For champion cycling junior, all roads lead to Cygnet for ‘pinnacle’ grassroots event

Spain-based Felicity Wilson-Haffenden is a young Tasmanian with the cycling world at her feet, who has returned to her roots to compete in the Cygnet Cycling Festival.

Sofia Tsamassiros and Felicity Wilson-Haffenden who will both take part in the Cygnet Cycling Festival. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Felicity Wilson-Haffenden is a young Tasmanian with the cycling world at her feet.

Taking up riding to beat the boredom of COVID, the 19-year-old quickly revealed her talent on two-wheels, notching up national and Oceania titles before claiming the 2023 Junior Road World championships individual time trial in Glasgow.

Now based in Girona, Spain after signing a three-year contract for the Lidl-Trek team, Wilson-Haffenden has returned to her roots to compete in the Cygnet Cycling Festival on Saturday.

And while the rising star would love to win the 60km state championships race, her main motivation has nothing to do with medals or podium places.

Tasmanian cyclists Felicity Wilson-Haffenden and Josh Duffy in Launceston. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“The Cygnet Cycling Festival is one of the first races I ever did when I started, and the roads there were my original training route,” Wilson-Haffenden said.

“For me the event is the pinnacle of grassroots cycling in Tasmania, and it’s where I fell in love with the sport.

“I know there are a lot of juniors signed up for the race this weekend, which is really heartwarming.

“So I would love to be a role model for them, and be someone they can reach out to ask questions and learn from.

“And it would just be great to see as many people there on Saturday as possible.”

Felicity Wilson-Haffenden won gold in the time trial along with bronze in the team pursuit and individual pursuit at the 2023 world junior cycling championships. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Cygnet Cycling Festival organiser, Sofia Tsamassiros, said in addition to the main race, this year’s event would also include a 16km junior ride, and a 26km social ride.

“We are also really excited to add the 5km community ride this year, as we felt there was a missing gap in engaging with our local community to be more integrated and part of the festivities,” Ms Tsamassiros said.

Destination Southern Tasmania chief executive, Alex Heroys, said the festival’s third edition would draw elite athletes, competitors, families, and spectators into one of the state’s most beautiful regions.

Originally published as For champion cycling junior, all roads lead to Cygnet for ‘pinnacle’ grassroots event