Sami Donnelly and Erin Downie (both 12WRis) have continued to fly the flag for Burnside High School - this time in both road and track cycling.

Sami represented New Zealand at the Junior World Track Cycling Championships in Switzerland in August. Following months of preparation, Sami and New Zealand team qualified third quickest in the Womens Team Pursuit. The team then beat Australia in the semi finals to the qualify for the final. Sami and the rest of the team put up a brave fight against the experienced Italian team, leading for the first quarter of the race. However, Italy finished strongly, meaning New Zealand received the silver medal. Still an outstanding effort from Sami. She then backed up in the Individual Pursuit where she finished 9th in the world. After a short break off the bike, Sami is going to represent the school at the upcoming National Schools Road Race Championships to be held in Loburn.

Erin competed for Burnside High School at the Southern Tour of Blenheim at the start of September. Consistent as ever across the four different races, Erin finished second overall, once again showing her talent in the sport. Erin has been selected to represent New Zealand at the upcoming Oceania Track Cycling Championships in Adelaide in October. This will be a wonderful and exciting experience for her.

Best of luck to Sami and Erin as they take on these new challenges. Their continued hard work and determination is a credit to them and an inspiration for others.