After many months of cold weather track season is now finally upon us. Unfortunately mine started a few weeks later than most due to my year 12 studies and with only two full weeks of training under my belt, the Victorian track cup was my first open for the season. I was a little nervous coming into the open due to my lack of fitness and it was my first event as an Elite woman. The two day event consisted of 3 events, the pursuit, sprint and time trial. As an endurance rider my main goal was to win the pursuit but somehow I surprised myself and won all three events and the overall classification. By winning the Vic track cup, I gained an idea of where my fitness level actually was and it gave me a big confidence boost and motivation.
After two more weeks of training I raced the Victorian Open and Para cycling Track Championships. This event is particularly important to me as state selection is based on your performances at this event. I arrived early Saturday as the last thing I wanted was to be rushed for time. This did mean a few hours of sitting around but this allowed me to relax and organise myself. Soon enough I was on my bike warming up and planning out my race, because I have just moved up to elite women, my pursuit distance has increased from 2km to 3km. Having only ridden my first one two weeks prior I was still learning the best way to ride it for me. Finally it was my turn, I was locked in the gate with my coach, Brad Robins, standing off to the side with schedule and stop watch in hand. Usually I go out easier and come home hard but this time I went out harder and hoped to sustain it. About half way through I could see the other rider in the same straight and when you reach this stage it is just like chasing a rabbit. The problem is once you catch and pass them there is nothing left to chase with 1km to go, my legs began to die.
Despite this, I still managed to qualify first with a 5 second PB in a time of 3:50.735. In the final, against Imogen Jelbart, I didn’t go out quite as hard, and although a slower ride, I felt I finished it better. I finished in a time of 3:52.804 which was enough to win gold. With my goal of winning the pursuit achieved I could now recover and prepare for the next day’s points score.
Due to the small amount of U19 women, they were combined with our race which was then shortened by 20 laps. I wanted to make a break, but after a few unsuccessful attempts I gave up and decided I should go for some sprints and get some points. In the end I won two sprints and got just enough points to get second in the elite women’s category.
Although I wasn’t as fit I would normally be coming into a state championship I was still very happy with how I rode. I received state selection and will represent Victoria at Track Nationals at the end of January.
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