Pip masters another title

It has been a bit of a strange start to 2008 for me. There was the great Jayco Bay Classic series in early January (see last month' s report) and then I travelled to Adelaide with the aim of watching the Tour Down Under. While I was there I caught up with friends and managed to sneak in some great training but found myself feeling a bit lost, as I was not racing. There was an accident involving some of my bunch from Geelong, but all in all I had a very enjoyable time in Adelaide.

I have been quite busy with the Women's Development Series 'Coffeecrits' which are generating interest from women in and around Melbourne. Five events have been held so far, the last being attended by 22 cyclists who benefited from the tips given by ex Olympian cyclist Rob Crowe. Cycle Sport Victoria and the cycle clubs involved are looking forward to running another 'Coffeecrits' series next season. (Pip always seems to have a coffee in her hand!)

The Great Ocean Sports Festival Phil Anderson Classic also doubled as the 2008 Victorian Masters Criterium Championships. After some initial confusion in the weeks leading up to this event the organisers were convinced to run the women's masters, the under 19 women and the elite women championships in the one race. This meant that the field, which was also contesting prize money in the Phil Anderson Classic, was more likely to put on a more spectacular race for the attending public. The race was conducted in the main street of Apollo Bay and the field was made up of 11 entrants; four elite riders, four masters and three juniors.

The circuit was a 'hotdog' shape but had one extra section at the bottom, so instead of a U turn the course had a detour through the car park. This put in some interesting turns with a dip on the way into one corner and dip on the way out of the other. Some of the juniors were concerned about the technicality of the course, as were some of the masters, but to my knowledge all coped well and I think got the hang of it by the end of the race. I found myself doing a fair bit of the work on the front and seemed to be doing most of the chasing down of a few breaks! A head wind up the slight rise leading into a U turn around the war memorial gave us a great down hill tail wind run to the start finish line of the 45 minute plus two laps event.

I had a great race, especially after discovering a very nice flat (unusual for the area) warm-up road. I felt strong and as I heard later received lots of comments from the course commentator about being the oldest in the field! I eventually finished third outright and finally, after three years of trying, won the Victorian Women's Masters Criterium Championship.

Pip is pictured on the winner's podium with second place getter Heather Fleming (left) and third medal winner Noni Carr.

There is not a lot of racing in the next few months, until the Australian Masters Championships to be held this year in NSW, so if nothing else I've got heaps of time to get ready!

Cya!

Pip