Jayco U23 Classification Heats Up as Rising Stars Battle!
After reaching the half-way point of the inaugural ProVelo Super League, the all important Jayco U23 classification is being watched with eager anticipation. We have seen Men’s U23 leader Jack Ward (Team Brennan p/b TP32) take and maintain an early advantage from the opening round SA Kick-It, while Sophie Marr’s consistency and versatility have earned her the Women’s League leaders jersey heading into Round 4. Much has been said of Ward and Marr’s advantage, but is all over only halfway into the season? Far from it.
SumUp Men’s League
Jack Ward on 360 points currently holds a handy lead over second placed Zac Marriage (Butterfields Ziptrak Racing) on 233 points, and Hamish McKenzie on 190 points. Despite strong performances from other riders, consistency remains a challenge for those hoping to contest the overall title. With McKeznie heading overseas for the remainder of the season, it is a battle between Ward and Marriage for the much sought after Jayco AlUla stagiaire contract.
The Harbour City GP for Round 4 has seen some course changes in the weeks leading into the event, favouring someone who can score points in fast bunch finishes. Ward has shown a great ability to win intermediate sprints, but it is Zac Marriage who has been finishing further towards the front of bunch sprint stages so far. With Ward also currently confirmed as missing the Round 5 Grafton to Inverell, the door is still open for Marriage to close the gap.
SBS Women’s League
The Praties Cycling Team dominates the Women’s U23 classification, with the top three spots secured by Sophie Marr (352 points), Talia Appleton (278 points), and Sophia Sammons (183 points). Both Marr and Appleton have proven their ability to win the general classification in tours, the most lucrative titles to take out.
With that being said, the question is how will Praties manage these two super-talents on the same roster? On paper, the final three events appear to suit Marr more than Appleton, however we still have seven days of racing to go and with fourth place Alli Anderson (Butterfields Ziptrak Racing) looking to push into the overall podium, they will need to carefully manage the dynamic carefully, keeping a close eye both internally and externally if they want to come out on top.
