Race hard when the race is hard

NRS- Australian Cycling Grand Prix (& Victorian Open Road Cycling Championships)
August 15-17th, 2008
Ballarat, NSW, Australia

Stage 1: Time Trial Championships- Learmonth
Friday 15th August
27.4km undulating, windy circuit. 11:02am start
Weather: rainy, very cold with icy winds (max 10 degrees)

Results (top 5):
1. Bridie O’Donnell (VIC)
2. Stephanie Frawnley (VIC)
3. Davina Summers (WA)
4. Suzanne Always (VIC)
5. Tess Downing (VIC)
Full results

In the field was Australian National Time Trial Champion; Bridie O’Donnell, proven TTlists; Nicole Whitburn and Stephanie Frawnley (both top 20 at TT Nationals). Ever improving; Rebecca Barwick (who finished closely behind me at Murwillumbah NRS earlier this year) plus strong riders; Suzanne Always, Liz Young (MB Coaching) and track rider; Tess Downing.

I was going to do everything that I could to exceed the expectation of coming second last (where I was seeded). I had a great start and caught Irene Digenis-VIC (1min ahead) within the first 5kms, I now had no ‘rabbit’ and was going around the course first. We had chosen not to use a disc wheel as the cross-winds were so strong in some sections, just staying on your bike was a challenge. There were two main hills in the course, one hurt everyone particularly. I focused on not over-gearing and instead may have under-geared in sections. I finished off well and was happy with my race, and for someone who does not do specific TT training, I had ridden well.

The wait began and Andrew was at the line taking times. There were big gaps in the girls arriving at the finish and my time was still the fastest with 4 girls left. Then Bridie zoomed in (she had overtaken a couple of girls) for a fantastic time and was clear in the lead by about 3 minutes. I was listening for the times as the girls crossed the line, Stephanie Frawnley was 18 seconds faster than me to take second and I was third.

We all jumped up on the podium for a champagne spray, and were given some nice local wine, a fancy medal, and good prize money. The race highlights were on WIN TV, it is great to see cycling getting TV coverage. Cyclingnews report, I love getting my name in cyclingnews. Another WA rider at this event is Ben King (southaustralia.com/AIS) placed 7th today in the men’s TT.

Oh, how I miss the sunshine and warm weather.