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THE RACV Energy Breakthrough got underway in Maryborough yesterday with primary school students showing off some impressive human-powered vehicles.
After months of design, construction, preparation and training, students from nine primary schools in the Bendigo region got their chance to have a practice session on the street track around Princes Park.
For Kennington Primary School students T'Keiyah Eldridge, Hannah Buchan and Stephanie Tular it was a nervous wait before hitting the track.
“We have been very hands on in training but it’s kind of nerve-wracking. It’s still all new but overall it’s pretty fun,” T’Keiyah said.
Kennington’s team consists of 20 riders (plus two reserves).
“Our sisters did it before us, so that inspired us a bit,” Hannah said.
For Stephanie, it was about taking on a new challenge.
“I wanted to try something new, something that I hadn't done before. It’s the first year for all of us so we’re a little bit nervous.”
Their teach Jason Hague said Kennington had taken part in the RACV Energy Breakthrough since 2010.
“It’s our sixth year. We started with one vehicle and after couple years decided two vehicles was just as easy and just as much fun because it gets more kids involved,” he said.
As T’Keiyah prepared for her practice run she was concerned about two things.
“Scared about crash corner (turn eight on the Holden Track) and going up against Maiden Gully who are pretty fast and competitive,” she said.
Two pit stops down, Maiden Gully are in the middle of a driver transition.
Teacher Paris Craig thinks there are other Bendigo schools that will be quick.
“White Hills will be solid and St Therese's and Eaglehawk North are both good teams,” he said.
Maiden Gully has been running their two vehicles – Ziptar and Miss Janey – since 1998.
“The students do about 30 minute rides but if they are doing good times and good speed, we might stretch to 35 minutes but don't want to blow them up,” Maiden Gully teacher Paris Craig said.
“Today's been a busy day with scrutineering and presentations but a cool change has been good. It’s just hard to calm the nerves and get a practice in before Friday. For some kids this is their first ride against opponents.”
