Champion Dubbo cyclist Darrell Wheeler scored one of the biggest wins of his long career with victory in the 2000-metre individual pursuit at the Australian Veteran Championships held at Dunc Gray Velodrome last weekend.
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Wheeler was the fastest qualifier in the 60-64 years in a time of 2:37.43.
In the ride off for the gold medal Wheeler trailed Victorian Michael Goldie for most of the event before catching him with one hundred metres remaining to record a narrow but well deserved victory.
Wheeler’s final time was 2:38.03 with Goldie recording 2:38.30.
The fact Wheeler had finished runner up in the same event in the NSW, Australian and World titles last year made the victory even sweeter.
The next step will be the World Veteran Championships in October, also at the Dunc Gray Velodrome.
“I wasn’t really happy with the times and I will need to go quicker for the world titles.
“But a win is a win and things are heading in the right direction,” Wheeler said.
“In the lead up to the worlds I will be competing in longer 70 to 120 kilometre road races to toughen up a bit.
“Road racing hardens and tightens up the body for this type of event and helps develop better fitness.
“Then it will be back to trackwork in the final months to sharpen up so there is a fair program ahead of me.
“I’m hoping I will be up there but even in Australia alone there is plenty of competition to keep me on my toes.”
