Zero Friction Time Trial Series – Round 1 Recap
Sunday 4 January 2026
Round 1 of the 2026 Zero Friction Time Trial Series got underway on Sunday morning in near-perfect racing conditions, setting the tone for what promises to be a fast and fiercely competitive season. Cool conditions, very light winds, it was definitely a day for setting a fast time.
Elite performances across the board
The women’s TT Bike category delivered one of the standout rides of the day, with current U23 National Time Trial Champion Alli Anderson putting down an exceptional performance. Anderson stopped the clock at 23:56, averaging an impressive 43.78 km/h to take the win.
Her ride saw her defeat Jill Seeman, the reigning UCI Gran Fondo World Champion (55–59 Time Trial) who finished in 24:38, averaging 42.56km/h.
Future stars on display
The junior categories once again showcased why the Zero Friction TT Series is such a vital development pathway. Joel Gooley was particularly impressive, completing the U15 course in 14:37, but Bear Finn deserves a mention, completing the course for the first time on a mountain bike!
A stacked men’s field
The men’s field was stacked with serious firepower, with several big names turning up to test themselves early in the season. Riders such as Aston Freeth, Connor Doyle, Tristan Saunders and Wil Holmes ensured the competition for the win was fierce and that every second mattered. At the sharp end of the race, however, it was Mitchell Mulhern who stole the headlines. Mulhern delivered a blistering ride to take overall line honours in 20:45, averaging 50.52km/h, breaking the long-standing course record previously held by Chris Harper since 13 February 2022.
Mulhern is no stranger to the podium, having ridden for Australia's Team Pursuit team in its Gold Medal performance in the 2014 UCI Track World Championships in Colombia alongside Glenn O'Shea, Alex Edmonsdson, Luke Davison and Miles Scotson, and Bronze in the same event in 2015 in Paris. With the Australian National Championships on Thursday, it's clear that Mulhern is in peak form, and could challenge for a seriously impressive result, although Aston Freeth, Tristan Saunders will also be expecting good results, as will Connor Doyle and Wil Holmes in the U23 event. Sarah Dally will be racing the U23 women's TT on Thursday, and it's not hart to see Alli Anderson going back to back in the Women's Elite event as well!
Volunteers appreciated:
A massive thanks has to go to our team putting this event together. Commissaire David Birks, medical by Vivien Bing, traffic marshalling by Lynton Harding and the team from ACRM, and club members Alfie Trimming, Benny Janssen, Will Lyons and Barnaby Grant keeping the show on the road.
Also crucial to several participants getting on the track, Michele Primaro from Primaro Service Course continued to support PACC with his mechanical expertise.
Finally, a shout-out to Zero Friction Cycling, for all your low-friction goodies!
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