News

Anna Whitten and Geoff Stoker Bring home the Gold at National Track Championships

14 Apr 2025

PCC Members Anna and Geoff are National Champions

Congratulations from all at PCC

Anna's Results

Gold/National Champion -Sprint

Silver -Time Trial

Silver -Kieran

Siver -NSW Team Sprint

Siver -NSW Team Pursuit

Bronze-Scratch Race

Geoff's Results

Gold /National Champion-Sprint

Gold /National Champion-Time Trial

Gold /National Champion-Kieran

"Geoff's Story" The Preparation & The Race

Hi everyone, I hope you are all doing well. I just finished racing Australian Nationals in Brisbane over the last few days. If you just want to see the results go to the bottom there’s a summary, if not enjoy the read.

One thing you may or may not know is every track feels just a bit different so I was in Brisbane a few days before racing just to get everything sorted. I can let you know the Anna Meares velodrome is definitely faster than Dunc Grey so everything looked really good.

First event for me was the 500m time trial starting out of the start gate. I was starting in the front straight. It’s always a good idea to really watch the riders starting before you, to see how the start gate is working. I noticed it was a bit slow releasing the rear wheel and catching a few people off guard. Note to myself just a bit of patience so I don’t get caught. Being seeded number one I get to start in the last heat. This can be good and bad, you get to see what time you need to beat but boy does the adrenaline come up while you are watching. Bike loaded into the start gate, strapped in, countdown and go. Nice clean start out of the gate, 0-20kph first pedal stroke, great line around the bottom of the track which is the shortest distance. Felt strong all the way to the finish. Quick look up to the scoreboard yahoo number 1, goal number one done, sprint tomorrow.

This year I have put a bigger priority on Nationals finishing second last year in the time trial and the sprint. Queenslander Glenn Searle won the sprint last year I knew he was moving well because he finished second in the time trial. Qualifying is the first round in a sprint competition, seeded number one, I was last to qualify. This year we changed a few things like a 62 tooth chainring and a slightly longer & faster wind up. Final acceleration out of the seat at 55kph, turn down from the top of the track up to 70kph and be more aero. Felt really good, nice 11.080 seconds number one and faster time than last year. Went through the rounds without too much trouble to line up against

Glenn Searle in the final for the gold medal. I have watched videos of the finals from last year to pick up on any weaker points in Glenn’s tactics and things I could do better. Best of 3 races but is always nice to get the job done 2 straight. Glenn drew the lead in the first round he was low on the track and slow which from study I noticed he does quite often, I took some height and made the opportunity to attack earlier with 375m (1.5 laps) to go. He came back quickly getting up alongside me with 250m to go. I held him two wide down the back straight round the final bend and pulled away in the finish straight to take heat one. I had the lead for the second heat so I led a bit faster and higher on the track. With 375m to go Glenn started to make a move but I was ready for him. I gave it everything there was no coming back for Glenn Searle. Goal number two done.

The Keirin, in case you didn’t know started in Japan and is still a huge sport there. In Japan there is big betting on the Keirin so riders are locked up for a week before racing so no cheating. Imagine if you could talk to a horse before the Melbourne Cup, “listen mate I’ve put a million dollars on horse 3 don’t beat him and I’ll cut you in on the winnings”.

I didn’t get locked away but the TAB would have had Glenn Searle and myself as the strong favourites. We drew for the starting order, yahoo Glenn Searle position 1, Geoff Stoker position 4, this gave me an easier view of Mr Searle. Gun fires and the field of six line out behind the motorbike. Speed builds up we come into 3 laps to go and the motor pulls off. Just about straight away Gary Morgan sprints to take the lead from Glenn Searle, Glen responds & holds him 2 wide, and I’m watching all this and being patient. We are cruising at over 60kph 2 laps to go and I start to move from position 4, I pass Geoff Baxter in position 3, power on and pass Gary Morgan & Glenn Searle into the final lap. Checked over my shoulder to see if I was clear then head down, power on and aero as possible. Up the finish straight to win title number 3.

I did start the points but the legs were really spent by that stage. I managed to finish the 10 kilometres.

Quick summary

Time Trial – National Champion

Sprint – National Champion

Keirin – National Champion