Cycling is contagious and worth catching!

Members of the SheSpoke 'pink train', who contested the Amy Gillett Cup, have come away from the event with an increase in their confidence and their ability as cyclists as well as overflowing enthusiasm for the sport. An enthusiasm they want to pass on.

Cyclists Genevieve Sutherland, Sally Robertson, Alison Raaymakers, Lisa Coutts and Pip Read contest the cup in a three race series held in conjunction with Victoria's Herald Sun Tour in October.

It was the first time that three of the team's riders had ventured into the world of semi professional cycling.

Describing herself as an 'obsessive cyclist, but in a good way' who had returned to cycling after a break due to family commitments, Alison Raaymakers entered the event with a little trepidation.

"I was a bit worried about being the weakest in a team of super fit riders, but I decided I had nothing to lose, I like a challenge," Alison said.

"When I finished the series I thought how fantastic to have the opportunity to race in front of the crowds and to race against (well, spend some time chasing) very well known names in women's cycling. I encourage other women to just try it."

Fellow team mate Lisa Coutts is a relative newcomer to the sport, having only had her road bike for 12 months. Like Alison she needed some encouragement to enter the event. "I felt it would be a great experience to race with so many women and I also believe that it is important to support women's cycling," Lisa said.

"I was very, very nervous before every race, but once we had started I was fine. I really enjoyed racing with so many women and having the other team members around for support. The atmosphere of a big event really added to the fun," she added.

Sally Robertson was also a novice rider when she entered the event. She was unable to complete the full event due to illness but the experience and confidence she gained from her short time in the race was invaluable.

"I had only completed in three and a half novice races previously and I was a little nervous about entering such a big event," Sally said. 'I would really encourage other women to have a go - you have nothing to lose and everything to gain," she said.

The SheSpoke 'Pink Train' team of (from left) Genevieve Sutherland, Lisa Coutts, Pip Read, Alison Raaymakers and Sally Robertson is pictured below.

The women all feel that their successful jump from social style riding to criterium, time trial and road racing was assisted by their participation in events such as the CoffeeCrits, introduction and novice race events held by clubs as well as mass participation events such as Around the Bay.

"I had not been on a bike since I was a teenager and I was practically a beginner when I started again," Lisa remembered.

"I first brought a flat bar bike and then within nine weeks I had graduated to a road bike, joined the Bicycle Victoria forum and group rides and I haven't looked back," she added.

Alison had been a regular bike commuter prior to the birth of her first child and after a nine year break she had forgotten how much she enjoyed cycling. "Now cycling has taken over my life!"

"While I did not complete the whole event I would happily have another go at it," Sally said. "Even if it was just to compare my performance from this year, I definitely enjoyed the experience," she said.

Alison, Sally and Lisa all have different riding schedules dictated by the time available to them. Alison combines commuting to work with a bunch training ride four days a week and some winter road racing with longer rides in the summer and some criterium experience. Sally averages 300 to 400 kilometers of riding a week with hills, interval and steady riding. While Lisa travels on average 200 to 350 kilometers a week making sure she gets at least one leisure ride in as well as hills and criterium racing.

All three riders would line up again for another go at the Amy Gillett Cup or another high profile women's racing event.

"Despite all my nerves I will continue on with cycle racing, "Lisa said. "There is a great sense of achievement from just finishing an event like this, even if you don't place, and its great fun."

"Coming to competitive racing as an overweight, 40 something, mother of two, I can understand the fears that women have about getting started in something like this - there's a lot at stake," Alison said.

"All I can say is just try it. Find a club that supports women's cycling, don't be afraid to get involved, do some skills sessions and then before you change your mind, hop on your bike and ride…its contagious!"