2010 Noosa Grand Prix
Wow doesn't time fly when your having fun! Saturday just gone was the USM Events, Noosa Grand Prix criterium. The race each year attracts thousands of spectators and heaps of Pro athlete's to the start line. It was an awesome experience to race against such a classy field of riders.
This year the women's field contained Rochelle Gilmore's Honda Dream Team, recently developed Virgin Blue Team, MB Cycles, QAS and of course our team, Bundaberg Sugar.
Last year I did this race and literally got dropped from word go, pulling out after only a few laps. Looking back one year ago, my heart was definitely in it but my fitness wasn't. I remembered saying to myself in disappointment, that I would come back next year (2010) and give it another go but only to be stronger than ever. And so I did.
My dream came true this year finishing 5th in a break, 3 laps into the race after just missing an early crash.
Photo courtesy of www.cyclingnews.com
I set my goal one week before the race and was adamant to finish in the top 5. I knew that if I wanted to achieve such goal I needed to get myself into a good position up the front of the bunch and wait for an opportunity to unfold itself and then just go with it. I had good legs on the day, so I didn't doubt my ability.
The break included myself, Peta Mullens (Honda), Melissa Hoskings (Honda), Laura Luxford (Virgin Blue)and Liz Young (MB). After a few laps together Peta Mullens and Melissa Hoskings jumped and got away from us three finishing 30 seconds ahead. Laura, Liz and I remained together pulling turns and although we couldn't catch the two Honda girls ahead, we maintained our position on the field finishing roughly 40 seconds ahead of the bunch. We were still in it for 3rd, 4th and 5th places. After a long 30 minutes, it all came down to a very close sprint finish with Laura and Liz just rolling me over the line.
Photo's courtesy of Kerri Parnell
Results:
1. Peta Mullens - 0.35.02
2. Melissa Hoskings
3. Laura Luxford - 0.00.36
4. Liz Young - 0.00.37
5. Nikolina Orlic