Worlds: Mackenzie Coupland 9th in Junior Women Road Race

West Australian Mackenzie Coupland has ridden to ninth place in the junior women’s road race world championship today.

Coupland was the best finisher of the three-rider ARA Australian Cycling Team on the technical circuit in central Glasgow. Julie Bego from France soloed to victory nine seconds ahead of a small chase group, which included Coupland.

Australia’s race was marred by an awful crash to Felicity Wilson-Haffenden on the first lap, when she slid out on a fast corner while leading the peloton. Despite tumbling across the road, the Tasmanian was able to finish and will be assessed for her injuries before Thursday’s individual time trial.

Coupland and Talia Appleton maintained excellent position throughout the rest of the 70-kilometre, five-lap race. They were always in the front group until it separated again in the final stages, with Coupland making the front split.

“It was pretty tough, especially the climbs. No-one was going easy on the climbs. And they were just drilling it here, there and everywhere,” Coupland said after the race.

The top-10 result was a bonus for Coupland, whose ambitions had been modest coming into the race.

“I’m pretty happy just to finish, but I’m pretty happy with that. Pretty happy with anything, really, but it’s pretty special.”

Results – Women Junior Road Race

1. Julie Bego (FRA) 1:54:53
2. Cat Ferguson (GBR) +9
3. Fleur Moors (BEL) +9
9. Mackenzie Coupland (AUS) +15
19. Talia Appleton (AUS) +2:45
65. Felicity Wilson-Haffenden (AUS) +15:41

For more coverage of the ARA Australian Cycling Team at the UCI Cycling World Championships, visit our Glasgow 2023 Hub.

Photos: Zac Williams / SWpix.com