Getting Excited

well only 4 more days till the team for Honda Hybrid Tour are hitting the roads of Geelong for a team training session. Sarah,Stacey,Kate,Nik and Delphine ...

New kit...always adds Excitement

 So I'm back on my bike after 2 weeks off, and what better way to get a little more excited to be back on the bike than to be wearing new team RACE kit..to bad I still have to wear arm and leg warmers but hey, can't complain to much...Kate

Amy's Gran Fondo 2011 (September 18)

Delphine's report on riding the Amy's Gran Fondo in Lorne on Sunday, September, 18th. 

Nicole and Delphine before the start.  

There were over 2500 riders on the start line in Lorne on Sunday morning, the atmosphere was jovial and the weather sunny and warm. The start, scheduled at 8am, was only delayed by a few minutes as an injured Koala had to be removed from the course, and riders set off for the 120km journey in waves of 200 every two minutes. Nicole, Helen and I took the start in the last of the 30-35kph waves. The bunch mostly stayed together for the first 40km along the Great Ocean Road. The scenery was amazing, and riding on both sides without having to worry about any cars was very special. Our bunch set a nice tempo and we got to the first major climb of the day in just over 1h. Unfortunately, Nicole was the victim of a puncture in this very first section, which spoiled the rest of her day ...

The bunch fell apart on the 10km climb from Skenes Creek, as riders were constantly passed by faster climbers, or passing slower riders. Over the top I was unable to find a good working bunch and most of the following 60km consisted of hopping from one group to the next, trying to pace myself but keep a high tempo on the flatter section to Deans Marsh. That's where the last climb of the day started, and once again the climb split any existing groups to pieces. The ascent of Benwerrin, affectionately called "Bennie" by the locals, seemed incredibly tough. At the top, once passed the finish line, a lot of riders were having a break descending back to Lorne, congratulating each other and happily chatting about their experience of the day.

The results were updated on the Bike Exchange website almost instantly, and when we made our way to the tent to check our times I got a good surprise and found out that I was 3rd in the women 16-29 category with a ride time of 3h36. The podium presentation only involved the winners of each age group, but I still got a medal, which I collected at the results tent later in the afternoon from ex-team member Jenny McPherson, who now works for the Amy Gillett Foundation. It was great to catch up with her briefly.

I would like to thank the Amy Gillett Foundation for organising such a great event. The level of organisation was outstanding. Everything ran on time and we had no issues with registrations, results, timing .... 

If you would like to know more about the Amy Gillett Foundation and their action for riders' safety follow the link : Amy Gillett Foundation

 

On the start line in the main street of Lorne.

Medal for coming third in the Women 16-29 Category. 

Helen, who joined us as a guest rider for this event, Nicole and Delphine after the ride.

Hi all I'm Kate Finegan....another cyclist from Bendigo Victoria and have just been offered the great opportunity to ride with RACE for the rest of the 2011 road season.....So my first blog for team RACE....Spent a great Saturday afternoon with Kim in Geelong discussing personal goals, plans, and ideas as well as how this fitted in within with the team and its philosophy. Although I'm sure a lot of what I said may not have made sense as I was suffering from Jet lag (a severe 3 day long hang over without the enjoyment of the fun times that occur whilst drinking). I have no understanding of why each time I travel to Europe I am so much more affected on the flight back to Australia than when I go over there. The positive is that at least I had nothing too stressful to do for a couple of days on return to Australia.
So I'm halfway through my end of season break, and after 38 race days in 5 months being based in The Netherlands with many highs and lows, it is a well deserved rest, and I'm enjoying every moment of it. But give it another 2 days and I'll be itching to be back on the bike and start preparing for Honda women's tour and Shipwreck coast classic.

Noel Smith Memorial 2011

Nicole's Report on racing the Noel Smith Memorial road race from Bendigo to Echuca on Saturday, September, 3rd.

Coming to the end of a big block of racing I was excited to be on the start line of one of my favourite races of the year. This race was my first long race 2 years ago, and for the past 2 years I have been first unplaced female.

The course itself starts in Huntly and heads out through Kamarooka to finish in Echuca. It’s pretty much a dead flat race with only the first 25k of nice rolling hills. On the day we battled a block head wind the hole way except for the last 15k, which was a head-cross wind. I was in a great bunch that worked well together from the start and we were able to stay away. The pace went up in the last 15k and it was down to me and one other guy. In the sprint I managed to get over him for the win … supper excited !!

Thank you to team manger Kim for the last few weeks of motor pacing, Matt Wallace my coach and to all our great sponsors, Bikeforce, Tdt and race.