Sizzling Summer Series 2015, rounds 1 and 2

Our team racing debut for 2015 happened at round one of Logan Cycling Club's annual SSS.
Ladies (A grade) racing for Koiled-Petbarn-Seight during this early criterium season include:
Melanie Parker, Alex O'Dea, Faye Goodyear, Rachel Edwards (team captain) and myself.

25 women were there to complete in women's A in round one.  Pretty good numbers for a local Brisbane race. Local teams included Data #3, Campos and Koiled-Petbarn.  A few NRS and international riders were there to keep us honest too (Kat Garfoot and Macey Stewart from Orica GreenEdge, Hayley Jones from Bicycle Superstore, Nicole Moerig from Boss Racing, and Ellen Skerritt from Rochelle Gilmore's new Aussie High 5 development team).

The pace was high from the start, with lots of attacks (as is typical for the SSS series).  No breakaways stuck, and the bunch sprint saw Macey finish a comfortable first, with Hayley second, Nicole third, Faye (Koiled-Petbarn) fourth, and Rachel (Koiled-Petbarn) sixth.

First prime Macey (Orica), second prime Zoe Watters (Campos).

Round two was similar, with good numbers of ladies racing, and the pace was kept high for much of the race.

No-one was keen to see a breakaway go, so it came down to a bunch sprint again.

This time we were slightly more prepared than 2 weeks earlier,

and we gave Faye a good lead-out, so that she could demonstrate her developing sprint prowess.

Faye (Koiled) first, Macey (Orica) second, Nicole (Boss) third, Rachel fourth.

First prime Macey (Orica), second prime Jazzy Hurikino (Campos).

This means we head into the third and final round of the series this weekend with two riders in the top six.

Should make for an exciting final race.

Photos thanks again to Pete Dunlop, ESI photography and Logan Cycling Club!

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!

Noosa Subaru women's cycling criterium

We are lucky in Qld that we have an event like this each year.  Noosa's annual cycling "grand prix" was staged on Saturday afternoon, and as usual, it was fast and furious. 

It is a real privilege to be able to race with local Aussie professionals on this circuit. 

Lining up for the "Dream Team" this year included Rochelle Gilmore, Miffy Galloway, Lauren Kitchen and Carlee Taylor; while the local Pensar Hawk squad entered a strong team including Ruth Corset, Nicole Moerig, Zoe Watters, Kat Garfoot, Jodie Willett and Sam Hemsley.  Also along for the ride included Orica-Green Edge professionals such as Jessie Maclean, Gracie Elvin and Shara Gillow.  The specialized team was out in force with sprinter Loren Rowney supported by another four strong riders including Amy Bradley and Rebecca Werner. 

Amy Gillett 2012 scholarship holder Jess Allen also made the trip to Noosa.  Boss Nutrixxion women's team made the trip up as well, and were often seen on the front of the race.  QSM racing was well represented by Jemma Brown, Claire Trembath and myself.

It was always going to be a tough race.  Most laps averaged between 40 and 45 kph (and trust me 40kph felt comparatively slow), with a tail wind on the first section, and a head wind on the finishing straight. 

It went pretty much something like this...  sprint, sprint, sprint, cruise, brake, corner, sprint, sprint, sprint, cruise, brake, corner, and repeat. 

Many of the teams attempted to send a rider or two up the road during the race, only to be quickly brought back by the bunch. 

Close to the end, Lauren Kitchen (Rabobank) and Ruth Corset (2012 NRS series winner) finally got away and made it stick, with Lauren out sprinting Ruth for the win.  An awesome afternoon of women's racing. 

Thanks to USM for continuing to hold this event each year!

Also thanks to: Claire and Jemma (having team mates makes the race more enjoyable), my coach Steve George @ Crankstar, my gym PT Suzy Rutten @ Breathe, sports massage therapist Jason Tinnock, as well as Brad Gooda, Robbie Reid, Craig Briant and all the QSM cheer squad.  :)