On the Saturday morning, the youngster finished second, in the under 17 women’s division, in the four-kilometre hill climb time trail up Mount Panorama.

The afternoon’s criterium saw Hawes pipped on the line into fourth position.

On Sunday, several thousand cyclists of all ages and ability left Blayney in waves for the return ride to Mount Panorama.

Hawes captured third spot, in her age group, for the 70-kilometre ride, a much-improved performance on the previous year.

Her mother, Joan, said the teenager was happy with the outcome.

“Catherine was keen to do the race,” she said.

“She also wanted to do well in the first race of the road season.

“Catherine’s now focussed on the Gwen French Memorial Wagga Wagga Junior Tour this weekend.”