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Prodigal junior Jack Bobridge has returned from the UCI Junior  World Championships in Aguascalientes, Mexico, with a second gold medal to his name. The South Australian caught up with CyclingResults.net for a live interview to reflect on his best-ever championship campaign.

Earlier this month, 18-year-old Jack Bobridge was one of four riders to defend Australia’s 4000m team pursuit title which was initially claimed in Belgium last year. 

West Australian Travis Meyer and Victorian pair Leigh Howard and  Glenn O’Shea teamed up with Bobridge to cover 4000m in 4:11.79, over seven seconds faster than second-placed Russia.

“It was great to get it back to back, we knew we were going to be up there,” said Bobridge.

“It doesn’t hit you until you cross the line, you’re in so much pain.”
Australia had the advantage of being the final team to qualify for the event. This meant they could conserve energy for the final which was held approximately 2000m above sea level.

“At that altitude, walking up stairs puts you out of breath,” Bobridge reflected.
“It was a good place (Aguascalientes), the whole team was treated like movie stars.”

Bendigo’s Glenn O’shea was the only change to the side that won the event in Belgium last year. In march, O’shea and Bobridge altered the record books when they became the only junior pair to ever win an elite Australian Madison track cycling championship.
Bobridge said the close friendships between team mates assisted their results.
“We spent a lot of time away last year,” he said.
“We can rely on and look after each”

Bobridge had a busy schedule at the championships, he contested  the  teams event on August 6 and three days later finished fourth in the  28km road time trial, just 25 seconds shy of a medal in what he  suggested was an unexpected result.

“I wasn’t expecting it, all my preparation was on the track and I was against specialist time trial riders.”

In the 133km road race, Bobridge finished 5 minutes behind  Italian winner Diego Ulissi after having a wheel replaced and chasing the lead group for 10km.
“Not every road race goes your way.”

Bobridge took time off following the championships, returning to  contest the Tour of the Murray River where he currently sits in eighth. 

Bobridge said he is now looking for further success in track endurance events at a senior world cup level.

By Wil Eather