It is a?real privilege to be able to race with local Aussie professionals on this circuit.?
Lining up for?the “Dream Team” this year included Rochelle Gilmore, Miffy Galloway, Lauren Kitchen and Carlee Taylor; while the local Pensar Hawk?squad entered a strong team including Ruth Corset, Nicole Moerig, Zoe Watters, Kat Garfoot, Jodie Willett?and Sam Hemsley.? Also along for the ride included?Orica-Green Edge?professionals such as Jessie Maclean, Gracie Elvin?and Shara Gillow.? The specialized team was out in force with sprinter Loren Rowney supported by another?four?strong riders?including Amy Bradley and Rebecca Werner.?
Amy Gillett 2012 scholarship holder Jess Allen also made the trip to Noosa.? Boss Nutrixxion women’s team made the trip up as well, and were often seen on the front of the race.? QSM racing was well represented by Jemma Brown, Claire Trembath and myself.
It was always going to be a tough race.? Most laps averaged between?40 and 45 kph (and trust me 40kph felt comparatively slow), with a tail wind on the first section, and a head wind on the finishing straight.?
It went pretty much something like this…? sprint, sprint, sprint, cruise, brake, corner, sprint, sprint, sprint, cruise, brake, corner, and repeat.?
Many of the teams attempted to send a rider or two up the road during the race, only to be quickly brought back by the bunch.?
Close to the end, Lauren Kitchen (Rabobank)?and Ruth Corset (2012 NRS series winner)?finally got away and made it stick, with Lauren out sprinting Ruth for the win.? An awesome afternoon of women’s racing.?
Thanks to USM for continuing to hold this event each year!
Also thanks to: Claire and Jemma (having team mates makes the race more enjoyable), my coach Steve George @ Crankstar, my gym PT Suzy Rutten @ Breathe, sports massage therapist Jason Tinnock, as well as Brad Gooda, Robbie Reid, Craig Briant and all the QSM cheer squad.? 🙂
