Cambridge roads proved challenging for three Whakatāne Cycle Club members at the recent Cycling New Zealand Elite Road Nationals.

Triathlete Hayden Wilde competed in the big league as he took on a ton of New Zealand’s top cyclists in the elite men’s division, while Lilly Collombet was in the under-19 girls’ grade and brother Jacques Collombet lined up in the under-19 boys’ section.

Wilde, who is known as a strong cyclist in triathlon circles, produced an impressive effort in the 44.2-kilometre time trial, finishing fourth out of 14 riders and placing ahead of track cycling duo Tom Sexton and Keegan Hornblow, and professional road cyclist George Bennett.

His time of 54.30.91 was four seconds off Ben Oliver who finished third, and two minutes behind winner Finn Fisher-Black.

In the 27.6km under-19 boys’ section, Jacques Collombet finished 15th out of 20 riders. His efforts saw him finish just over five minutes behind winner, Alex Botha.

Sister Lilly, who was cycling for the Black Magic Women’s Cycling Club, placed fifth overall in the 18.3km ride.

She finished 1.56 minutes behind the winner, Neve McKenzie.

In the elite men’s road race over 188km, Wilde found the going more challenging and struggled to keep pace with the top riders.

New Zealand’s top triathlete still held his own and finished 43rd out of a field that featured close to 70 riders.

Wilde and Eddie Adams finished 10 minutes and 29 seconds behind Bennett, who won the race.

Unfortunately, the under-19 boys’ race over 122km was too challenging for Jacques Collombet as he failed to finish.

Lilly showed why she was offered a chance to ride overseas in 2025 by finishing seventh overall, just 10 seconds behind the winner in what was a cracking race.

The trio have done the Whakatāne Cycling Club proud and will be looking to continue improving their efforts moving forward.