Although the Elite women’s field had already shrunk at the 2013 Camelbak Highland Fling in comparison to 2012, injury and illness have halved the Elite women’s field, as Jenny Fay (Swell-Specialized) and Imogen Smith (Subaru-MarathonMTB.com) have had to withdraw from the Fling, perhaps one of the most prestigious Marathon races in Australia.
“I’m disappointed to say the least as it was a big target race on my calendar, wanting the jersey, the hat trick and hoping for a male & female winner for Swell-Specialized,” said Jenny Fay, who has won the past two additions, and along with team mate Andy Blair, was a favourite for the race, as outlined in our ‘Form Guide’. Fay was part of a small crash on a training ride last weekend, that left her bruised and with a busted helmet. A visit to hospital was required, but there were no broken bones.
“I have to be smart and listen to the body when it is still recovering. The Hellfire Cup is my next target and sitting out this race is a massive motivation for me to do well there.”
Imogen Smith has suffered medical setbacks over the past month, which are preventing her from starting the Fling. Smith is also targeting the Hellfire Cup, and is focusing on recovering so she can enjoy four days’ hard racing in Tasmania later this month.
Smith is showing fatigue at this end of the year
“I considered dropping back to the Half Fling, but to be honest another weekend away in what is set to be difficult racing conditions would set me back further. It is so hard to pass up a great race, and one that I have trained really hard for, but I need to rest now so my legs can function as they should! I’m a bit sad to finish 2013 feeling run down, but it’s been a great year all told, and my focus now is a really strong season in 2014, because I’m joining the Subaru-MarathonMTB.com Team as an Elite racer. We have a fantastic, full calendar lined up, and I’m excited about representing our sponsors.”
Fay has confirmed that she will still be in Bundanoon on the weekend.
“I will be there to support the Wild Horizons crew, my Swell-Specialized team mates and sponsors Specialized who are sponsoring the race.”
So drop by the Specialized tent if you never quite manage to catch up to Jenny when you’re against the clock!