Wiggins takes out junior award

Cycling sensation Craig Wiggins was recognised for his breakthrough year in the sport by winning the 2013 Albany Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award announced at the gala presentations on Friday night.

Wiggins captured two Australian titles during the Cycling Australia under-15 national road championships in Wagga Wagga in September, which was the first time the rising star competed at a national level.

He also finished seventh in the criterium final at the national championships.

His 2013 year included a clean sweep of the under-15 WA State titles, winning the criterium title, the road race crown along with the time trial event and the State team’s time trial in a dominant all-round performance.

The quietly-spoken North Albany Senior High School student said he was thrilled to win the junior category at the 41st Albany Sportsperson of the Year Awards.

“It was really good to win the award,” Wiggins said.

“I thought I did have a good season but there were a lot of good nominations.

“It was my first time competing at nationals and to win two titles is pretty awesome.”

The 14-year-old said he relished his second season of competition in the under-15 ranks and believes the experience in the first season played a big part in his success.

“The first year riding in the under-15s I was finding my feet and my rank against the other guys,” he said.

“Then in the second year of the under-15s I couldn’t see any of the names from the first year.”

Now in his third season of competitive racing, Wiggins said he still has plenty to achieve.

“I’m going to target the State titles this year and based on that I will see if I go to the nationals,” he said.

“I am up in the under-17s now so I’m back at the bottom of the food chain so I have to work my way up again.”

Currently studying in Year 10 at NASHS, Wiggins’ next challenge will be competing in the local Albany Cycling Club race season.