Tour of Goldfields the last NRS of the year

The BCS team made the trek down to Ballarat for the last NRS of the season. Spirits were high, and the riders were all looking forward to the days ahead.

We arrived at Von’s parent’s house which was beautiful! We were counting our lucky stars that her mum and dad had opened their beautiful home to us. Such great people, an absolute pleasure to be around. Tactics were discussed, carbohydrates consumed, and off to bed after an exciting bedtime story of Shane Miller’s trip to Fiji, which sounded amazing! Very jealous.

A crisp morning awaited us on Friday. It was a slow start, as the first stage wasn't until 3pm that afternoon. We went for a reccie of the crit course, and dropped in on Gove Cycles and Cafe for a chat and one of the best soy lattes I have ever had.

Back to business once we got home, preparations started and we were kept busy, which helped calm the nerves too. We knew that it was a tough course, there were some classy riders expected to light it up, and also a few riders who were on form coming out of Oceania Track Champs, so it was due to be a high pace race.

We got to Victoria Park, signed on, warmed up and before we knew it we were on our warmup lap. Tension was high in the bunch, a lot of nervous and eager wheels, and there was nearly a crash on the warmup lap while we were under control. This was going to be interesting. Bang and the gun went off for our 20 lap race of the 2km circuit, so pretty much 60 minutes of racing to be had. The pace ramped up and up. It was hectic in the bunch, the way a crit like this should be, although as the laps went on and the pace kept up, people started to get desperate and cut wheels, bumping and scraping. I will admit I was a little put off by all this, and it took a while to settle into the rhythm of the race. I found more and more confidence as the race went on. I made the mistake at the start of going out to early. Someone attacked and I jumped across, burned a few bikkies there, and then before my heart rate had fully recovered from that, I had a roll on past the leaders out of one of the corners, so I used it and attacked again. Burned a few more bikkies that I later realised I kinda needed. At only 10 mins into the crit I had put myself into the box, and was so lucky I had Von and Nikolina egging me on and raised the moral. And even more lucky that Tayla towed me back to the front of the bunch to make it easier on me. What I found throughout the race, and this is one of the benefits (or sometimes dis-benefits) of having a power meter, is that no matter where you were in that race, it was the same wattage and therefore effort out of every corner. If you were down the back of the bunch, you were kicking big watts out of every corner to play catch ups, and if you were at the front, the girls had such explosive power that you were still doing the same big watts to kick with them. A great experience nonetheless, to see just how powerful some of the riders are. I was pretty happy when I heard the final lap bell go off, and finished in the main bunch with Tayla and Nikolina. I rolled a recovery lap, licking my wounds, flicking through my Garmin I nearly had a heart attack when I saw my average heart rate was 186bpm. Ouch. I really cant complain though, my body let me survive the 60 mins without having any intensity training in the lead up at all, so I am super happy with my result considering. 

We headed back to our accommodation to rest up. Ice baths all round, showers and one by one we got into the fantastic Normatec Recovery Boots kindly provided by Feelgood Fitness in Bendigo for the weekend. Wowza’s those things are cool! We really are being looked after by the best in the business. Thankyou Feeldgood! Speaking of being looked after, Von’s mum had been hard at work in the kitchen, and her and Von cooked a beautiful risotto. Yum! By the way Di, we are all moving in :)

Day two was an early start. Firstly we ducked into Gove Cycles to meet the lovely ladies on their 

women’s ride group. What an inspirational bunch they are! Such a privilege to meet them. 

Then it was TT faces on, and we travelled to Burrumbeet for the day. When you arrive at Burrumbeet and you see a wind farm in the background, you know its going to be fun! Before we knew it we were on the bikes and doing a course recon. We had never ridden together in a Team Time Trial before, so we were working ourselves out, the course out, and talking things over. Feeling a little unsure, we lined up at the start line, and we were off. Our super TTer and current Australian Masters Time Trial Champion, Von, lead us out. It was a block head wind for the first 2-3km, then we turned left into a cross head, but strangely it felt downhill, which was good. We were rolling pretty smoothly for a group which hadn't practiced until today, and we were feeling great! The turnaround went ok, having only rehearsed it once, it was a little slow, but at least it was smooth. We probably lost a few seconds after the turnaround, as I was now at the front, and am renowned for being to keen and going to hard too fast, I probably stalled a bit too much. Oh well, we rolled home just as smooth as we rolled out, we now had a cross tail to get us through the rolling sections. When we turned the corner for the 2 km section to the finish we had the wind in our sails, and crossed the line at approximately 60km/hr. We came in eighth, we were pretty stoked at how it felt, how smooth we were. I think everyone rode fantastic, and huge kudos to Von, who was the fearless leader throughout the process, definitely drawing on her experience, her talent and her form.

That afternoon we had Stage 3, a 56km road race. The wind had picked up even more, and given the havoc it had caused earlier in the day, causing another team to crash, it was going to be a race of tactic. We headed off into a block head wind, and the pace was easy. Lucky, because I had zero warmup, I was also lucky I had my mum and my aunty there to put up with my stressed rants over my own poor preparation and time management, and to help get me to the start line. It was all pretty civil until the first sprint, the bunch got a bit strung out, but soon came back together. As to be expected, as soon as we veered left and it switched to a cross head wind, the dominant teams put it into the gutter, and although the pace wasn't terribly high, the combination of wind and a few uphill sections caused  gaps and riders dropped off. Von was unfortunately caught in a bad spot just after one of the climbs, and someone in front of her dropped a wheel. Nikolina and I also got caught out by others dropping wheels, but we managed to stay on the back of the bunch. Starting to feel better and better, I moved up to the front. We veered left again and whoohoo a tailwind! I jumped on a Bicycle Superstore riders wheel and she attacked. A small group formed, I was happy I was in it as it was a classy break, but the peloton soon chased it down. I sat near the front for a while with Tayla. Becoming bored with the lack of action, I figured I’d have a crack. I attacked with about 15km to go. Nobody came with me (damn it), but I looked back and they didn't seem too interested in chasing. I stayed away for around 3km, I wasn't a threat to GC, but a Suzuki Brumby’s rider bridged across to me, and I guess she was a threat, because Holden got on the front and drove it. They caught us just after we turned into the crosswind section again. Knowing I only had one more match in the box, I sat in. Tayla and Nikolina were around me, good. Jo Hogan from Bikebug attacked and got away until 1km to go. Tayla and I were playing up the front 20 in the sprint. A full tailwind had the speed to around 64km/hr. The peloton enveloped Hogan and I nearly run straight up her behind, dodged that luckily. After that Tayla and I were too far back to contest a sprint, but finished in  the main bunch with Nikolina. 

Straight back to ice baths, space boots and Von’s mums cooking, on the menu was chicken pesto pasta, delicious! It was also our team entry into Peta Stewart’s Twitter cooking competition. The wind howled all night outside our rooms, toying with our minds for the next days stage.

Sure enough, we woke and it was blowing a gale. Upon arriving at the spectacular Kryle Castle Peta Stewart reported it was 40km/hr gusting to 50. Oh joy. Our team was ready to go, but the start was delayed by 30 mins. There goes the warmup! Finally we were off for the 86km road race. It was three laps of a big squarish type circuit, and at the end of the third lap we would turn off it and approach the 2km climb from a different angle. Our plan was if it stayed together that Von, Tayla and I would look after Nikolina, and she would climb her heart out at the end. Unfortunately it didn't really unfold that way, because of the wind. The first lap was ok. The back section had a howling crosswind and had us in the gutter fighting for wheels. But when we turned again we had a head wind, which slowed the front down and gave us a rest. It was good to have my teamies around me all the time, we were all encouraging of each other, and helping each other out in the crosswind sections. Lap two was a similar event, the first crosswind section wreaked more havoc, as the teams up the front, especially Holden, drove it and had it in the gutter. Mind you, Von got into a break in this section! Tough chick. It didn't stick as Holden chased. This caused a lot of riders to be dropped. Over the course of the second lap, the peloton was whittled away. By the third lap, the crosswind had a disastrous effect on the peloton. A break got away, and Holden was driving the pace to get it back for jersey holder Ruth Corset. People were being dropped left right and centre. I suppose I am thankful for living in Echuca and knowing the wind, because it helped this day! by the end of the third lap the peloton was reduced to around 20-25 riders. I was so pleased that I was one of them! It is a long ride in the wind by yourself, so kudos to those who did it alone. I stayed with this group until ‘the wall’ at 4km to go. It was like a slap in the face to climb that short pinch, and my legs were now fatigued to the point of cramping. I grovelled up it, with some encouraging words from Rachel Ward (thanks Rach), proceeded to the final 2km climb and rode tempo to the top. Thank god that was over! Riders rode in one by one. I cheered the rest of my teamies across the line. Final NRS for the season complete, we debriefed and said our goodbyes.

Thankyou to everyone who helped out on the weekend. Firstly to our manager Nik McNamara, who has a qualification in herding cats, To Von, her mum (Dianne) and her dad (Jack) for welcoming us into your beautiful home. To Cheryle and Gary, our wonderful support staff, thank you for giving up your weekend to come and help us! We couldn't have done it without you. Thanks also to Emma who wasn't riding due to work commitments but supported us on Saturday and Sunday. Thankyou to my mum and my aunty for coming to watch, I really needed you on Saturday!  Thanks also to Feelgood Fitness for the use of the recovery boots, its amazing how much they work!

With the wrap up of NRS for 2014, I’d like to make a few thankyous. Firstly to all the wonderful people who have made this team who it is, the riders, the staff, the official support people and emotional support people. Cheryle, Gary, Mark, Heather, Ash, Shane, Jeff, Jilly (and everybody else, if I have forgotten I do apologise, I am very tired with post tour hangover as a write this). Without the support and time that you guys give to this team it would not be the great team it is.

Also a big huge thank you to our ever supportive sponsors: Feelgood Fitness, Specialized Australia, Bendbal Financial Services, Symes Motors Skoda, Pro4mance Sports Nutrition, Bendigo Cycles, Aussie Butt Cream, and Flight Centre Active Travel. Without your continued support we could not do what we love doing, and that is to raise the awareness and encourage bike riding as an activity, to be leaders in our communities, to promote and share the products and services we truly believe in, and help build stronger healthy communities.

Thankyou also to race organisers, staff and volunteers for working so hard to provide the platforms at which we race, we understand it takes a great deal to organise and run events, and it is very much appreciated.

So on behalf of BC Women’s Squad, we thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you have done for us throughout the year, and we are looking forward to NRS 2015 already.

 T

AMY'S OTWAY CLASSIC

The sun rose to a spectacular day at Lorne in Victoria and the stage was set for the first NRS Amy's Otway Classic. The Classic is run in conjunction with the Amy's Gran Fondo, being run for the fourth year in a row. The fantastic event attracts over 5000 cyclist from all over to participate and raise money for the Amy Gillett Foundation, a wonderful cause which helps all cyclist be safer on the roads. And what was super exciting for us, was that we get to race it as a NRS event!



We arrived at our accommodation on the saturday afternoon, not sure what to expect, we found a beautiful and HUGE house behind the front door. We nearly needed walkie talkies to talk to each other in the place. Whilst lapping up the luxury of space, our team got to work, carb loading, strategising, going over tech regs and welcoming our lovely guest rider, Nikolina Orlic from QLD into the team. We were all set and pumped, and off to bed looking forward to what Sunday would bring.

Sunday was an early start. Luckily we only had to roll out of bed and 300m to the start line. Joking! We were well warmed up and raring to go. We got our brief, and we were off. We immediately started along the picturesque Great Ocean Road, and the pace was on. Bicycle Superstore, Suzuki Brumby's and Securitor seemed to be keeping the pace at a steady high for the first 10km. As soon as there was a lull in the pace, Tayla took off in an attack. She got away with only one other, and unfortunately it didn't stick. As soon as she came back, another attack went, this time a good number of riders went up the road, and seeing no BCS in it, I took off. I reached the break and we had a nice little gap, but it fizzled out. It seemed the peloton had decided we were sticking together until the climb.

We had Nikolina sitting nicely in the bunch getting ready for the climb, and Tayla recovering for the first intermediate sprint, so Von and I got to work with looking after our riders. I sat on the front and set the pace for a few kilometres, then Von took over and pushed the pace up. Coming up for the first sprint, with Tayla in tow she kicked 500m to go, reeled off and Tayla sprinted superbly, getting fourth to Rebecca Waisak from Suzuki Brumby's by a fraction. The peloton rolled along content for a while. Up to this point there were two near crashes, a couple of mechanicals, a very expensive camera dropped on the road and a motorbike down. BCS we involved in none of this thank goodness.

Next thing we know, we turned right, and Skenes Creek climb to the QOM began. 9km of 5.6 percent gradient, and the hill climbers excelled. Now, I'm from Echuca, where hills are unheard of, and spoken about in hushed cautious whispers, like an urban legend. So lets just say its not one of my strong points! Luckily though for BCS, its one of Nikola's. She took off, with Tayla as well, with the climbers. I bid them farewell and good luck, and settled into my rhythm. I wasn't alone. We formed a nice little bunch of a dozen or so riders, Von included. We rode tempo to the top, enjoyed the descents, rolled turns on the flats, and pushed the pace on the final climb. My legs were complaining at the 80km mark, but with the end in sight, we trudged on.


Meanwhile in the main front bunch mind you, Nikolina was riding superbly. Ruth Corset and Ellen Skerrit had put 3 minutes into the main bunch up the first QOM, and held their break all the way to the finish. Nikolina was with the main bunch right til the final climb, which was were it all broke apart. She climbed her heart out and came tenth overall!! A fantastic effort on an extremely tough course. We are all super proud. Tayla also rode a fantastic race, only losing contact with the front bunch towards the end, and rode to an impressive 24th. Von and I came in with our bunch of a dozen or so, crossing the line together for 35th and 36th.

(photo stolen from guest rider von make sure you check out her blog from the day as well links on our facbook page

Overall a great day for BCS. Nikolina rode fantastic, and we all learned an extra something about ourselves that race. It was such a privilege to ride in the first Amy’s Otway Classic NRS, and to show our support  to such a fantastic cause that ultimately affects and means so much to us all as cyclists. Huge thumbs up to the event organisers, it ran seamlessly and made it all the more enjoyable. Also I would like to add a huge thanks to our sponsors, who continue to show us immense support, so thanks Feelgood Fitness, Bendbal Financial Services, Symes Motors Skoda, Bendigo Cycles and Specialized AU, we are extremely grateful.

Next up for BCS is Tour of the Goldfields, bring it on!!!

TOUR OF KING VALLEY WRAP UP

Stage 1 ITT

There were some nerves amongst the riders as the first stage loomed ahead. It was a 20km Individual Time Trial which was 10km slightly uphill, turnaround and 10km downhill. The riders had nothing to worry about though, all posting impressive times throughout the stage. Minda Murray, the last of BCS to head out, got the fastest time in 33.28 minutes landing her in 22nd place and +4.04 minutes down on the leader Rebecca Waisak who rode a blistering time of 29.24 minutes. BCS guest rider Veronica Micich also rode an impressive time trial of 33.45 minutes. Next was Tayla Evans in 34.16 minutes, Georgia Vessy in 34.23 minutes and Emma Pane in 35.43 minutes. There were all smiles a the end of the stage, apart from Emma who had damaged an electronic gear cable and had to rush off to somewhere to get it replaced before stage 2.

tayla taking off in the tt

Stage 2 Criterium Wangaratta Aerodrome

Stage two was set to be hectic. With 81 riders and the difficult course and surface, the girls rode exceptionally well. The wide circuit made it difficult to get a good position near the front, when the front was a wall of ten or more riders. Despite this, the team was continually in the front half of the bunch, always moving forward and proactive. The team also bonded really well during this stage, and riders worked to protect the team and at some points controlled the race. Tayla Evans rode off  the front in an impressive display, and stayed away solo for 6km. It was the only break for the day. Coming into the final sprint the circuit made it extremely difficult to move up, but all BCS riders finished in the front half of the field, all getting bunch time. Minda crossed the line in 29th, Tayla 32nd, Georgia 40th, Von 44th and Emma 59th. We were also super excited to see Heather Hanson (Lauretta’s mum) after the race

minda and von

Stage 3 Strada Nero

With a start time of 1pm today, it was the perfect chilled out morning, allowing us to settle and drink coffee before worrying about getting ready. A few nerves were showing amongst the girls thinking about the sprints and QOM’s in todays race, including the dreaded 6km dirt climb. The race started well with the girls all sitting in and Tayla taking 3rd in the first intermediate sprint. Nothing too exciting happened until the first QOM where a break was formed with most teams featuring including our very own Minda Murray. The break quickly splintered up the climb with Min coming back to the bunch and only a handful of girls held the break. The break stayed out in front, but always in view, right over the 2nd QOM and well into the dirt climb, where as the main bunch splintered so did the breakaway. It was great to see Georgia right up the front and climbing with some of the well known climbers, getting herself into the front bunch. Tayla finished the climb in ‘no mans land’, but was soon collected by a decent size bunch that started the chase. Minda finished the climb in bunch 3 with Von and Emma closely following, where they found themselves in chase group 3. With the front bunch sitting up, it didn't take long for all the groups to come back together and for the sprint preparation to begin. The BCS girls worked amazingly together to protect Tayla and keep her legs fresh for the fast finish where she managed to get through for her first NRS top ten in 7th, followed closely by Emma in 20th, Georgia in 32nd, Minda 49th and Von 50th. So proud of how the girls worked as a team today, things are definitely looking up for us!!

Stage 4 Road Race

Clouds loomed as the team set up for the Moyhu, Myrrhee Road Race, which was 85km through the picturesque hills of the King Valley. Luckily the rain held off, and the girls raced dry in what turned out to be another spectacular day of racing. The race started much the same as the day before, and there were no attacks until the first sprint. Tayla sprinted superbly for a second place against Bicycle Superstore’s Kristy Glover. Von and Minda covered any counter attacks afterwards, and nothing got too far. With Emma looking after our super climber Georgia, who was saving her legs for the second QOM, Tayla, Minda and Von looked after the front of the bunch. Everything stayed together over the first QOM and through the second sprint. Next came the second QOM, where NRS leader Ruth Corset attacked. Georgia performed spectacularly, and proved her class, finishing in the front bunch behind the attack. Unfortunately a break went on the descent of the climb, and our team couldn't respond quick enough. The wall of riders at the front made it hard to move up, and the break of three riders continued to extend their lead. BCS responded aggressively as soon as they could, trying and trying to initiate a chase, but the other teams, content with the GC as it currently stood, didn't seem interested in the chase. The break got up, and all our team mates finished in the main bunch.

Overall a very rewarding tour in terms of goals achieved for both the team and each rider’s personal goals within that. The time trial in stage one pretty much decided the final GC. The classifications for BCS stood as follows: Minda Murray 21st, Veronica Micich 25th, Tayla Evans 32nd, Georgia Vessey 34th and Emma Pane 51st. The team out of 12 teams to compete, BCS got 8th overall in the teams aggregate. A sign that the team is very consistent across the stages. The team gelled very well throughout the weekend, and rode strong. Very exciting times to come!

Von,Minda,Tayla,Georgia,Emma 

Preston Mountain Classic

So the weather forecast wasn’t great, it was wet, windy and freezing cold. Well I guess it was perfect winter conditions. The actual race itself I was excited about, as I enjoyed this race last time I did it. There were only two hills, I told myself. Which there were only two big hills, but lots of littler rollers too. I was in the scratch bunch, which I wasn’t entirely thrilled about as the last time I raced I was in the limit bunch. We lined up ready to go, and all of a sudden I looked down and I realised that I’d forgotten to put my transponder on my bike, oh well, no time left now!!

We were off and straight into rolling turns, it was hard and fast. 20km in and I could hear many of the girls puffing as we passed each other, I was pretty stuffed too. We climbed Break of Day and the bunch started to fall apart. Suddenly we were all single file with gaps opening up everywhere!!

I grouped together with three other girls and we continued to roll hard turns for the next little while. Before we rode back into Strath Creek one of the masters bunches caught us and we were able to have some shelter from the wind for a short time. With some encouraging words to the men, they left us behind on the final climb up Murchison’s Gap. I rode up and had a chat with the girls around me as the limit bunch was already finished so there was no need to race up.

Luckily my dad had driven to the top of the climb so I didn’t have to descend in the wet conditions. I think it took me about 3 hours to thaw out!! I really enjoyed the race and will definitely  be back next year!! Hopefully I can convince the rest of my team to do it too!! Although I’d prefer no rain or hail next year 

Phillip Island Spectacular

This year the Phillip Island Spectacular was focused solely on teams racing, the format consisted of a team time trial followed by a 15 lap race around the grand prix circuit. On the Friday night before the race, as tactics were discussed, I jokingly suggested it would be a more exciting race if it poured rain. Needless to say on the Saturday morning, when it was pouring rain, the girls were not impressed, and told me to eat breakfast outside.

I was both nervous and excited for my first team time trial with BCS, we had worked out a plan and I felt that we actually managed quite well considering we had not ridden together before. I was stoked when we came in with the third fastest time, a big improvement from my last tt, where I finished second last!

All of a sudden we had 30 minutes to get organized for the road race. Everyone was running around frantically and becoming stressed as we did not expect to have such little time between the tt and the road race. The plan was simple, we needed as many QOM and sprint points as we could get. Unfortunately Nic was out with a sinus infection, but the other girls certainly made up for her not being there! Lauretta and Tayla stayed right up the front, taking the majority of the sprint points and the KOM bonuses. Minda was continually attempting breakaways and chasing down anything that went off the front. For entire race the weather was fairly pour, it rained, whether you had your glasses on or off you still couldn’t see, and everyone did there best not to slide around the corners. The race came down to a bunch sprint, we has three girls in the top 10, with Tayla 4^th, Lauretta 5^th and myself 7^th. Nic came running over wrapped in a blanket, yelling that we had taken the overall win for the teams classification.

We were happy, excited, relieved and very glad to have finished the race upright. Despite the fact the we had some amazing ‘dirt tans’ and were sopping wet and freezing cold, we were running around taking photos and having a great time with some of our other competitors.

I could not be happier to be part of this amazing team of girls, and absolutely stoked to come away with a win for the team in a VRS race. Overall the day was definitely a highlight for me and I’m looking forward to our next race as a team!

National Road Series Adelaide round 1

April saw the start of the 2014 National Road Series with the girls heading to Adelaide for the first round. Three BCS women were on the start list: Lauretta Hanson, Tayla Evans and myself. Everybody was in high spirits after the teams meeting upon arrival, and looking forward to the coming days. 

Thursday was a glorious day in Angaston for Stage 1 of the tour, an 85km road race. Lauretta didn’t think so though, waking up with the flu. Nevertheless, she stood on the start line ready and waiting. Tough as. The gun went off, and so did the neutral car. It was all pretty tame until the second pinchy climb, where Lauretta put the flu aside and attacked, dropped the peloton and soloed for the next 35km. A huge effort! Specialized Securitor and Holden got organised and started to roll turns to reel her back in, but Tayla and I ensured that the pace didn't get too high. In the end the peloton caught her approximately 7km from the infamous corkscrew. Here I was, dagging at the back while the peloton descended at high speed down the Gorge Road, I mean, the scenery! Spectacular! In all seriousness though, they had the pedal to the floor down that road until we turned left and onto the corkscrew. I had never been over the corkscrew. I have only ever been past the turnoff. I would eye it with caution and continue on my painless merry way and leave it lurking there in a back corner of my conscience. This day I had to face it. Cadell did it in the big ring, how hard could it be right? Wrong. It was like a slap in the face. The first few hairpins almost stop you dead in your tracks. Tayla did a fantastic job, disappearing up the road with the best hill climbers. Lauretta and I paced away, tap tap tap until the top. I took off on the downhill to catch Nic Whitburn, and crossed the line about mid way through the peloton. Results: Tayla 18th, Lauretta 40th and myself 34th. A fantastic ride by Talya, and Lauretta’s reward of the ‘Most Aggressive Rider’ Jersey was well deserved. 

Cycling Aus video re cap of stage 1 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bUOvrygj0YM&feature=em-upload_owner …

Day two stage 2 was another road race this time at Woodside. Two laps of a 51km circuit which would include four sections of dirt. Alas, it is cobblestone season! The start/finish at Bird in Hand Winery was spectacular. No time for taste testing though, we had a job to do. Lauretta unfortunately was far too ill to continue the tour, so it was up to Tayla and I. The race was relatively tame, even up the first KOM. The race didn’t break apart until the end of the first lap, at the dirt sections. We were riding along nicely, when suddenly we veered left, and straight onto dirt. The first section was ridden at approximately 45-50km/hr downhill, and flat tires were rife. I got caught behind riders who were flatting, and fell behind. Tayla was right on their heels though. I dropped off approximately 800m by the end of the dirt, and set my mind to catch up. No sooner had I caught them that they were gearing up for the intermediate sprint. I searched for Tayla, sat on the front, and drove it. Everybody else was rather impatient though, and they took off around me. Tayla took off in a valiant effort, but it was a long way out. That left me there thinking, oh crap, I’ve got to sprint! I stuck to Nic Whitburn’s wheel like glue, and ended up coming fourth. They attacked soon after the sprint, and Tayla got in a largish breakaway. Shame it didn't stick. By the 85km mark Flick Wardlaw was off the front to take the stage win. Results: Tayla 11th and me 26th. Happy with that!

cycling aus video re cap stage 2 

 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3g_ESmdY9-o …

Stage 3 was a criterium in Adelaide around UniSA North Terrace. It was raced so early we nearly had to have lights. The light was the least of my concerns; I was more panicking about the bloody steep hill someone had decided to install along one side of the course. For those who don't know me, I climb like an elephant. Tough course. The gun went off, the heart rate went up and I fought to the front. Usually, get to the climb first, then by the time your up it your at the back, not off the back. Theory: wrong. We hit the hill and I went backwards. Lap 2, I fought to the front, got to the hill, went to the back. Fight, hill, and repeat. Tayla was spectacular and was climbing like a mountain goat, perfectly positioning herself the whole race. Time to change tactics. I began to give myself room at the back, hit the corner before the climb so damn quick I was running up the rear of the leaders by halfway up the hill. Meanwhile riders were getting dropped left right and centre, and I will mention the spectacular crash by a Holden rider who went headfirst at 40km/hr into a tree. That stage hurt like hell. I stuck in there till the end and finished with the main bunch. Results: Tayla 14th and me 32nd. 

 cycling aus re cap http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG-79JhTBKc&feature=share&list=UUyUuqITEVxFGkCU-ro2A4Ow …

Day four and the final stage was a Kermesse at Newton. Tayla and I began by riding the course. Lots of road furniture, a bit technical at times. We thought it was going to be tough. Nik and Lauretta had warned that it was a circuit, which made it hard to move up. They were right. The field sorted itself out within the first few laps. Apparently nobody was getting away. Lets just say, that was probably the best fun I have ever had in a race. Legs felt amazing, technical suits me, and I had a ball. Tayla again rode well, and we were both in the main bunch for a sprint at the end. Results: Tayla 11th and me 18th. 

girls waiting to start stage 4 

What a fantastic tour! We had a ball. Tayla finished 14th on GC and I finished 20th. A very special mention goes to Nik for her managerial skills, Marc the wonder mechanic and chief Prado driver, Heather the accommodation manager and support staff member, and Lauretta for not dying of the flu even though we know she wanted too. I learned so much about my team and myself at the tour. I am forever gaining confidence, which I attribute to my new coach and this fantastic team and its members! We are now looking forward to Tour of South West. Bring it!

TOUR OF EAST GIPPSLAND

Valentines day was super romantic this year, a 6 hour car trip with my le’mond on the front seat and my bike in the back. Lets just say, it was a pretty quiet and late night date, arriving in Metung just before 1am! The best thing about the late night was defiantly the thought of an 8am time trial the following morning…..

Surprisingly I felt pretty good the next morning, well as good as it gets when preparing for the dreaded time trial! It was a super humid morning and warming up on the trainer was like sitting in a pool of sweat! Thankfully the TT was only 8km, which suited me better compared to a longer one.  On the start line I was super nervous but as quickly as it had started, I found myself on the downhill run to the finish line. I guess looking back now I can say it wasn’t as horrible as I imagined it would be, finishing in 8^th position. The star of the day however was Lauretta, taking out the stage and leading the tour going into the road stage.

With BCS holding the yellow jersey coming into the road race, for Minda and myself it was about protecting Lauretta! Normally this would be a pretty straight forward, but Lauretta hates sitting in and loves finding her way to the front!! Multiple times I had to tell her to get off the front and stop working! Heading out of town we new we had 2 loops of a course and then we were to head back in on the same road. As we descended down a fairly steep and curvy hill, all I could think about was how hard that was going to be to climb back up it! At the first more difficult rise, a rider Alexandria Nicholls attacked, about 4 riders quickly closed this quickly but it split the field into three groups, however not long after everything was back together.  Riding out in the countryside in Metung, we had a little surprise along the way, with a group of Kangaroos jumping along the road and in front of the bunch!! I think they surprised a few of the girls and lifted everyone’s heart rates quickly! Following this another solo attack was sent and got away with no reaction. With the km’s ticking over and as the rider out solo could no longer be seen, we really needed to start bringing her back. As we weren’t the only team to think this, both BCS and Hampton cycles worked together on the front to try and bring her back. Well into our second lap the bunch had caught the solo break and the bunch was back together and we were on our way back into Metung, yes towards the climb! Just as we had expected Alexandria launched up the climb again and split the field to pieces! With less then 10km to go, Alexandria was off the front, a chase bunch of 5 followed including Lauretta and a second chase bunch of roughly 7 included Minda and Myself. I was happy to take our little bunch sprint to take 7^th, Lauretta finished in 4^th and Minda just behind myself in 12^th.

Day 2 of racing staged the final race of the tour, with a criterium in lakes entrance. A technical course with multiple corners made me feel a little nervous before the event. With Alexandria away, Lauretta wore the yellow jersey, which meant we had to fight for her to keep it. We also knew we were just behind Holden on teams, so needed to get those big time bonus’ in the intermediate sprints. It was fast racing for a smaller bunch, and with so many sprints the bunch was soon split. I managed to stay in the main group, but after a tough road race the day before I was really feeling the pain. We had a solo breakaway off the front and 2 chase groups; all three of us girls were sitting in the first chase bunch. Minda worked really well to try and bring back the solo break but Simone Pierce from Park Trent was strong enough to hold it for the win. In the bunch it came down to a sprint for second with Lisa Hanley holding off Lauretta for second, and getting third with me coming through in 5^th and Minda right behind me in 6^th.  After results came through we were delighted to find Lauretta had done enough to take GC and we had all brought back enough time to take overall teams!

I had the best weekend being able to work well with the girls and to take home a great result was just a bonus! The only negative part was having to drive home from Lakes entrance on my own, with my only entertainment singing along to my radio haha! A big thanks to the team as well as Danielle, a special big thanks to Heather for all the organisation and everyone we stayed with for a fun weekend! Can’t wait for the next team tour!!!