Balmoral metropolitan criterium champs 2014

Another great example of the support behind women's cycling in Brisbane was at the 2014 "Metro's". Balmoral Cycling Club holds this event each year, with a criterium at Murrarie on Saturday and a road race on Sunday at Mt Alford.  Good numbers of women competed in all grades across the two days.

For us in women's A on Saturday, we had ladies from Campos-Avalon, Koiled-Tineli, Total Rush, Liv-Giant, Specialized Securitor, MB, Jayco AIS, and my own club KPCC.

It was an interesting race, with little place to hide for anyone.

Many riders initiated some aggressive moves off the front in an attempt to break up the field.

Nikki Orlic (Koiled) spent a lot of time instigating some breakaways, but was consistently chased down,

particularly by Corissa (designated workhorse for the day for Campos).

With only a few laps to go, Kat Garfoot (AIS) put everything on the line and jumped away from the bunch.

After a little too much hesitation, the chase was on, but Kat's power kept her away to get another notable solo win.  The bunch kick for second and third saw Louise Betts (Campos) get to the finish before Rach (Koiled) and then Jess (Total Rush).

Thanks to Pete Dunlop for the photos!  Podium photo c/o Rachel.