Noosa International Criterium - NE

Australia, November 4, 2000

Sunderland takes Noosa

The winners
Photo: © Sabine Sunderland

The picturesque resort town of Noosa on Queensland's Sunshine Coast plays host to the Noosa International Grand Prix, combining a triathlon and a criterium for some great spectator (and competitor) interest. The criterium generally attracts some of Australia's top riders, who come for a pleasant holiday with a bike race thrown in for good measure. On the start list were names such as Nathan O'Neill, Stuart O'Grady, Scott Sunderland, Allan and Scott Davis, Jonathan Hall, Jason Phillips and David Millar.

The 45 minute criterium was held on a 1.2 kilometre "hot dog" circuit in downtown Noosa, with crowds 2-3 deep lining the barricades. After some aggressive moves from the big names early on, the field was reduced by half as the pace took its toll.

The race deciding break came after 20 minutes, containing Scott Sunderland (Harding European-EGET), Nathan O'Neill, Allan Davis, Jon Cantwell, Daniel Aeschlimann, and Scott Perrin. However, they could never quite get clear of the bunch, with a gap that howevered between 5 and 15 seconds. In the end, there were six riders left to fight it out, with Scott Sunderland taking the honours from Allan Davis, with Australian junior representative at the World's in Plouay, Jon Cantwell, in third.

Afterwards Sunderland reflected wryly that it was "his first win for the year" although his 2000 season has certainly not been devoid of success. He also praised the organisers, including Lawrie Cranley and Garth Proud, who had treated the riders extremely well during their stay.

Results

1. Scott Sunderland (Aus)
2. Allan Davis (Aus)
3. Jon Cantwell (Aus)
4. Daniel Aeschlimann (Swi)
5. Nathan O'Neill (Aus)
6. Scott Perrin (Aus)
7. Aaron Kemps (Aus)
8. Nick Formosa (Aus)
9. Daniel Newnham (Aus)
10. Ben Litchfield (Aus)
11. Ben Hitchens (Aus)
12. Craig Saunders (NZl)
13. Brad Davis (Aus)
14. Ben Vanderkamp (Aus)
15. John Navarette (NZl)