Today is the final day of racing at the Velo Battle on the Border at Salt and being a little intimidated by the 67 strong NRS Women’s field on the tight and technical Criterium track I have elected to sit this one out, both for my safety and theirs.
The Velo BOTB is a three day, four stage road race that takes place annually at Salt on the NSW coast. The race is known to attract some of the strongest male riders in Australia and now, as part of the Women’s NRS, the same can be said for the women’s field. The race starts with a 7.2 km TT followed by a 97km RR day one, a 85km RR day two and a criterium on day three. The race incorporates some more social Fondo rides on day two making it a great event for families and riders of all levels.
This year the women’s NRS was the feature race and, with 67 riders, the largest women’s field I have ever raced amongst. The NRS women’s teams included: Jayco/Apollo VIS, Pure Tasmania Cycling team, Torq/Bicycle Superstore, Pensar Hawk Racing, VelociSports (QAS), Team Boss Constructions/Nutrixxion, Specialized Women SA, QSM Racing, Holden Cycling, SKCC/Giant and Suzuki/Trek ensuring a very competitive and tactical few days of racing.
The first stage (7.2km TT) was smashed by Rebecca Wiasak (Suzuki/Trek) in 10:08.62 and, as the criterium is about to unfold, she is holding tight to 2nd in GC less than a minute behind the amazing Ruth Corset (Pensar Hawk Racing).
The second stage was an amazing 97km around Murwillumbah, 2 laps of a 48km course with a single KOM on each lap. Unfortunately my chain dropped off just before the KOM on the first lap leaving me alone and chasing the bunch for 30km. I had just made contact with the support convoy when my legs exploded in a very unceremonious ‘poof’ and I was left enjoying the scenery for the duration of the second lap. Ruth Corset (Pensar Hawk Racing) won the second stage with a very convincing 1 minute break back to the main field. Reviewing the KOM points and stage 2 saw Lisa Barry (Torq/Bicycle Superstore) and Ruth Corset (Pensar Hawk Racing) 5 points a piece.
The third stage was a magic 85km but not without some turmoil. Three riders, Stephanie Ives (Holden Cycling), Narelle Hards (Nutrixxion) and Zoe Watters (Pensar Hawk) made a break early in the second lap and fought to hold their lead as Holden team controlled the bunch. Their lead stretched to 1 minute as we neared the finish but a wrong turn and a crash in the final km left Stephanie Ives (Holden Cycling) seconds ahead of the main field. The KOM jersey was retained by Ruth Corset (Pensar Hawk) following a very strong ride. I was more than happy to sit in the bunch and watch the team tactics as the race unfolded.
Recovery period between the TT stage 1 and the RR stage 2
The forth and final stage of the NRS is unravelling in front of my comfortable race side cafe position, I thought it safer for both myself and the NRS riders that I stay away from this particularly technical criterium track. The girls literally exploded off the start with the group splitting early and the field strung out after only two laps. Lisa Jacobs and the Jayco/Appollo VIS driving hard, a small break of Ruth Corset and Chloe McConville is sucked back into the bunch and only 15 minutes has passed. In the closing three laps Ruth Corset takes the lead and a very close finish with Ruth Corset taking the win and Kim Wells second.
After three days of amazing racing, sensational organisation (QSM Events) and perfect conditions, Ruth Corset (Pensar Hawk) wins the Velo BOTB NRS12 event. Lisa Jacobs (Jayco/Apollo VIS) holds onto the overall lead in the NRS12 ranking following her win under some very wet conditions in Tasmania (Mersey Valley) a fortnight ago.
Home again and a week of work to justify my next venture to Alice Springs for the Rapid Ascent ICME. It has been two years since I was last in Alice Springs for this event and I am soooooo looking forward to the rocks, the dirt and the thorns, a vast contrast to what I have just suffered (in a good way) on the road this weekend.