Inverell’s Dylan Sunderland has been leaving a mark in the American cycling circuit, winning the final stage of the prestigious North Star Grand Prix.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“To win the last stage of North Star GP was a big win against American professionals,” the local rider said.
Sunderland came in eighth place overall in the race on Sunday.
The sixth stage of the five-day Minnesota race, the Stillwater Criterium is considered by many to be America’s hardest criterium.
Riding with the NSW Institute of Sport, Sunderland won the 2.2 kilometre stage with a time of 1:19:36 after a solo break.
“It is a different style of racing than I am used to,” he admitted.
The recent successes definitely boosts the confidence heading into the next few races.
- Dylan Sunderland
“It is very short and fast circuit races, which does not suit me the best.”
Sunderland took off with his NSW Institute of Sport teammates, Josh Taylor, and Miguel Byron (Holowesko-Citadel) in the second lap of the 23-lap race.
Known for his endurance in lengthy races such as the 228km Grafton to Inverell, Sunderland said adapting to the shorter style was the hardest part.
He rose to the challenge, and was awarded the Ellen Watters most aggressive rider jersey at the end of stages three, five and six.
Sunderland’s results were strong throughout.
He came fifth in stage three in Cannon Falls and second in stage five in North Mankato by just 37 seconds.
Sunderland spent the previous week taking on the three day Tulsa Tough.
His teammate, Ayden Toovey, took out the last stage.
“The past week’s results were really good, Sunderland said.
“It was good to get into some races that suited the team a little more than the fast criteriums.
“The recent successes definitely boosts the confidence heading into the next few races.
“I am really looking forward to racing.”
Before heading to the US, Sunderland competed in the gruelling Grafton to Inverell Cycling Classic.
He finished in the main peloton.
He was seen as a strong contender for the race after a successful start to the season.
He won the 110km Blayney to Bathurst and the QLD State Criterium Championship in early May.
Having turned 21 in February, Sunderland is obviously maturing into a fine racer.
Inverell born and bred, one of the things he may miss the most when away from Australia is his mum’s homemade chocolate fudge which, on his NSWIS Cycling bio, he lists as his favourite food.