A Robertson cyclist with retinitis pigmentosa (tunnel vision) has competed with the nation's best and come out on top.
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With his trusted pilot, Richard Vollebregt leading the way, Kevin O'Meley competed in the National Individual Time Trial MB (Men Blind) classification (Tandem) championships on Thursday, February 4 and the National Road Race MB (Men Blind) classification (Tandem) on February 6 in Victoria.
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O'Meley said the courses were challenging, but the outcome made it all worth it.
"The ITT was 23km on the Federation University course consisting of three laps of a 7.6km circuit," O'Meley said.
"The tandems were set off at one minute intervals.
"The course was challenging with a few steep, but short climbs.
"There were fast down hills where we reached speeds of 80km/h and then had to slow to get through a 90 degree corner back into the University grounds.
"My pilot Richard Vollebregt gave it his all to get us around the course quickly and safely as we made time on the tandem ahead of us.
"We got around the three laps in less than 37 minutes, crossing the finish line 2.8 seconds ahead of second place, giving us the championship, a gold medal and the national winners jersey.
"We are now the Australian National ITT MB Tandem champions for 2021."
The second February 6 race may not have seen the same results as the first, but O'Meley and Vollebregt still made the podium in a highly intense race.
"The Saturday road race was 50km long around the Buniningyong course which was ridden five times of the 10km circuit," O'Meley said.
"On the second lap we attacked to see what the opposition had.
"We made a gap on them of about 300 metres, but they managed to get back with us.
Lap three we did the same and again and they closed the gap.
"On lap four another tandem attacked and we had to work hard to close the gap.
"We entered the final lap as a bunch and on the climb up Bunningyong they attacked us again.
"We were dropped going up the hill and couldn't make up the gap.
"Never giving up we pushed hard reaching a maximum speed of 81km/h on the down hill section. We could see first and second places only 250 metres ahead, but was unable to catch them.
"They finished 20 seconds ahead of Richard and I.
"We came in third and got the bronze medal."
After such a successful outing, O'Meley couldn't thank his support system enough.
"I'd like to thank the following people and businesses for helping me get to the Nationals competition. Without these people I could not have achieved this," O'Meley said.
"Kim Millard for telling me to put my money where my mouth is and give it go.
"Anthony Buckley for getting me started.
"Richard Vollebregt my pilot that never gives up and Scott Connolly my fittness coach.
"Southern Highland Cycling Club, particularly president Zac Hulm for welcoming me to the club and teaming Richard and I up.
"Stuart at Cycliste in Moss Vale for getting my bike race ready.
"Janet Beaud (Janet Beaud Therapies).
"Paul Murray (who sold me the tandem).
"Greg at TWE wheels.
"Barry Bailey (vision Impaired Cyclist ) for his on going encouragement."
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