Medallists in the 2024 cycling National Champs.
New records were set for the nation as twenty two of Samoa’s cyclists took on the speed challenge at the National Champs Time Trial. It was held on Saturday at Mulinu’u and organised by the Bike Samoa Federation.
The first event was the 10km that saw six men and four women ride three laps of the circular course from the roundabout by the Tanoa Hotel to the end of Mulinuu point. Lawrence Palepoi and Alethea Schwalger, both students from Pesega Church College, took Gold in the Men’s and Women’s races, setting new records for this distance.
Experienced cyclist Darren Young won the Gold for the Men’s 20km distance – six laps of the course – while National University student Urlin Mulitalo battled hard to break the Womens’s record.
A medal ceremony was held for the winners of last week’s long distance 60km race as well as the short course races.
Organisers acknowledged the invaluable assistance of the Samoa Police Bike Unit and also the Red Cross.
“We had a delayed start due to the EPC doing work along the course,” said Nalei Paul, Secretary-General for the Bike Samoa Federation. “It meant that our cyclists had to deal with more traffic on the road so having the police there was a huge support. They stopped cars and provided an escort for cyclists. The Red Cross volunteers were on a bike too and ready to assist if any crashes.”
Vice-President Darren Young said that this is the first time the sport of cycling has held a National Championship for the country and he was happy to see cyclists of all ages enter.
“Bike Samoa has regular sessions led by volunteer Pat Rooke, for women who are cycling beginners to help encourage them to get on a bike. Three ladies from those sessions raced in the 20km and the 10km and it was great to see their improved confidence. Cycling is for everyone,” said Young.
2024 Cycling National Champs Medallists:
10km Time Trial: Men
Gold – Lawrence Palepoi 20.04 min
Silver – Sam Nimarota 20.42
Bronze – Agape Mulitalo 20.49
10km Time Trial: Women
Gold – Alethea Schwalger 21.25 min
Silver – Fanaafi Ioane 26.49
Bronze – Merenaite Lelevaga 29.50
20km Time Trial: Men
Gold – Darren Young 31.00 min
Silver – Tyreece Collins 32.56
Bronze – Wolly Collins 33.48
20km Time Trial: Women
Gold – Urlin Mulitalo 39.31 min
Silver – Manamea Schwalger 41.10
Bronze – Elizabeth Heidenreich 42.08
60km Road Race: Men
Gold – Tyreece Collins 1hr 49min 40 seconds
Silver – Wolly Collins 1:49:41
Bronze – Darren Young 1:49:44
60km Road Race: Women
Gold – Urlin Mulitalo 2:00:26
Photos:
1.