There’s a new time trial king at Waverley!
After back-to-back wins from youngster Finn Maginness in the two 2020 time trial instalments, Changkuoth Jiath has started 2021 with a bang.
Leading the entire duration of the 2.2km circuit, Jiath was pushed by Maginness throughout, but managed to hold him off in a sprint to the finish.
It was an impressive performance by the 21-year-old as he heads into his fourth season with the club.
Maginness and Dylan Moore rounded out the podium, making it the same top three as the pre-Christmas time trial, albeit in a different order.
Connor Downie certainly didn't disappoint in his first time trial appearance; the 2020 draftee wasn’t far behind Moore as he pushed hard to lock in a fourth-placed finish.
Meanwhile, new recruit Tom Phillips’ impressive endurance tank was on display, as the former Pie rounded out the top five.
Despite the blistering conditions at Waverley – with temperatures already soaring passed 30 degrees by 9am – 16 Hawks completed the event, while the remaining available players undertook a repeat efforts test simultaneously on the oval.
Physical Performance Manager Luke Boyd says the fitness and coaching staff were thoroughly pleased with the morning’s results.
“We had a number of players run PBs today, which is a fantastic effort considering the conditions.
“CJ was fantastic. He put together one of the best time trial performances we’ve seen in a while, so it’s really pleasing to witness his progression.
“Finn and Dylan both ran really well, and I was also impressed with Will Day's efforts who ran a strong PB.
“Michael Hartley was a standout in the repeat efforts test. His fitness is looking really good coming off the break, so he’s setting himself up for a really solid pre-season.
"Jacob Koschitzke and Tom Mitchell also put together really strong performances in the repeat efforts test.
"Overall, we were really pleased with everyone's work rate."