Cycling
By JUSTIN RAKE
NICHOLAS Lawler stood out in the record field of 180 starters in the Bendigo Community Bank Collie to Donnybrook and return cycle race on August 16.
The 17 year old took out first place in a race which came down to a bunch sprint.
Lawler worked his way to the front and stayed there crossing the line.
He said it was one of the more important races on his schedule.
"It was a pretty important win," he said.
"It's one of the biggest races on my calendar."
His preparation coming into the race did not sway from how he would usually approach races.
"I just trained and went through my normal routine," he said.
Lawler trains about 10 hours a week in between juggling school.
Crossing the finish line in first place was something Lawler said he won't soon forget.
"It was really cool to finish first," he said.
"It's close to home and it's good to have all of your friends and your club cheering you on,
"You put in a lot of work though so it's really good, but at the same time really exhausting."
Lawler will continue training and preparing for his next race.