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!!!

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.