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Stage 6 Schlitz park criterium- withdrawn after 25 minutes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.