Maeve Plouffe wins at Oceania Track Cyling Championships to keep on track for Paris 2024 Olympics
She battled a wrist injury which needed surgery but three months later one of Australia’s promising young cyclists has starred at the Oceania Track Cyling Championships in New Zealand.
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Not even wrist surgery just three months ago could stop rising star Maeve Plouffe from an outstanding medal haul at the Oceania Track Cycling Championships in Invercargill, New Zealand.
Plouffe, elevated earlier this year to CA’s Podium Potenial Academy for young athletes who are considered strong chances to make Australia’s cycling team and medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, left her mark on her teammates and plenty of opposition riders.
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There, she stunned with five medals including a gold in the scratch race. She also raced the
entire endurance program, a tough contract for a young rider.
But that effort was even more meritorious considering she had wrist surgery in July and was up against it time wise to be race ready in NZ.
But for the SA Sports Institute athlete, Port Adelaide Cycling Club member and Lockleys resident it was all about giving it a big shake, no matter the lead up.
“Oceanias was really successful for my team and me and it was great to see improvements across all the racing,’’ Plouffe said.
“It was great seeing the team (Team Pursuit) execute what we’ve learned in training to ride a fast time (4:21) which was also a PB for all of us.
“I actually raced the entire endurance program and came away with five medals. Becoming Oceania champion in the scratch race was unexpected – I broke away mid race and lapped the field, then lined out the sprint in the end.
The highlight for me, however, was definitely the individual pursuit.
“I haven’t done any IP specific training for a year or so now and was feeling a bit tired from the omnium the day before so I didn’t know what to expect. I rode a huge PB which was also a very competitive time internationally.
“It was really great seeing progress especially after I broke my wrist recently overseas.’’
Star SA and national athletes Steph Morton (two gold medals) and Alex Manly were the other locals to win gold medals.
The next big home event for the Australian cycling team will be in Brisbane between December 13 and 15 for round five of the World Cup.