CROSSING the finish line first on two wheels is the ultimate reward for cycling siblings Brendan and Katie Jones who moved to Sydney from Delungra last year to further their careers.

Currently focused on the Jayco Bay Series circuit race in January, Katie started the season off in style winning all three races at Bathurst to secure $700 in prize money.

Competing against gold Olympian Kathy Watt, Katie took out second place in the national road series open women's race before taking part in the U19s world selection races where she was chosen for the Australian B team to ride in New Zealand.

According to her brother and coach Brendan, Katie is an extremely gifted young rider.

"Katie has a rare gift of natural talent and already beats most of the men in NSW after only one and a half years of racing," Brendan said.

"An AIS scholarship is not far away."

He said it was great to watch Katie improve every day. "It inspires me to stay motivated to train," Brendan said "I've always said that when she starts beating me, I will have to retire."

Brendan said he was happy to see cycling so strong in Inverell.

"I'm also happy to see so many familiar faces, not just in the crowd but also racing."

Brendan was selected in the FRF/NSWIS continental pro team at the end of last year and had his first major win in the Gunnedah to Tamworth 110km A-grade open road event.

He finished second in the Grafton to Coffs Harbour race behind team mate Chris Jory and tackled the Rosemont Estate Open, going solo to the finish to score another big win.

"Our results show that our team is working well together," Brendan said.

"Sacrificing our own chances of winning is what being in a team is all about."

Brendan's sights are now set on the Gippsland tour in Victoria, which he says will be "a good lead up" to the Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic.

"Finishing in my home town is a great feeling after touring Australia," Brendan said.

© 2007 Inverell Times

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