Harrisen Bryant’s only experience with the Blayney to Bathurst long course might be driving it in his car, but when he tackles the 110-kilometre race this Sunday he will hoping to make it a debut to remember.
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The Orange-based rider will form part of a seven-man Nero KOM Racing Team bid to find success in the annual event.
Bryant is in his first season with the National Road Series team and keen to prove why the Sydney-based outfit sought his signature.
“I was racing in Canberra and one of the co-founders of the team approached me and said they were putting a development team together. He told me to put together a resume for them and send it to them, so I did and he got back to me and said they were glad to take me on,” he said.
“I was chuffed.
“I’ve (only) been cycling full-time for about one year and to get into a development team this year was one of my goals, so it’s been good.”
While Bryant has ridden with this team already this season, this weekend’s Bathurst Cycling Classic will be the first time he will wear the Nero KOM colours on his home turf.
He will line up for the division one men’s criterium on Saturday before tackling the 110-kilometre Blayney to Bathurst long course on Sunday.
For the criterium, which will be held at Kings Parade from 4pm, the 17-year-old is simply hoping to stick with the bunch. The criterium is a time and lap-based event, this year riders complete a 50-minute ride and then three laps.
“I enjoy the crit, I think it’s one of my stronger points,” he said.
“I will probably sit in and try and stay at the top of the bunch because there is 64 riders in it.
“I hope to stay up front, stay out of trouble and hold on as long as I can.”
On Sunday Bryant is likely to play a domestique role – one which will see him ride to help boost the chances of one of his Nero KOM team-mates.
“We haven’t really talked about team tactics yet, but I’m sure I’ll be riding for one of the guys,” he said.
“I did the short course last year and went alright, that was the first time I’d done it.
“I know the last 50 kay, I’ve ridden on that road before, so I know what’s that like. I know that Rockley [Mount] is unrelenting.
“I will have family and friends watching and it is in the heart of where I live, so I certainly view it as a home race.” The elite wave riders will start at 8.35am from the main street of Blayney, before the course takes them through the picturesque Hobbys Yards, Trunkey Creek, Georges Plain, Rockley Mount and Perthville.