During Week 7, HPAP student Bella Blackwell (Year 8) competed at the Auscycling Track Nationals.

Bella did an incredible job in being selected for the state team after only a few months of jumping on a track bike and the coaches were very impressed with her efforts.

Bella was selected for her sprinting ability and placed 6th overall in the 500m Under 15 Girls Time Trial out of 16 national level riders. There was less than .4 of a second difference between her and riders who placed 3rd to 5th position. The competition was incredibly tough, but Bella did an outstanding job against girls who have ridden and trained for many years to be at this level.

Unfortunately Bella sustained a knee injury in her Keirin event, but she will no doubt be back on her bike in no time.

We wish Bella a speedy recovery and all the best with her future competitions.