Victorian Pursuit Championships
Sunday 20 December, 2009
I know I haven't really been training for this, but can I please just have a good ride! Thanks!
It kind of worked! It wasn't the fastest ride of the day, and it was pretty much the same as what I rode in Sydney a couple of weeks ago, in fact, so similar that the times were about the same as last time. And, yet again I rode a faster final than I did qualifier, so I can't really complain! Unfortunately, it wasn't faster than before.
On the upside, there was a visit to the podium, and that is always good :) Another IP bronze. (I don't have a good photo of that :( ) And it was nice to do that in front of my mum, my brother, his fiancee and my 2 nieces! Congratulations to Helen Kelly who rode a stellar race, and to Miranda Laidlaw who surprised herself with how fast she could go for the silver.
More importantly, I have identified some things to focus on to make me a better pursuit rider. Small technical things that I think can be improved rapidly to make my pursuit better. I experimented with a couple of things for this race and they seemed to work quite favourably, although they will need a bit of refinement, although I am pretty happy with the initial response. This is the type of challenge I like (damn that inner scientist!!), but it will have to wait until after January 6 to become a priority!
I hope you all had a good weekend. I have 2 more days in Victoria, a trip to see my mum and dad today (Monday) and some training over the Nationals TT course on Tuesday before heading home, and back to the office on Wednesday.
Dec 21, 2009
You are what you train for
Victorian Points Race Championship
Saturday 19 December 2009
And the points race has certainly not been the focus this summer.
Don't get me wrong, I love a good points race, but at the moment a sprint for me involves winding it up from 2.5 laps out, which multiplied by the number of sprints in the race is just not a formula for success.
Today's race was tough. There was no chance of taking a lap as Rosy McCall, Nicole Whitburn and myself knew that if one went the others would too. The two young girls, Miranda Laidlaw and Laine Hammond, were content to battle over the sprint laps. Consequently the sprint laps were pretty tightly contested.
It seemed that most of us preferred a long wind up, which suited me, and most of the sprints were very tight across the line. Unfortunately for me, I let myself fall into the getting boxed position after winning one of the sprints which saw me squeezed out of points a couple of times.
In the end, I was fifth. Nicole took a well deserved win, Rosy was second and on a countback Laine was third (her and Miranda were equal on points).
I am a little frustrated by this outcome, there are a few too many, "if I had just done this..." thoughts after this race, but the reality is that I can't be disappointed, this was about time on boards and a bit of variety coming into Nationals Season!
Just remember, you are what you train for!
Saturday 19 December 2009
And the points race has certainly not been the focus this summer.
Don't get me wrong, I love a good points race, but at the moment a sprint for me involves winding it up from 2.5 laps out, which multiplied by the number of sprints in the race is just not a formula for success.
Today's race was tough. There was no chance of taking a lap as Rosy McCall, Nicole Whitburn and myself knew that if one went the others would too. The two young girls, Miranda Laidlaw and Laine Hammond, were content to battle over the sprint laps. Consequently the sprint laps were pretty tightly contested.
It seemed that most of us preferred a long wind up, which suited me, and most of the sprints were very tight across the line. Unfortunately for me, I let myself fall into the getting boxed position after winning one of the sprints which saw me squeezed out of points a couple of times.
In the end, I was fifth. Nicole took a well deserved win, Rosy was second and on a countback Laine was third (her and Miranda were equal on points).
I am a little frustrated by this outcome, there are a few too many, "if I had just done this..." thoughts after this race, but the reality is that I can't be disappointed, this was about time on boards and a bit of variety coming into Nationals Season!
Just remember, you are what you train for!
Dec 18, 2009
Summer Reading!
Thanks for coming back! I am finally up to date! I have dumped a whole lot of words, but I am lacking photos. I will try and find some to brighten up these posts soon!
In the meantime, enjoy! There should be more to come in the not too distant future!
Thanks for reading :)
In the meantime, enjoy! There should be more to come in the not too distant future!
Thanks for reading :)
Dec 16, 2009
Flat out and then some more.
Victorian Scratch Race and Austral Carnival
After a cancelled flight and a shuffle from Virgin Blue to QANTAS, I eventually got to
The Victorian Scratch Race was the first race on the program. I decided to go with a 94 as it was super hot and the track was fast. As far as scratch races go, it was pretty uneventful. Liz Geogouras attacked a few times, which I went with, but the bunch didn’t want to let us go. Towards the end of the race I attacked with Liz on my wheel, maybe a bit too late for it to stick and a bit too early for the sprint, but again the bunch didn’t want to let that go either. So it came down to a bunch sprint, and that meant the sprinters got up- Fatehah Mustapa (
After that was a bit of carnival racing. A 15 lap handicap points race, I ended up 2nd to Nicole. A 6 lap wheelrace- 6th I think. Keirin heats- 2nd to Fatehah and then the Keirin finals which I didn’t read properly and sat up with about half a lap to go. All of this was crammed into 3 and a-bit hours (including the scratch race). It was a whole lot of fun, but it was a pretty tiring day in the end. There was also a bit of a rush to get events finished which meant the keirin went from 6 to 4 laps, we had to get out of the track for Revolution to get set up!
Dec 13, 2009
VCC Time Trial Series Race #2
The month passed very quickly, and it was time to face this course again. The start time was an hour earlier than last time to beat the heat. A bit tough for a Sunday, but then again cyclists love early starts, right?!
Another perfect day for TT (despite the earliness), it was still and sunny. Somehow I did end up running late however and had an abbreviated warm up. I am starting to think that a shorter warm up might work better for me actually.
Today was one of those days when I just felt great on the bike. I found my rhythm on the hills quickly and held good power and speed all the way. My only complaint, just one, was the car that was going through the finish line as I was rapidly approaching. There was another competitor in front of him so it wasn’t as if he could have gone anywhere, so I can’t really complain, just meant that I had to slow down before the finish line.
This time around I was 1 min 10 sec faster than last time! And you know what, I reckon I can go still go faster (fingers crossed!!)
Another perfect day for TT (despite the earliness), it was still and sunny. Somehow I did end up running late however and had an abbreviated warm up. I am starting to think that a shorter warm up might work better for me actually.
Today was one of those days when I just felt great on the bike. I found my rhythm on the hills quickly and held good power and speed all the way. My only complaint, just one, was the car that was going through the finish line as I was rapidly approaching. There was another competitor in front of him so it wasn’t as if he could have gone anywhere, so I can’t really complain, just meant that I had to slow down before the finish line.
This time around I was 1 min 10 sec faster than last time! And you know what, I reckon I can go still go faster (fingers crossed!!)
Dec 6, 2009
Another bike race, another lesson.
NSW Points Race and Omnium Titles
Again, it was back down the highway, and again it was familiar faces on the start line- Ash, Liz and Megan. To boost numbers in the points race, we had the under 19s in with us as well, and whilst it is good to have the numbers, it is difficult to know where you actually in the sprint at times.
The points race itself was pretty fast and pretty tough. It was hot in
The final wash up: Gold- Megan; Silver- Ash; Bronze- Liz; 4th- me.
Sunday was the omnium. Again, not something that I have done a lot of work for and as I realize now, possibly something that I am not really that well suited to. Flying 200 was up first, and whilst it was my fastest ever flying 200 (I have only done 3!), it was not that competitive and I was in 5th. The scratch race was possibly one of my poorest ever. Note to self- the way to win a race is to ride it how you want it raced rather than letting the bunch, in particular the sprinters, get their way!
The 2000m IP was a bit of a revenge race for me. I caught the sprinter that I was chasing and I posted a PB for this distance so I was happy. The points race eventually got under way after a lunch break (!) and qualifying rounds of the team sprint!! Much like the scratch race I wasn’t on the ball and rode a disappointing race. The 500m TT came around after another major break which included at U17 madison and more team sprints! This is possibly my worst track event and I wasn’t going to make up any ground now.
All in all a disappointing day, but I only have myself to blame. On the upside, my IP was good and I know what went wrong today and can go away and fix it!
Thanks for reading!
Nov 29, 2009
The love/hate relationship continues…
NSW Pursuit Titles
I think I said last year that I wasn’t going to pursue this event further, but, I changed my mind! Although the focus has changed and we have taken some of the pressure off by not having this as my main event.
After a last minute moto-session on BundaDome the car was packed and we headed up the highway on Saturday afternoon. The start list was a little ominous with Kate Bates, Ashlee Akudinoff, Lis Georgouras and Megan Dunn all listed. My goal for the weekend was firstly to ride a PB and hopefully qualify for the final.
For the heat I was up against Ash, that was daunting at all, no, I had just watched her in the TP at the World Cup, can’t be that fast surely!! So along with a PB, I wanted to avoid getting caught!! Alas I wasn’t good enough for the second aim, but I did hold out until the final km! But I did PB and qualified for the final.
I was up against Megan in the final. Hmm, tough day with world medalists everywhere! Again, my aim was simple, to go faster than my qualifier. In the end Megan was over the line about 4 seconds faster than me, and I did go faster than my qualifier. And whilst I couldn’t quite get to my schedule time, it was a PB, so no complaints.
Results:
Gold: Ash Ankudinoff
Silver: Kate Bates
Bronze: Megan Dunn
It has taken a long time for me to make any major improvements in this event, and this season has started well, so I am happy. (Yeah, I know it is not a super-fantastic time, but you get out there and do one and tell me how you go :p)
I think I said last year that I wasn’t going to pursue this event further, but, I changed my mind! Although the focus has changed and we have taken some of the pressure off by not having this as my main event.
After a last minute moto-session on BundaDome the car was packed and we headed up the highway on Saturday afternoon. The start list was a little ominous with Kate Bates, Ashlee Akudinoff, Lis Georgouras and Megan Dunn all listed. My goal for the weekend was firstly to ride a PB and hopefully qualify for the final.
For the heat I was up against Ash, that was daunting at all, no, I had just watched her in the TP at the World Cup, can’t be that fast surely!! So along with a PB, I wanted to avoid getting caught!! Alas I wasn’t good enough for the second aim, but I did hold out until the final km! But I did PB and qualified for the final.
I was up against Megan in the final. Hmm, tough day with world medalists everywhere! Again, my aim was simple, to go faster than my qualifier. In the end Megan was over the line about 4 seconds faster than me, and I did go faster than my qualifier. And whilst I couldn’t quite get to my schedule time, it was a PB, so no complaints.
Results:
Gold: Ash Ankudinoff
Silver: Kate Bates
Bronze: Megan Dunn
It has taken a long time for me to make any major improvements in this event, and this season has started well, so I am happy. (Yeah, I know it is not a super-fantastic time, but you get out there and do one and tell me how you go :p)
Nov 20, 2009
UCI Track World Cup
Hisense Arena,
For a change of pace, I headed to
The atmosphere in Hisense was awesome and the racing was fantastic. The Australians were dominant over the three days and it was with immense pride and excitement that I enjoyed their performances. As an added bonus I went home with a completely re-newed motivation and love for my bike and training!
(You can read all about the World Cup here.)
Nov 15, 2009
VCC Time Trial Series Race #1
It used to be that over summer the VCC would run a time trial every second Monday. The course was 12km, out and back from the entrance to SFP on
I wasn’t sure how well I would perform over this course, but I was going to have a good go at it! Unlike days earlier in the week, there was no wind to speak of, such a nice change for
On the whole I am pretty happy with 99% of this race. I managed to find some good rhythm and speed for most of the race, although I did find myself a touch over-geared towards the top of the 3rd sister just before the KOM mark. I also let myself get distracted by the car that decided he didn’t want to wait for me to go past the T-intersection, but then forgot to accelerate when he turned onto the road! So whilst I did have some awesome speed (approaching 70km/hr coming down the 2nd sister) I had to wash a whole lot off to avoid running into the back of said car on the uphill before the turn. As a result of all of this I missed the turn cone by about 2m- total beginner error there!
In the end, I was second to Alex (Carle) by 3 seconds, in a time of 34:45, which I was pretty satisfied with. It is a nice bench mark. Now, to go faster next time!
Nov 10, 2009
The Golden Wheel
Wagga Wagga CC Golden Wheel Track Carnival
7th & 8th November
Hot Hot Hot
About this time last year I told you about the Wagga Golden Wheel Carnival. It is one of my favourite track races. It is a well organised carnival, it is a great atmosphere, usually the entries are good and there is always a whole lot of prizemoney (always a bonus!). This year was almost true to form, although numbers were down a bit which was disappointing. But, it was still a whole lot of fun nonetheless!
Early in the week it was touch and go whether I was going to be right to race, having had a throat infection, which the doctor later told me was viral tracheitis (just a fancy word for throat infection). Nothing to be done but rest :( After spending several days off the bike (and off work) I was feeling 100% come Friday. Then Saturday morning I woke up covered in a rash- including my eyelids- and itching like you wouldn't believe! Unsure what this was, it was off the Dr again to make sure it a)wasn't contagious and b)wasn't serious. All clear for both of those, it was just hives! Having never had hives before I have no idea what caused them, so if you have any idea, I would love to know (it was not my shampoo, glass of wine or washing powder!).
So, dramas out of the way it was off to Wagga.
Turned out I ended up with a big program with a total of 12 races across the two half days!
And I am pleased to say there were podiums all round!
This was my most successful trip to the Golden Wheel ever!
Whilst I wasn't even close to the podium for the blue ribband event,
I did make the final and put up a fight before
Paul Fellows got to me and got to the line first!
Other notable results from the weekend were 2nd in the Women's Wheelrace (Saturday), 1st scratch race (Saturday), 2nd scratch race (Sunday- I was well marked by then!!) and 5th in the Rules Club Wheelrace (Sunday). It was one of those rare occasions as a bike rider that I actually won enough to cover the cost of entry, accommodation and travel!
Thanks to my mum and Matt's parents for coming to watch, it is always nice to have personal spectators!
Thanks to Wagga CC for an awesome event- see you again next year!
Well done to all the ladies who participated in the Tour de Femme, I was pleased to hear it was crash free! Congrats to Kirsty Broun, Jessie Maclean and Chloe Hosking on being on top of the podium!
You can see more photos from Wagga here
7th & 8th November
Hot Hot Hot
About this time last year I told you about the Wagga Golden Wheel Carnival. It is one of my favourite track races. It is a well organised carnival, it is a great atmosphere, usually the entries are good and there is always a whole lot of prizemoney (always a bonus!). This year was almost true to form, although numbers were down a bit which was disappointing. But, it was still a whole lot of fun nonetheless!
Early in the week it was touch and go whether I was going to be right to race, having had a throat infection, which the doctor later told me was viral tracheitis (just a fancy word for throat infection). Nothing to be done but rest :( After spending several days off the bike (and off work) I was feeling 100% come Friday. Then Saturday morning I woke up covered in a rash- including my eyelids- and itching like you wouldn't believe! Unsure what this was, it was off the Dr again to make sure it a)wasn't contagious and b)wasn't serious. All clear for both of those, it was just hives! Having never had hives before I have no idea what caused them, so if you have any idea, I would love to know (it was not my shampoo, glass of wine or washing powder!).
So, dramas out of the way it was off to Wagga.
Turned out I ended up with a big program with a total of 12 races across the two half days!
And I am pleased to say there were podiums all round!
This was my most successful trip to the Golden Wheel ever!
Whilst I wasn't even close to the podium for the blue ribband event,
I did make the final and put up a fight before
Paul Fellows got to me and got to the line first!
Women's wheelrace podium:
myself, Rebecca Dunn & Emily Williams
myself, Rebecca Dunn & Emily Williams
Rules Club Wheelrace Podium (5th)
Thanks to my mum and Matt's parents for coming to watch, it is always nice to have personal spectators!
Thanks to Wagga CC for an awesome event- see you again next year!
Well done to all the ladies who participated in the Tour de Femme, I was pleased to hear it was crash free! Congrats to Kirsty Broun, Jessie Maclean and Chloe Hosking on being on top of the podium!
You can see more photos from Wagga here
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