Eildon Women's Tour - another 2nd!

For the first time this year, Blackburn club hosted a Women’s Grade at the Eildon Tour.  2 days, 3 stages, and $1000 in prize money just for the women, it was hard to resist! I’d caught a nasty cold in the days leading up to the tour, nonetheless, I was still keen to race.

Day 1: 12km TT

Love the artwork by Michael. Check out his new site here. (Photo by Michael Mcritchie)

With the accommodation nearby the start line, it was a bonus as we could warm up there. Despite the predicted showers, the skies were clear for the start. I was 2^nd last of the mark, but with TT gun Lauretta (Kosdown) only 2 riders ahead, she was going to be hard to catch. I caught my minute person within a few k’s and the rest of the ride out felt good. I found myself pushing just that little harder, taking it to the next level as the km’s ticked by. Nonetheless, as I took off from the turnaround point, my cold had started to get the better of me. With one airway blocked, breathing through my mouth only wasn’t going to cut it – I simply could not dig any deeper! I could feel myself wriggling on the bike trying, which simply made things worse. With about 3km to go, Rachel caught and passed me. All I could do was try as best to focus on position and spun to the finish. Congrats to Lauretta who took home the win in 18:03. I just scrapped through for 3^rd on GC 1:25 down, behind Rachel (in2sport).

Day 1: 53km Road Race

The afternoon’s race was a 53km stage - 2 flattish pond loops with a power hill climb finish up the Eildon Dam Wall. The bunch of 9 were happy to roll turns till we got to the first little hill out of Thornton. Unfortunately, Ruby had a puncture (with no neutral spares vehicle) and we had dropped one of the other girls, leaving 7 us. We continued to roll turns, keeping the pace fairly high – no one was too keen on launching any attacks. As we came around the second time to the Thornton hill, I tried to maintain a solid tempo from the front. Just as we crested over the top, Laine came flying past – “Come on! We’ve dropped some of them!” We immediately put the pressure on, and it was now 4 of us in the break – Rachel, Jamie, Laine and I. We continued pulling some solid turns for the next 10ks before the turnoff to the Eildon Dam Wall. Just as we turned, the skies opened and it sure was spitting hard on us! From here, the race was on – neither of us wanting to do too much at the front – each waiting for that next move. As we hit the first kick up the climb, Rachel attacked but I managed to jump onto her wheel, with Laine and Jamie just behind. She was certainly putting the pressure on throughout the next section of the climb. My back brakes had started to rub from the grit and rain and it certainly did bother the other riders more than myself! I waited, and waited.  Just as we approached the next kicker, I clicked into gear and jumped, managing to get a descent gap before the bridge. From there on, I spun as fast as I could, unable to shift into the big chain ring, as I heard them getting closer and closer from behind trying to close the gap. I kicked again for the finish – and, I had just won my first road race this year!! Still gasping for air, I was absolutely stoked!

The jump just before the finish of Stage 2 ( Photo by Michael Mcritchie) 

Up the top of the Eildon Dam Wall (taken a few days earlier) 

Day 2: 75km Road Race

Today’s race was a 75km stage – with 1 pond loop, followed by a climb up Skyline before looping back down to Eildon. With 8 starters today, everyone was content with the easier pace before we hit the climb. As soon as we hit the first steep section, Rachel took off with the entire bunch strung out. And just like the TT, I was struggling with my blocked airways.  I could not quite keep up with Rachel, and hung around for a bit to wait for the next rider. Nonetheless, the gap had certainly begun to string out and Rachel was starting to disappear around the corners. By now, I was starting to get nervous. If I hung around for too long, I wasn’t sure if I would catch Rachel – and decided to go after her solo. Once I hit the top of the climb, I got my first time check, I was 1:30 down. Knowing Rachel’s TT abilities – I had to close the gap on the descend – or my GC chances would be lost. If Rachel won today’s stage, we would be equal on GC points, but she would win the tour overall as it would be a count-back on time to the TT stage. 

Managed a grin up the top of Skyline ( Photo by Michael Mcritchie)  

I took off on the descend as fast as I dared. I eventually caught a follow car – brilliant – but to my dismay – it was a junior rider from a different race.  Not too long later, I got my next time check – I was still 1:30 down, there were 2 riders 1:00 behind and the rest were about 4mins further behind. I had no choice but to continue chasing – constantly hoping that the riders just behind would catch me so we could work turns. The painful chase, and I eventually got to Thornton. With 8ks to go, I got my next check – I was now 2:30 down from Rachel – and the bunch were 1:00 behind. Knowing there was no way I could close down the gap, my chances of winning the tour was over. I no longer needed the points for 2^nd place and with Laine needing the points to move up on GC, I sat up and waited for the bunch – just keeping every finger crossed that she would be in it. The bunch eventually caught up with Laine, Lauretta and Ruby in it and we continued rolling towards the finish. Laine won the bunch sprint ahead of Lauretta and myself. Huge congrats to Rachel who won the stage today – it was certainly painful riding those 40ks solo!

Laine on her way to winning the bunch sprint ( Photo by Michael Mcritchie)   

Overall, Rachel won the tour, followed by myself, Laine, Lauretta and Jamie. Thanks to the Blackburn Club for hosting the tour, the sponsors for their support, and all the officials and volunteers for their time. And my team SKCC/Giant for supporting me at this race. Also, big thanks to Simon for his advice and help at the tour – and it was certainly great to see the rest of the Quickcycle riders securing podium places in other categories too!! Another 2nd place finish (the sixth one this season!), a little annoying being bridesmaid, yet a constant drive to train that little bit harder each time. Everyone enjoyed the weekend  - nonetheless, after 11 days of racing and training, I was certainly glad to be home! 

Open Women's Podium - Lauretta, myself, Rachel, Laine and Jamie

Laine and I with our trophies with the RACV tour sponsor's banner