Australia's Lauren Bates wins first gold medal of Trinbago 2023
The highly anticipated Commonwealth Youth Games kicked off with Lauren Bates of Australia winning the first gold medal of the Games in the Women’s Cycling - Time Trial.
Hosted at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, the energy-sapping race saw Bates scorch around the 10km course in 14:09.31, with compatriot, Keira Will, taking silver and Ruby Oakes of Isle of Man the bronze medal.
“It’s amazing. It’s insane. I’m so stoked to come away with a medal and seeing all the other nations here as well, it’s so cool. Learning all the cultures, it’s such a good experience,” said Bates.
Miles Bailey Liebenberg, from South Africa just pipped Scotland’s Elliot Rowe to the men’s title, winning by 3.39s in a time of 19:17.62 over the 15km course.
“I made sure to pace myself. It was really hot, so I kept myself and my core temperature cool and from then I didn’t know what to expect, just pace myself and I’m happy to take the win,” said Liebenberg.
Australia claimed another medal on a successful day for their team, with Will Heath picking up the bronze medal.