Puzicha competed in the final round of the series at Adelaide on January 11 and 12 and her fifth place is even more remarkable considering she missed the opening round in Melbourne because of her injury.

Puzicha, who was representing the Western Region Academy of Sport (WRAS), won 10 of her 12 events in Adelaide and finished second and third in the two other races.

“I went pretty well considering I missed out on one of the four rounds and there was a strong field of girls,” she said.

“It was really hard. You always had to give 120 per cent. There’s a big competition of girls there.

“I’m quite happy considering what I’ve come from at the start of the season. It’s quite impressive. I was shocked when I did it [won 10 of the 12 events].” 

The 13-year-old, who competes in the under 15 women’s category, said it was a good experience to race over in Adelaide.

“It’s a good velodrome because it’s very old and a lot of the big athletes came, like Anna [Meares] and some others,” she said.

Elsewhere in Adelaide, fellow Bathurst Cycling Club junior and WRAS representative Luke Tuckwell finished 13th overall in the under 15 men’s category.

“He was heading into the event at 20th and finished 13th overall,” Luke’s father Drew said.

“He did really well. He made the finals of the scratch and finished fourth and finished fifth in the endurance race.

“It’s one of his best track carnivals results.”

Luke only managed to compete at three of the four events, missing out on Melbourne as well.

Drew said his son thoroughly enjoyed the overall series and found it a chance to pick up experience.

“He loves racing and competing in competitions,” Drew said. “It was a good learning experience. 

“What made the trip worthwhile was not just having fun, but he learnt a lot about racing.

“Every kid has their strengths and Luke’s is the endurance races.”

Luke will now turn his attention to the NSW Under 15 and Under 17 Track Championships at Dunc Gray Velodrome on February 2 to 4.