Wilson-Haffenden seals second Road Nats gold medal

One gold medal was nice enough, but Hobart’s Felicity Wilson-Haffenden will return home with two after claiming another win at Ballarat on Monday.

Hobart's Felicity Wilson-Haffenden celebrates her Road Nats time trial win with teammate Emily Watts. Picture Zac Williams Photography

FELICITY Wilson-Haffenden was ‘nearly sick’ pre-race, but she needn’t have worried after claiming her second Road Nationals gold medal at Ballarat on Monday.

Fresh from taking out the under-19 road race the day before, the Hobart 17-year-old completely dominated the time trial (26:41) to beat nearest rival Lauren Bates by almost two minutes.

Wilson-Haffenden, part of fledgling women’s National Road Series outfit Team Bridgelane, also took silver in the criterium in a breakout campaign.

Given Bridgelane has been compiled in a matter of weeks thanks to crowdfunding, Wilson-Haffenden’s early success is a huge boost for the team.

“I came into this Road Nats trying to be competitive, improve on last year, but to come away with two golds and a silver, I can’t believe it,” she told AusCycling.

“And for the team, it’s a testament to the support they’ve given me. We’ve been together for one week; it’s looking pretty good for the team, I reckon.

“We’ve been together for one week and look at what we’ve achieved, the under-23s and elites, as well. We’re here to make our mark, we’re here to be in the races, and people should be keeping their eyes out.”

Wilson-Haffenden regards the time trial as her pet event, but it didn’t stop the nerves kicking in.

“The road race is so unpredictable. I was nervous for that, but you get to build into it. I think I was nearly sick before this race,” she said.

“It’s only you and the clock, if you mess it up, you mess it up, it’s all on you. So, to come away with the win it feels just as good.”