn Schurmann

Paracycling Road Race Women C3

1^st Place – Paige Greco

Paracycling Road Race Women C3

1^st Place – Meg Lemon

Paracycling Road Race Men H4

1^st Place – Grant Allen