Sport
22 June, 2024
Impressive performance from HPV teams
Despite their relative inexperience, Clifton State High School’s girls human powered vehicle (HPV) team has performed exceptionally well on the Gold Coast, winning the overall female category, while the boys finished 4th.
HPVs use the muscle power of cycling to propel forward a vehicle.
Many high schools across Queensland, including Clifton, build these vehicles and race against each other in boys and girls teams in the Qld Pedal Prix Super Series.
The racing on the Gold Coast consisted of four 1.5 hour races.
Clifton teacher Matt McCardy is in charge of the school’s HPV program and at the assembly on Monday he spoke about how the teams went.
Mr McCurdy said the girls team entered the overall race competing in the senior girls category, directly competing against other girls that have significantly more race experience.
He said Haley and Claire started off super strong not only taking fastest lap but also winning the first race and the other girls put the pressure on in subsequent races.
Not only did they win their division, but also amassed a 60 lap winning margin to take out the overall female category.
The boys team also put in a commendable performance, finishing in 4th place.
There is a lot more competition in the senior boys category compared to the senior girls, where there are 21 teams compared to three.
Mr McCardy said rain had caused visibility issues in their race.
The two Jacksons started powerfully for their team and were early leaders.
Jackson May took the fastest lap for the entire first race.
The boys team finished 40 laps (about 25km) in front of the team (Maryborough State High School) that finished third in Ipswich.
The boys team also finished 4th in the previous race held at Ipswich.
The next race will be held in Emerald, which is a 16-hour event.
