Stories since returning from afar

Lauretta gives us her insider thoughts on her recent trip to North America and Canada

A little over three months ago I left Australia bound for the US. Then I wasn't really sure if I was doing the right thing. I'm only 18, travelling to the other side of the world on my own to race my bike I was taking a leap of faith. I had planned my entire year around it and now that it was finally happening, doubt started to set in. Did I train enough? What if my host families don’t like me? What if I can't get to my races? In hind sight this worry was excessive but it motivated me to race harder just so that I could prove to myself I had taken the right step.

My first tour was Tour of America's Dairylands, an 11 day tour made up of 9 criteriums and 2 road races. Most of the stages were within an hour’s drive of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and that is where I was based for the 2 weeks. After nearly 20 hours of travel, I finally arrived in Milwaukee. Fortunately my host family were lovely which made it easier being away from my own family. After a week of being a tourist I had my first race, a 1 hour crit in Shorewood. On the start line I was so nervous, it was actually happening, no turning back now.

Over the next 11 days I faced varying conditions and circuits which obviously returned varying results. The first four days were part of the NCC (National Criterium Calendar) and enticed some of America’s best female cyclists. The racing was hard and fast but once I found my feet and was comfortable in the bunch I started to get some results. My best being a 7^th place at Sheboygan but my favourite race for this tour was the Giro d’ Grafton. I don’t know what it was about it, but I felt really comfortable in the bunch and loved every minute of it.

Stage 1 Shorewood criterium cycling classic- 29th
Stage 2 East troy cycling classic- 41st
Stage 3 Giro d'grafton- 8th
Stage 4 Waukesha Carl Zach cycling classic- 37th
Stage 5 Sheboygan criterium- 7th
Stage 6 Schlitz park criterium- withdrawn after 25 minutes
Stage 7 Fond du Lac road race- 10th
Stage 8 Elkhart lake road race at road America- 15th
Stage 9 Fond du Lac commonwealth classic- 15th
Stage 10 IScorp Downer classic- 12th
Stage 11 East Tosa Grand Prix- 9^th

Overall I was really happy with the way I raced and I surpassed all my expectations. I finished all bar one race, picked up a few primes (intermediate sprints) and raced consistently enough to finish 10^th in the General Classification.

From Milwaukee I travelled to Vancouver, Canada. After 5 days of recovery, BC Superweek started. It was a 10 day tour made up of 6 criteriums, 2 road races and a hill climb. I was a little worried coming into the tour that I would be too fatigued or I would just get smashed due to there being more big name teams racing. Once again, the first couple of days were tough, but after a little while I became comfortable and competitive in the bunch. I achieved some great results at BC Superweek, picking up two 6^th places, and my best result, a 2^nd place at UBC grand prix. I was hoping for a podium but definitely wasn't expecting it and was very excited. At the beginning of the race I was uncertain I would even finish as I had been struggling to hang on. As more riders got dropped and I continued to hang on I found myself feeling much more confident. The last lap was exciting as a rider, who was off the front, crashed in one of the last corners. Fortunately I avoided it and was sitting about 5^th wheel. As we rounded the last corner the sprint opened up, as did a gap up the middle of the road. I kicked and passed 3 riders but couldn't quite past Leah Kirchmann, Canadian Criterium Champion, who beat me by half a wheel. Honestly I didn't care, I raced hard and well and it had all paid off and I had finally got on the podium.

Stage 1 North Delta criterium- 30^th

Stage 2 Brenco criterium- 35th

Stage 3 White Spot road race- 6th

Stage 4 UBC grand prix- 2nd

Stage 5 Gastown grand prix- 6th

Stage 6 Giro Di Burnaby- 14th

Stage 7 White Rock hill climb- 14th

Stage 8 White Rock criterium- 7th

Stage 9 White Rock road race- 11th

I really enjoyed the racing in Canada. The community really supported it, creating a great atmosphere; it was well organised and great fun. Once again, my host family was awesome and I had a great time.

Although it was a risk, travelling to North America to race, it is one of the best things I’ve ever done. I’m a better racer for it as it improved my bunch riding skills, my tactical skills, my confidence and it opened up more opportunities for me. Hopefully I’ll get to go back next year.

TAYLA ON JUGGLING HER TWO LOVE'S

It’s that time of year when I’m rushing around trying to juggle my two loves, soccer and cycling. This is usually a hell of a struggle, pushing my body through running and riding, although this year it was quickly put to a holt when a long-term injury turned nasty. After seeing multiple physios, osteopaths and a stint at the hospital, a bone scan finally revealed what I was dreading most. What had been shin splints for the past two years had developed into a stress fracture. The only positive out of the situation is getting to watch everyone else suffer through Bendigo’s freezing winter on the bikes whilst I’m cuddling up on the couch watching ‘The Tour’. 

Spending weeks in a moon boot was a major set back, nothing like lugging a leg weight around 24/7.  The weeks seemed to drag but time went quickly and finally 4 weeks later the boots removed and rehab can begin. I was so glad to hear the words come out of the physios mouth when he said I can be on the bike again, although it was followed with light riding only, he knows me too well! I still have 3 weeks of light riding and pool work before I can even jog again but for now at least its something! But don’t worry the coach has already set me trainings to prepare for the summer season, and bring on summer! Nothing better then Thursday night track sessions to brighten the day, although summer Thursdays always seem to encourage rain!! 

For now you will see me supporting the girls at Bundoora FC kicking butt in the premier league, still have my fingers ad toes crossed, I can join them for finals and around the cycling encouraging the BCS girls and perhaps even behind the wheel of a car in a race (now there’s a scary thought!) 

UP'S AND DOWN'S quick update from Nik

Up and down’s of cycling highs and low’s that makes it all fun I guess that’s what they say hay……….

After a great block of racing with some good results which I was most excited about the first unplaced female in the bendigo club tour first time I got to race the tour not being sick  .

After a great break it has been hard to get moving aging sickness and injury have just keep rolling on

Chest infection throat infection over all that and now knee injury is the universe trying to tell me something ……..

All I want to do is ride my bike .

I am off to do  a session with my coach in Geelong tomorrow hoping the knee holds out and is now on the up and up :-)

I am excited for the weekend team bcs is heading to wangratta to do some recon of the Sam Miranda courses.

Also some other exciting thing's happened on my my time off new bike thanks @specialized au 

great for all thing's women's cycling 

The Learning Curve Continues

Well what an eventful two weekends of racing it has been with the BCS girls! I have learned so much in just two races and also gained some really good experience!

Last weekend Lauretta, Nik, Tayla and I were racing down at the Phillip Island Grand Prix. Quite novel to be racing at such a unique venue; super-fast surface, picturesque views out to Cape Woolami, and some aggressive women’s racing to boot! It was a teams’ race, with a focus on accumulating points through sprints and KOM’s which ultimately contributed to overall standings in the Team’s Classification.

Experience gained included; trying my hand at leading Lauretta out for a sprint, not my forte, think I just set a nice ‘tempo’ pace leading to the line! And also getting involved in my first convincing break off the front!

Lauretta and I held good position for the race, I positioned myself so that I could react to any moves that went and this paid off. In the latter half of the race I managed to cover a couple of attacks from the LIV Giant girls and the next one made by Sarah Riley seemed to spilt the group; bang we were in a break! I was pretty buggered after covering the earlier attacks and it took me a while to recover, luckily Sarah was doing a great job at driving it into the head winds, and I was able to give her some recovery with my contributions! It was looking like we might be able to hold out for the KOM points, but it was not to be, the girls got organised and reeled us in about 100m from the KOM line!

Meanwhile Lauretta was riding a smart race, sitting in, not working and focusing on the sprints. She picked up valuable points winning one of the intermediates and also placing 4th and 2nd in the other two. To top it off she took out the final sprint finish in an impressive show down between herself and Nic Whitburn. I was impressed with my 6^th place considering my sprinting qualities! Nik and Tayla were not far behind, finishing strongly in the top 20.

We finished what must have been a very close 2^nd on the Team’s Classification, a fantastic result for the team!

This weekend Nik, Kate and I raced the Country Road Championships held at Harcourt. It is always great to race on our local roads, having had the opportunity to train regularly on them and also just as great is the little sleep in and no travel time!

A small field set out for two short 12km loops which saw us all stay together, then one big 56km lap south to Elphinstone then back over the ‘Goose Neck’ and also the dreaded ‘Turdie’! Kate tested her legs for an attack a couple of times, once we hit the old Calder Highway, but nothing seemed to really stick. Then at the 25km mark we passed through Harcourt and set out on the big lap, Kate lit it up again. I was straight on her wheel and also behind me was Vic Luxton-Baine.

We quickly got organised and rolled some hard turns to maximise the gap. We hit the long draggy climbs around Faraday on our absolute limit, but this proved to be an opportunity to extend our lead as the gap was widening, how exciting! From here we rode the remaining 50km at a solid pace, never wanting to relax as we had no idea what the time gaps were to the chasing bunch. 

It was a great experience for me being in a break with team mate Kate, and also really inspiring to see firsthand the determination and intensity she is capable of racing at. She was the strongest of us by far and was relentless with her motoring turns, very nearly on more than one occasion, leaving both Vic and I behind! My confidence was lifted by the clear fact that Kate was backing me all the way and even setting me up for the possibility of winning this race! Her actions were effective in changing my whole mindset and instilling confidence in myself to be able to give it 100%

We knew that if we stayed away up the Turdie we would have it, but it was amazing at how slow I felt I was climbing due to the matches that were burnt establishing and maintaining the break. We were all nervously checking behind, but no bunch showed.

It was near impossible to discuss tactics leading into the sprint finish, in the end Kate said that if I went early she would do her best to hold off Vic. As it happened I just went far too early and couldn’t sustain my effort to the line, Kate came round me and also Vic and I was left to roll over the line in third place!  So a personally a slightly disappointing finish for me but at the same time so much had been gained!

I now look forward to the possibility of racing club championships on a similar course and also our local 3 day club tour!

Kate's story of Tour of the South West

It’s always a bit nerve-racking heading into the first road tour of the year, unsure of your form, competitions form and when you haven’t done the race before unsure how the courses will be.
It was the first Victorian Road Series road tour for 2013 and was kicking off in Warrnambool, initially the team was to be Nik, Lauretta, Jo and myself, however some last-minute difficulties resulted in Jo being unable to attend.
I had read Lauretta’s preview of the race and read race information, and come to the conclusion that personally for the weekend I would like a stage win, and as a team goal to attain one of the 3 jerseys being KOM, sprint or overall. The overall would most likely be determined by the ITT on Saturday afternoon, not being my speciality event, so I didn’t have high hopes of an overall high GC place.
We went out to ride around the courses together Friday afternoon; for both the road race and ITT and discussed how the race had panned out last year for Lauretta as well as how we felt it would pan out this year. We then went home cooked ourselves some amazing pasta and checked the forecast for 40-60km/hr winds on Saturday. I was excited, not to sure how many other people were though.
Woke up Saturday morning to even stronger gusts and road out the nice little 10km to the course, lathered up our legs (love the smell of deep heat) and lined up with the 36 other women for Stage 1.
The race was on fast straight away, with an attack out of the corner onto the road. Our race plan had been to try not to do anything too early as it was 80km and we had sprinters in Lauretta and I so didn’t need to forge a break. The race had split half way through the first lap; just after Nik Whitburn had ripped everyone’s legs off in the first KOM, with 2 Total Rush riders up the road Lauretta and I had made the first chasing group of 8, and Nik the second chasing group of 7 riders. We were swapping off hard into the winds. I went for the sprint points as although the 2 girls were up the road, they were only 100m and I knew they wouldn’t stay away. We caught them by the top of the second time up the KOM so were a front bunch of 10. The next sprint came around and I went for it again and just got 1st ahead of Penny from Total Rush who had won the first sprint.
The next lap was a bit more leisurely as we realised it was going to be a long day in this blustery winds, apparently the gusts had been up to 70km/hr. Coming into the 3rd sprint with 2 to go, I asked Lauretta to lead me out, so I could get maximum points again. Lauretta went from 1.6km out and I won the sprint easily, but we also had a gap on the field and pushed on for a little longer, but the brought it back together over the next 2km. The 4th lap the chasing group behind us caught back on as we were neutralised for 2km when A grade men were passing. This made me a bit antsy going into the 4th sprint; I told Lauretta to rest her legs and went for the sprint on my own. I sat up 2m before the line and nearly got rolled by another rider who had not been in any of the other sprints, my sprint jersey was firmly in my hands.
In the final lap numerous attacks were going, however nothing would stick, no one would work with me as they could see I was sprinting quite well and no one wanted to lose time prior to the ITT.
Coming into 2km to go Bridie O’Donnell attacked. A few girls jumped and I think I was the third to jump and Lauretta was the 2nd; at 1.2km to go Lauretta was suddenly on the front with only myself and Lisa Hanley on here wheel and 200m back to the bunch, I yelled at her to go with all the encouragement I could encouraging every last bit of strength out of her, then at 300m to go I jumped underneath her, jumped clear of Lisa and road to the finish barely able to one arm salute due to the strength of the wind and not wanting to fall!!
We had won stage 1 and had the sprinters jersey well within reach for the tour. I was so ecstatic for our team; it was amazing, and exciting and a blast. However we only had a little over 1.5 hours before we had to go and ITT for 12.7km in this crazy wind. I wasn’t nervous myself and I had no pressure as I had no expectations, however Nik and Lauretta being the ITT riders they are had a little more pressure on themselves, (only what they had put on themselves though)
The girls made the call not to use TT bikes, post race we realised this was the wrong decision, or maybe they were like me and thought about it during our ITT as we saw Nik Whitburn fly past us on her tt rig so smoothly.
We all finished within 15seconds of each other, for me, that was good, for the other 2 not so happy. You could definitely see the difference between people’s bike choices as the top 7 riders had all used a TT bike, and were within 50 seconds of each other, and then it was another 45 seconds or so before the first road bike rider. I was pretty happy to be still in 7th place leading into the final day, and thought I was only 3 points clear of Penny in the sprint jersey (I was actually 9 after just seeing the results haha).
The crit turned left and climbed 300m at 7.5% so was a tough course, and we had woken up to light showers. Luckily the course was dry by the time we had to race, we didn’t have too much of a race plan, Lauretta and I both wanted to make it a tough race, and I also wanted to keep the sprinters jersey as priority one, followed by another stage win as priority 2.
Having 2 aggressive riders on your team, often can be quite a disadvantage, I was off the front after 2 laps, but only ever gained 15 seconds and dangled there for about 5 laps, when they brought me back, I was trying to make it hard up the hill, as was Lauretta. The first whistle came around for the sprint, and Lauretta lead me out perfectly, I sat up just on the line as had it covered. We continued to try to push the race hard, but no one wanted to follow through or maybe they had tired legs, not sure which, it was still a big bunch coming into the 2nd sprint where Lauretta lead me out perfectly again so I had the jersey firmly on my shoulders for the tour. Goal 1 achieved now to try to get the stage.
I for some reason had gone back to my old ways of doing too much work for no reason, I kept trying to get away or force the speed up the hill, but too many of the girls were sitting in and recovering on the downhill. At 2 to go Bridie attacked and got a good gap, I bridged just before the bell, with a smaller bunch on my heals. Then Penny attacked just before the final climb, Lisa followed and I waited glanced over my shoulder and saw read so started giving it all I could thinking Lauretta was on my wheel. Got over the top of the climb completely smashed look over again… AND IT WAS THE WRONG RED. Suddenly 2 other girls including Nik Whitburn jumped around me and I could barely grab their wheel, I couldn’t see Lauretta anywhere.. Woops. I crossed the line in 10th as I had sat up at this stage, and was already laughing at myself (once I had caught my breath). Look better at the rider behind and don’t lead out someone else haha….
All in all, it was a great weekend, thanks to Heather for all her support over the weekend, as well as Warrnambool cycling club, and Cycling Victoria for such a good event.
Check out some great photos here

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.470600226345283.1073741840.134038033334839&type=1

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.470195316385774.1073741837.134038033334839&type=3

http://pelotoncafe.com.au/2013-tour-of-the-south-west-day-1-photo-gallery/

http://pelotoncafe.com.au/2013-tour-of-the-south-west-stage-3-photo-gallery/

Preview of the first Victorian Team tour for the year, by Lauretta

This time last year I travelled to Warrnambool for the inaugural Tour of South West. After 2 days and 3 events of tough racing, I came away with the win. Because of that I look back on ToSW fondly and greatly anticipate this year’s event.

This year’s racing uses the same circuit as last year, but in a change from last year, offers individual women’s grades. After last year’s 7 female starters, I must admit I am surprised to see 3 women’s grades with 30 in A grade, 15 in B and 38 in women’s C.

Tour of South West offers 3 stages, a road race, time trial and criterium. For A grade women the road race is 85km, 5 laps of the 17km circuit. The undulating circuit itself would not be overly hard on a calm day, but unfortunately Warrnambool is not known to be calm. The strength and direction of the wind is what will decide the difficulty of the race. Last year it was freezing and blowing a gale which made for extremely tough racing.

Stage 2 is a 12.7km time trial that’s difficulty will once again be determined by the strength of the wind. It starts with a slight downhill and then undulates for around 7km before it reaches the toughest climb of the circuit which is 300m long and has a gradient of 7%. From here is flattens out a little before turning left back onto the finishing straight where there is a gradual incline to the finish.

Sunday’s final stage is a criterium around the Warrnambool cemetery. The 1.2km circuit includes a 300m climb of 7.5%. The climb starts as soon as you turn the first corner after the finishing line meaning there is no roll up to it, but rather a near standing start. This will mean those not strong enough and who miss the jump will be left behind. Although the downhill that follows provides the opportunity to get back on, many repeats will eventually crack even some of the strongest riders.

Hopefully as a team we can get some good results, we have myself, Nik McNamara, Kate Finegan and Jo Wall lining up this weekend for the ToSW.

Planning for the winter

This summer of racing has brought about many firsts. Some of these include the first full summer of racing for our Bendigo women’s team, Building Champion Squad, the first time I got to wear a leaders jersey in the Jayco Bay criteriums, my first trip to Adelaide for the TDU since it has been a UCI event (although I didn’t see any of the races) and my first summer of racing without any coach.

I also used annual leave to take my first non bike related holiday since I got back on the bike 3 years ago; and this brings me to question my cycling….

Its interesting being a female cyclist racing at a national level as we do here in Australia, especially if you aren’t chasing institute recognition or selection, and you know you aren’t really ever going to make much money out of the sport yet definitely have the ability to be competitive both nationally and internationally. You have those moments where you wonder why I’m doing this, what am I achieving. I often have nights when my work friends are heading out for after work drinks, yet I’m heading home to get on the ergo and then go to bed early (sometimes I venture out after ergo, yet the sweat still hasn’t stopped dripping off my face for up to 1 hour after the shower). I also sometimes get up at 5am to be in the office by 6:30am so I can leave work at 3pm to go and do a 4 hour ride mid week (yes that’s right, I ride 4 hours after working an 8 hour day). A lot of Monday mornings I struggle as instead of turning up to work refreshed from the weekend, I’m more tired from travelling and racing all weekend and can barely understand what’s going on in the meetings, I also wonder if my boss will understand its my recovery day; so I need to stay off my legs and can’t make it into her office next door, 20m away, so I will just chat to her on the phone.
But then I have moments like up at Mansfield on the 16th and 17th of March where we had a good team result of myself 2nd and Lauretta 3rd, on the Saturday in the criterium in the town centre. Then on Sunday although the race didn’t suit our team in the slightest both Lauretta and I started the race to the top of Buller from Mansfield. Lauretta put herself in the early break, at least we were represented and she got a good start on the climb. I did a bit of soul searching as I road up the climb on my own after dropping off the final 5 climbers at about the 4km mark, passing some of the break away including Lauretta along the way and “thoroughly enjoying” the steady climb. Now you might be thinking, how does this make you want to keep on racing. But in between these 2 races we found an amazing coffee shop/restaurant in Mansfield, Nicole drove a manual car without me telling her when and which gear to change into (and had to do a hand break start on the steepest part of Mt Buller), we had dinner with my mum and her friends and discovered that pizza dough can be made with flour and Greek yoghurt, as well as many other things that can’t be told outside the circle of truth. (I have since tried this pizza dough recipe and it is soooo easy, and low fat Greek yoghurt CAN be used).
I also after warming up from the freezing tops of Mt Buller, on the drive home analysed why I got dropped from the climbers when I did, then yet stayed about 100m behind them for the next 2km and discussed what I need to work on to get better at this part of my riding, discussed and planned future races and had random conversations the whole drive home with Nicole.
I guess part of loving and continuing to race is fuelled by the knowledge that you can continue to improve, that you can have the most fun experiences with friends, that you can work with team mates to achieve great results, and you can see parts of the countryside you often wouldn’t see.
Yet it also makes me realise that I don’t have to do this, I do it because I love it, and that is why I won’t be riding at all in July as it will be TO COLD and I don’t like the cold riding.
Now to stay up until 1am watching Flanders on T.V and sleep in on a Monday public holiday, maybe I will be refreshed Tuesday this week…. maybe

Round 4 Cykel Events Red Star Coffee Womens Grand Prix

With the last race in the 4 round series being a hot dog in Richmond, and the last crit for the team for the summer season the team was excited. However we were also coming to the realisation that the warmer weather, getting to wear only knicks and jersey with no layers days was coming to an end.

Tayla and Lauretta were already in Melbourne, so  Nik, Kate and Jo set off on the road trip, which was surprisingly tame and uneventful in comparison  to normal, not sure if it was nerves, tiredness or the lack of Tayla in the car.

The day stared with the usual prologue to see what division we all would be riding in. We were all placed In division 1 so after some food and team talk we were ready to race knowing what was required to keep our team in 2^nd place on team GC also keeping Kate in 3^rd on Individual GC .

With Kate and Lauretta forcing the pace early it wasn’t long for a breakaway to form and the bunch was racing in 3 group’s. Kate was off the front with Jenny Macpherson (liv/Giant) and Bridie O'Donnell (Total Rush), Jo and Lauretta in the 2^nd group and Tayla and Nik in the 3^rd group.

 Kate was taking lap points left right and centre and then picked up 2^nd in the sprint, we were able to stay in 2^nd place on teams GC. It also kept Kate in 3^rd in the individual standings, however if she had of done an earlier tally, and had of gone for a few extra points could have moved up to 2nd. Kate also took the laps leader classification for a great result for the day and a fun day out.

Looking back it was a successful series for the BCS team the goals that were set way back in early December were

 To be up there on team’s GC  CHECK 2^ND

To come home with one jersey CHECK Kate laps leader

I am sure I am a bit bias but I think we have one of the best group of girls going around

Well done to all the BCS girls and a big shout out to the Liv/Giant girls for taking out the team classification.

 

Lauretta's Season on the track

Last weekend’s Bendigo Madison saw the conclusion of the Victorian track season, and what a season it was. After being selected for the state team in December, many weeks of hard training and racing followed to ensure I would be competitive at a national level ready to race for February 2013.
One of my favourite weeks was the Victorian Christmas carnivals. As usual, it offered some fantastic racing across all four locations; Horsham, Bendigo, Shepparton and Wangaratta. Over the four days I had a few minor placing's and a couple wins including the Ladies silver Bracelet Wheel race at Shepparton and the Godfrey Family Omnium double elimination at Horsham.
The Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic (bay crits) followed Christmas carnivals and although not exactly successful, I definitely learned a lot riding in such a quality field. I also got to ride my brand new Specialized Venge road bike for the first time.
Last year I competed in the Santos Women’s Cup in Adelaide and only finished 1 stage, so this year I came into it with the goal of completing at least two. Stage one around the east end of Adelaide was a thrill to race, with a large crowd leaning over the barriers cheering us on. Stage two, Gastro got the better of me, despite this I still started and launched the first attack to then soon be dropped off the back and quickly removed from the race. The final stage at Unley hosted a smaller field due to several riders scratching  but still offered some fast racing. I surprised myself at this stage as I was expecting to have no chance of finishing but during the race I found myself attacking, chasing and holding position. I finished the race mid field and achieved my goal of completing at least two stages. The whole team road these races, and not only was I able to complete these 2 races, but had also helped team mates throughout the series and gained more knowledge in regards to working together as a team.
The highlight of the season for me was competing in my first track nationals as an Elite woman.  The four days of Championship racing was held at Dunc Gray Velodrome in Sydney. The team arrived in Sydney two days before the commencement of racing. Unfortunately as we arrived so did the storms and torrential rain. After three days of being stuck indoors Thursday arrived and with it my first and favourite event, the individual pursuit. Being my first year as an elite woman, all I really wanted was a PB. I achieved this with a time of 3:47.064, bettering my previous time by over 3 seconds and placing me 8^th overall. The following day I had the 100 lap point score; once again I surprised myself and finished in 8th after only losing one lap. My final day of racing offered a 40 lap scratch race, which I finished in 9^th place. Although I didn’t win any medals, It was a surreal experience to be racing with Olympians, world champions and some the best female cyclists Australia has to offer. 8^th and 9^th place may not seem as a major achievement but just to compete in that field, without being absolutely demolished, is a big achievement to me.

After a week off the bike, Ararat and Ballarat Track Carnivals beckoned. At Ararat I won the first handicap of the night and raced hard but with no results for my other three events. At Ballarat, I won the opening scratch race, placed second in the handicap point score and won the Victorian Madison Championship with my partner Toni Abbisogni also from Bendigo . The 50 lap Madison was one of the most enjoyable races I've ridden all year. A timely attack, launched by Toni, resulted in us taking a lap which no other team was able to bring back.
The Austral wheel race was an aggressive and successful night of racing. I placed 3^rd in the Victorian Women’s Scratch race after attacking several times, reducing the main field from 11 to 6. I placed second behind Jessica Mundy in the handicap points after once attacking the field resulting in the bunch splitting.
The final track race for the season boasted a first for women’s racing; a women’s Bendigo Madison. The stellar field included teams from all over Australia making for some tough racing. Once again I partnered with Toni Abbisogni and after 60 laps of fast and hard racing we came in 6^th. Although it destroyed my legs and my body aches from the effort, I loved it and will hopefully be doing it again next year.
It is now time for me to start thinking about the road races, and adapting my body for these changes.

Tayla tells a tale

The day started with the trip to Casey Fields to find opposite weather conditions from the previous round 1 race. The sun was shining and the wind was gusting in what seemed like every direction when warming up around the 2.2km course.  Once warmed up and ready to go, the time trials were ready to commence in order to grade all the riders. I was first up to battle out one lap on the windy course followed by Carly, Nik, Lauretta and Kate. Once all riders had finished the prologue we were broken up into our grade with Carly and myself narrowly being placed in B-grade and the other BCS girls to battle out A-grade. 

After a bit of a break of watching Cheryle Barker performing in the novice category and having something to eat, Carly and I were ready to begin. The wind had started to die down for the beginning of our race and I started off sitting on Carly’s wheel as we commenced our first lap. It was an aggressive criterium with each lap riders pushing to get to the front to take the lap point.  This resulted in many attacks throughout the race, but most were brought back in very quickly. After positioning myself in the middle of the bunch, I sat in and held the wheel in front not bothering to sprint for the lap points.

 However soon enough the mid race sprint came around, I could see Carly had positioned herself well to contest and got 4th to claim 1 point. I stayed in my position and got Carly on my wheel giving her a break. However the sprint had caused a gap in the field and a breakaway had occurred.

The groups were about 50m apart with both Carly and I in the 2nd group, once they started to get away we decided we needed to catch them quickly. The pace was increased until we managed to join as one again and then it suddenly slowed.  Coming into three laps to go we were both sitting in the middle of the bunch as the speed vamped up, with some futile attempts to breakaway, but with the bell ringing and one lap to go Carly had made her way to the front and I knew it was important to did the same. After several attempts to get to the front and coming into the final straight I found myself stuck in the middle but could see Carly at the front about to go for the sprint. Carly crossed the line in a very impressive first position after a group sprint and I rolled through with the rest of the bunch in 13^th. 

As soon as B-grade was over Carly and I warmed down as we watched our team mates compete in the A-grade field. It looked to be an attacking race with many breakaway attempts, including some attacking racing from our own girls. Kate picked up some points in the mid race sprint battling the Liv Giant girls over the line. A one girl breakaway attempt lasted into the final lap before the group brought it back to finish the race with a group sprint. Kate led around with Lauretta on her wheel allowing her to sprint her way into 4^th position. Nik came through in 14^th position with Kate closely following. It was a great exciting day and a great lead up to the final round ridden on March 23^rd.

An outsider looking in

Kate's mum, Cheryle, tells us about her second Novice race and how it is to be a new racer

My second novice race was exciting, fun and a great learning experience. It was held at a dedicated criterium track at Casey Fields on Sunday 3^rd March 2013. Unlike the first race there were no sharp corners to tackle. After the first race I decided to read some tips on riding crits and thought it is so hard to keep all these tips in mind during the race yet it all made sense.

Tip 1# “Stay at the front, but not on the front”.

It is hard not to get excited and want to try to chase down attacks or get on the front and do a turn (because that only seems fair). Yet it is a race and not a social ride so it is not about helping each other out. I was on the front during the last 3 laps and I hear a voice rising from the crowd “Get off the front”. Yes I thought, very good advice Kate and promptly dropped back.

It is also hard to make the call when there is an attack as to whether to chase them down, let someone else chase them down, keep the attack going because you might get away or should you conserve your energy and drop back into the bunch? I actually enjoy being able to chase down an attack but when you look around and see everyone else is also there you realise you have just put in a massive effort that others in the bunch benefit from without having to put in the effort you just did. Oh so many things to consider and before you know it you are on the final lap getting ready for the sprint.

Tip 2# is similar to buying or selling real estate – position, position, position!

I had heard Kate say at the start of the race that you need to be second coming around the final corner to have a good chance of winning. However, in the final lap I found myself boxed in after getting off the front earlier in the race. I moved a bit to the right in the hope that the rider next to me would move aside. The response from another rider behind was “hold your line 189”. 189 was my racing number and rider etiquette is apparently you should not push your way out from being boxed in for safety reasons – particularly at novice level. So I watched a few Hawthorn Cycling Club women start moving up for the final sprint and dropped back a bit to go behind a few riders and started my chasing. It was an exciting finish and the first time in racing I had something left in the tank to sprint. I finished 0.001 of a second behind the third place rider. I was absolutely thrilled at being in a bunch sprint and coming fourth.

When I read the tip on sprinting after the race it suggested placing yourself at the edges to allow yourself to catch a free ride with the swarm of riders as they move past to move up the bunch. Similar advice was given from the more experienced riders in the Building Champions Squad.

It is clearly different when you are part of a team rather than being an individual in the race. During the A grade race I could see our team working well together. Though you discuss strategies before the race you need to be able to read the race and respond accordingly. At many times during the race I saw both Lauretta and Kate near the front of the bunch and in a break-away group. Kate seemed able to be in the attacking group without having to chase them down. It was also one of the best races I have seen Nicole race. She did a massive turn at one point and was still able to be with the lead bunch at the finish. During the race there were many times Lauretta chased down a group that had broken away or do a turn on the front and though she put in a 100% in the final sprint after a lead out from Kate it seemed  she had used up a lot of energy earlier in the race. 

Final comment –

So next time I will try and not work so hard at the front during the race, sit on the outside edge to catch the fast moving train of riders for the final sprint and continue to enjoy the excitement of racing (while trying to be safe and holding my line!).

I still have a lot to learn; when to attack; when to chase down attacks; when I should bridge the gap or when I should let others bridge the gap and so on. And some people think racing is just about being the fastest.

Santos Women's Cup

After racing the Victorian State Titles road race in our own backyard both Kate and I packed up our bikes to head over to Adelaide for what would be my first time racing the Santos Women’s Cup!

We were both real excited to be lining up for what was sure to be some more aggressive women’s racing and also to experience the atmosphere of the Tour Down Under.

After an early flight we made our way to our accommodation with Nik in Glenelg and proceeded straight to the coffee shop to kick start the day. We then put our bikes together and set off to roll the legs out from yesterday’s road race. The beach side suburbs of Adelaide are beautiful, but surprisingly still very relaxed and laid back, nothing like our beach road in Melbourne! We were all very thrilled to spot numerous pro teams, escorted by team cars, also out for their morning roll, but not so thrilled to come close to a collision with the Saxo-Tinkoff Team as they very nearly failed to give way to us at a round about!

We rolled into town early so as to register and get a few laps in on the circuit. Stage 1 was exciting as we were on before the TDU Cancer Classic, so there was a huge crowd and quite an impressive set up. The race was super aggressive with numerous attacks and small breaks forming. Nothing really stayed away resulting in a bunch sprint to finish. We were all really happy with our first race, having fulfilled our individual goals and also making our presence felt as a team. The race was taken out by the inform Kimberly Wells, Kate placed 8^th, Lauretta 12^th, myself 14^th and Nik 18^th.

Lauretta launching an attack in the opening stage #1 of the Santos Cup.

Stage #2 was quite a different kettle of fish! We rolled into the Prospect course, and the hotdog circuit looked brutal. It consisted of two fairly short and quite narrow straights which seemed only long enough to get up to speed before you were braking to take the next corner. From the gun Lauretta got a good start and proceeded to set a high pace for the first couple of laps, this immediately strung out the field to form a single file. There was also a crash on the very first corner which split the bunch from the start, with impeded riders. Nik got caught up in a
crash instantly, being forced to chase rather than being allowed a lap out. I couldn't believe it when the commentator said we had only been racing for 6 minutes and the entire field was blown to pieces! I soon found some rhythm and managed to fall in with both Kate and Lauretta, this was now a good opportunity to work together to bridge up to the leading group. I think we chased for about 10min, just dangling 50m off the back, the crowd were very encouraging and were willing us on to make contact the bunch. Kate and I eventually got there, although this was a relief, it didn't become any easier, as it never felt like you could get a sit, it was just a succession of standing starts out of the corners followed by excessive braking into them! I ended up popping off the back at 20min, leaving Kate to battle it out. Jo Hogan got away and established a substantial lead, enabling her to take the win, Kate again finished in 8^th place, and only 10 riders finished out of the 24!

Kate and I working hard to bridge back to the leading bunch on the ridiculously hard hotdog circuit of stage #2 at Prospect

The team pre race at Prospect

After a rest day on Tuesday, which we spent rolling around the beautiful Adelaide hills, we fronted up to the final stage in Unley. Kate unfortunately had to head back to Bendigo for work. This course looked a lot friendlier. It was a tight little street circuit with two longer straights linked by two very short lengths where you could really only get a couple of pedal strokes in before you start cornering; however still an improvement on the hot dog  The race was super aggressive with the Crino Cycles girls launching incessant attacks. One of the Crino girls eventually got away and was soon joined by Nic Whitburn to form an 18 second gap. The escapees were eventually reeled in with only 5 laps to go. The bell lap saw everyone jostling for position as we all caught the scent of the finish line. On the 2^nd corner one of the girls clipped her pedal which sent her bouncing sideways through the apex of the corner, amazingly she held it up but unfortunately split the bunch. As the front markers put the hammer down a small group of us were left to try and chase. The bunch sprint was again won by Kimberly Wells who had the Santos Women’s Cup all sown up with her classy riding! Lauretta finished 9^th, I finished 13^th and Nik 22^nd.

After the 3 races these were our standings on GC: Kate 11^th, Lauretta 13^th, Myself, 15^th and Nik 22^nd.

So my first time racing the Santos Women’s Cup, has left me keen to do it all again next year, Adelaide really turned it on for us!
Thanks to Kevin at Chameleon photography www.chameleonphotography.com.au for some great shots from Santos Womens Cup as well as Grahame Sonter from Newcastle

Half way through the summer of racing

Sitting on my couch on a Sunday afternoon relaxing.... feel like I haven't had time to stop and relax since Christmas, nearly 3 weeks ago.

After Christmas, I headed down to Geelong to ride as a guest rider for Speicialized securitor for the Michelton Bay Series.

I was excited and nervous prior to the first race, the hot dog circuit, which is always my favourite circuit of the series. Our race plan was to be aggressive, and if it was all together at the end, help Kimberly get up for the sprint. It started off what felt a bit slower than normal (however after comparing the speed to last year it was ~3km/hr average higher) so I launched the first attack for the day. From then on for the rest of the race, I road aggressively, disturbing the Green-edge AIS strangle hold of the race, however no moves stuck.
 Coming into the final 2 laps I made sure Kimberly was up there fighting for the Green-edge AIS train and sat on her wheel allowing no one else to get involved. She launched at the perfect time just before the final u-turn and sprinted amazingly to take the win, and I came home 4^th. It was an awesome race, we had all the jerseys; teams, leaders and I had the sprinters jersey. We were all on a mammoth high for the evening, and I'd like to thank everyone for the kind well wishes too.

Portarlington didn't go so well for me, my seat slid forward and down half-way through the race and I was so overly nervous, jumping out of my skin that I wore myself out by sprinting up the steep hill for no reason other than nerves every lap, which burnt my legs stupidly.

The final day of the series I re-collected myself, Williamstown course suited me better and I wanted to take on the race like the first day. Kimberly was still sitting in third and it was still possible for her to move into 2nd on GC; we were also still 2^nd in teams behind Green-edge AIS so still plenty to ride for. We wanted to try to put Green-edge on the back foot again, so as soon as we started and came out of the first round-about I launched a attack and got a gap of ~50m straight away.
 I kept this move going for the first 5 laps and Green-edge was required to chase just as we had wanted. As soon as I as caught, there was a group of 6 of us just off the front and the counter attacks came, I followed them all as I couldn't see my team mates and both Mel Hoskins and Peta Mullens were there (Kimberly's rivals for GC). The pace backed off a little bit at the 25min mark and I saw Kimbers and Amy come to the front, so I went to the back to take a rest (the back of the 22 riders left anyway). After taking a breather for 3 laps I was about to start moving forward, still feeling tired but eager to get back up their and help my team mates. Suddenly a rider, not to be named, pushed me out of the corner, in the ribs and I basically came to a complete stop and was suddenly 30m off the back of the bunch, at the same time someone attacked at the front and I was 50m off the back. I tried chasing for another 3 laps but it was a futile attempt as I wasn't strong enough to get back on with the pace of the race and the work I had already done. In hindsight I should have let myself fall instead of holding myself up, at least I would have gotten a lap out instead.

At the end of the series, Kimbers finished 3^rd in GC and we got 2^nd on teams, so a successful week none the less.

There was then a week between Bay series and National championships this year, which meant most of my competition were resting up and getting ready, however off I went to work on Friday directly after Williamstown and Monday through to Wednesday the next week as well.

In the National Criterium I was back riding for myself in our BCS SKODA Specialized colours and everyone (family and support crew) was telling me to not be so aggressive early on in the race and save my legs for the last 15-20min. Although it pained me to do this, I did it exceptionally well, sitting in and following like I had never before, and my legs actually thanked me for it on that grueling hot dog hill in Ballarat. I was off the front at 7 laps to go with Tarryn Heather for 3 laps, however we never got very far ahead and I didn't push too hard. Coming into the final lap I was positioned well however coming down the hill for some reason I put myself in the middle of the second row, although all race I knew the quickest line was the outside of the final u-turn. I got swarmed on the bottom U-turn and came out of the bottom corner in 10^th place... race over so barely even sprinted, ended 15th. Plenty of positives and negatives from the race.

Back to work again Friday (the life of a non-professional cyclist) before Saturday's road race.
With the new course changes I wasn't sure whether it would be a positive or negative change for myself, although less climbs is definitely an advantage for me.
You can all read the stories of how the end of the race played out on womenscycling.net OR cyclingnews.com. I finished just off the third bunch, we had formed this bunch on the road when the hammer went down on the third last time up Mt Buninyoung, then on the final time up I was unable to sustain the same pace as them up the hill the last time. I was happy with my ride, and looking at my data this year compared to last year the race was a lot faster up the climb every lap as my power was generally 30-40 watts higher each time, and the fact I was still able to sustain that until 2 laps to as well as sustaining higher watts when I was dropped is a positive in itself.
Well done to Gracie for an amazing ride for the day.
Now I look forward to racing with the BCS girls again over the next 3 weeks at the Victorian State Titles Road Race in Bendigo next weekend along with the TDU Santos Women’s Criterium series in Adelaide followed by the Bendigo round of Cykel events, women’s Grand Prix, before I give myself a little break and holiday with my lovely sister back in Adelaide.