« Update from Sparky
Newham 23/08/08 »

Aust GP - 2 out of 3 ain’t bad

In the insightful words of the great American poet, Meatloaf: “I want you, I need you, but there aint no way I’m ever gonna love you. But don’t be sad (don’t be sad), cos two out of three aint bad.”

In my last hit-out before heading back to Italy, I was treated to some authentic Gold Fields weather for the Australian Grand Prix. Also doubling as the Victorian Championships, there were plenty of big name lads racing, so us gals got the raw end of the scheduling and raced in frigid conditions all weekend. I was fortunate to have Mum and Marty visiting from BrisVegas (and LOVIN’ the weather) so they formed part of a big cheer squad with Mitch, Donna, Geoff Thomas and plenty of silent bovine support out in the fields.

Stage 1 - 27.4km ITT at Learmonth

A solid ride, but not a WR. I got blown around like Dorothy in the Tornado but still held good form to ride as smooth as I could.

  • Conditions: wind, mizzle, 11deg, frequent obstacles on the course
  • Winning margin > 3 minutes
  • Authenticity of champagne on podium: highly questionable
  • Lesson learnt: don’t ride a 1080 on a day when gusty cross winds might blow you into the manure
  • Post race interview: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=rY_NUBaI_1s

Stage 2 - 33km criterium in Sturt St, Ballarat

An aggressive and exciting race with plenty of women vying for the sprint title. I ended up in my first 2-up sprint and the uphill finish suited me better than my breakaway companion.

  • Conditions: wet roads but no rain, crowds building through the afternoon
  • Winning margin < 3 metres
  • Jerseys won: sprint champion and most aggressive rider.
  • Dodgy champers continued.

Stage 3 - 82km road race in Buninyong.

8 testing laps of the circuit used for the National Championships, and the QLD team MB cycles dominated the podium sprint finish after a race of attrition.

  • Conditions: start temp 6deg and clear skies
  • Result of my ‘devastating race winning attack’ with 5km to go: caught by the chasers, 3rd in the sprint
  • Jersey won: Yellow Tour Leader
  • New hair product sponsor: Asti Spumante

A very big thanks to:

  • Antho from CBD cycles for doing some very fine last minute adjustments on the road bike, after the wind on the Geelong Road busted the fork earlier in the week.
  • Mitch was the most overqualified soigneur/mechanic/lackey/cheer squad and did a brilliant job.
  • My Mum for expressing frustration at the sport not being the first item on the Ballarat News!! (Mum, you’ve changed).
  • Oakley eyewear for providing me with Fabian Cancellara’s Radars. I tell you, I felt like a Suisse legend just wearing them round the house.
  • The Australian Sports Commission, SCODY clothing, Teschner, Vittoria, Shimano and Bell helmets.

next update in Italian!!

Ciao Bridie

This entry was posted by B. O'Donnell on Thursday, August 21st, 2008 at 12:00 pm and is filed under Reports, Road.