Tuesday, November 26, 2013

KPCC Novice Women's Tour Week 2 - onwards and upwards


This week the participants learned some more about team tactics and racing, as well as some more individual skills.

Many ladies surprised themselves with their own abilities, 

and realised that you can trust your riding buddies!


The media gallery were also out in force after the glowing feedback from the participants of week 1.

Week 2 also involved a criterium at Nundah, this time with four groups (team red, team blue, team yellow and team pink) of 4-6 riders. 

This was an excellent opportunity to use some recently acquired team-racing skills. 

Quite a few attacks went off the front by various riders, but in the end a team rider from each of blue, pink and red stayed away for the podium spots. 

Unfortunately Kirsty has been teaching the subject of camaraderie and respect a little too well, and the girls decided to cross the line together for equal first place!!!

Next week is the final week of #NWT, this time at Crestmead, with a teams time trial, and then a longer “road race” / kermesse style race.  Thanks again to Kirsty Broun Cycling, Activ Cycle, and Planet Cycles for their involvement, and to Brad Gooda for the photos.

Monday, November 18, 2013

KPCC Novice Women’s Tour Week 1 – nurturing the development of women in cycling

Sunday morning (17/11) was the first round of Kangaroo Point CC's #NWT. It is an initiative of KPCC (Cam and Claire Hemming, and Craig Briant) aimed at getting more women comfortable with riding bikes in groups, and allowing them to gain some race experience in a friendly, low-key environment.

KPCC recruited some prominent, respected female cyclists to help with this round, namely Kirsty Broun (Kirsty Broun Cycling), Kim Pettigrew (Activ Cycle) and Tracey Knight (Planet Cycles / Planet Femme).

The women’s tour includes a series of 3 races over 3 weekends, all mentored by these 3 ride leaders. The tour is accomodating of all women partaking in the events. Some riding and racing theory, as well as lots of practical skills training are provided to all participants. Even with a group of women with ranging abilities and with a variety previous bicycle experiences, no-one feels left out! :)

Like SKCC (St Kilda Cycling Club) and the Breeze women’s cycling program (in Victoria), KPCC recognises that so much can be gained by supporting women who are new to riding and racing. By improving knowledge and awareness, and then providing skills training, this improves their confidence and their enjoyment of the sport of cycling. These things will then assist more cycling newcomers, as well as solidify the existing group.
Week 1 involved some theory, some skills training, a light morning tea, and then a novice criterium on a closed circuit. According to the smiles at the end of the day, everyone is looking forward to week 2!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

End of season Noosa criterium

It was fast, it was hot, and it was furious once again.  On Saturday afternoon it was time again for the women's Noosa criterium.

The Specialized Securitor team were probably the on-paper favorites to win this year,

but the Wiggle women's team and Orica Green Edge were also good prospects.



Local riders from teams such as Campos, Bike Bug, and Pensar were also there to make their presence felt.

In typical Noosa style, some breakaway attempts were made; early on by Kat Garfoot (QAS)

and then much later in the race by Emily Roper (Suzuki-Trek).

Close to the end of the race, another last-minute attack saw Peta Mullens (Wiggle) and Kat Garfoot (QAS) get away.

Despite some amazing work by Amy Bradley, Loren Rowney and the rest of the Specialized team, Kimberley Wells was left to bridge by herself to the 2 riders away on the last lap.

Despite a super-human effort (and apparently unclipping a pedal on the final corner), Kim missed out on the top two spots and had to settle for third.

With lots of great form from this year's NRS races, Kat outsprinted Peta for the win.

Thanks to Brad Gooda for the photos (and podium photo via Veloshotz).