Jayco Herald Sun wrap up

By Pip Read

Well at least the weather is looking ok, but I must say I was getting a bit nervous when I saw the entry list and counted 43 entrants. On the bright side if we have a few more races with entries like this women's cycling may be getting somewhere.

What a great place to have a race, almost in the centre of Melbourne, lovely tree lined circuit mostly flat with two tight U turns and some very fast corners. I overheard the course commentator mention my name and saying that I'd slipped under the handy capper's attention (thanks heaps) finding myself in B grade with some really big hitters lining up as well in A grade. There was confusion at the start, as it was announced that the race was 30 minutes and not the 50 minutes we were expecting. The bunch was also assembled a bit behind the start line and I think a few of us expected to roll up to the start line, stop on the line and then start. Unfortunately we just started with a rolling start.

As you can imagine with 43 entrants the first few times around was a bit tight and, at least to my knowledge no riders fell. I had a dig or two at the front, I just can't help myself sometimes, and you need to keep these youngies on the ball! Towards the last half of the race I found myself struggling out of the tight corners, and started experimenting with different gear selection going in, which helped a great deal on the way out. I finished in the main bunch, but I'm not sure of my outright result and awarded seventh in B grade. The Jayco herald Sun Women's Support Criterium was a great series, which attracted some top-level riders, and with any luck we will be invited back next year.

I would love to have a chat with any SheSpoker's who are attending any of the races that I am competing at. Just look out for the SheSpoke kit and tap me on the shoulder.

Cya,

Pip