Jan 31st, 10

Harrison Wall talks it up at the start ©RoadCycling.co.nz

UCI Commissaires, race organisers and parents were understandably worried the slippery surface, sharp hairpin bends and other road obstacles would make the one lap race for Under 8 year olds a dangerous affair.

None of this mattered to starters like Harrison Wall who showed up at the start line ready to race and dressed suitably in full lycra.

Despite the weather conditions, Wall was riding his number one bike, a custom Raleigh, fitted with drop handlebars and a well used Selle Italia saddle.

"The rain wasn't going to stop him," said Grant Wall, Harrison's father.

With the elite event under threat of cancellation, members from a number of the Trust House Cycle Classic Tour teams lined up for the start of the kids' race, determined the day would not be wasted without a race.

On the start line, 5 year old Wall talked up his chances, with the other older riders not sure how they were going to counter his attacks on the one lap course.

Harrison Wall sprints to victory in the Under 8 classification ©RoadCycling.co.nz

From the gun Wall jumped ahead of the field just as he had claimed he would, and led for the entire race.

Using what could be described as the bench press technique, similar to that of Tour Down Under winner Andre Greipel, Wall managed to hold off his competitors throughout the race.

Wall sprinted strongly across the line to take the win in a time of 2m26s.

Second placed was Mark Langlands and Clinton Avery crossed the line in third place - although both were later disqualified after their age was queried.

No sooner had Wall dismounted, photographers and media swamped him to discuss his first ever victory in an organised road race.

"I enjoyed the race, it was good," Wall told Ben from RoadCycling.co.nz.

"I am happy that I beat Mark [Langlands], and I am happy that I won," he said.

Gordon McCauley, Elite New Zealand Time Trial Champion from the Subway-Avanti team, presented Wall with the winner's jersey.

Ben from RoadCycling.co.nz interviews Wall after his victory ©RoadCycling.co.nz

Wall salutes the crowd after receiving his winner's jersey from Gordon McCauley ©RoadCycling.co.nz

Wall took home a replica Sprint Leader's jersey from the Trust House Cycle Classic Tour.

After the impressive display in today's racing, beating riders four times his age, expect to see Harrison Wall on the podium of cycle races in the future. 

Harrison, keep the phone handy, team managers will be calling you soon.

Related articles on the Trust House Cycle Classic

• Full results
• Team lists
• Torckler crowned Trust House Tour Champion
• Fast paced stage sets Torckler up for final tour defence
• Sprint Ace wins stage but Kiwi retains yellow
• Attacks expected in Trust House tour today
• Torckler gives Kiwis something to cheer about
• From Tour Down Under to Wellington tour
• Defending champion stakes his claim
• Summit fun on Rimutaka Hill
• Five NZ champions for Trust House tour
• Kiwi Aussie showdown looming
• Defending champion back for Trust House tour

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