With the radio pumping, windows down, and Jack (aka my Suzuki Swift) packed full to the brim, I was on my way to the 2014 Para Road Nationals in Echuca. Had some pre-comp adventures with the amazing Carol Cooke at Echuca College talking to different year levels. Very much enjoyed hearing how CC advises people that the best job in the world is a Footy Trainer; brilliant views apparently. We also managed to squeeze in a few messages about the power of your attitude, how change and failure failure are good things, and to make the most of opportunities.
It is always a pleasure to come to Echuca – most importantly, they have a Beechworth bakery so I can get a date scone as a post-race reward, but also the beautiful Edwardian style cottages with leadlight windows and fireplaces. Add in the nourishment of the country for the soul, and you have smiles all around.
It was looking like we may possibly have found the dry spell for the Time Trial in between the torrential rain Victoria had over the weekend; needless to say, we counted our chickens before they hatched! The light fluff turned into wet and cold conditions throughout the Time Trial, which was 15.9km around a rectangular flat course in the town of Lockington. I was first off the ranks for the Women’s C4 classification, with recently returned Track World Champs and World Record Holders Sue Powell and Alex Green 60 and 120 seconds behind me. A bit of carrot out in front. However, was very excited that I had a yellow carrot in the form of a lead out car; for those who are new to this blog, I may have a slight obsession with the colour yellow.
Time Trial action.
Photo: Con Chronis
With race instructions from Super Coach, Dave Sturt from The Hurt Box Coaching, I had my game plan in place. Execution exceeded both expectations and average power instructions, with new power PB’s set and PB’s for average speeds. To put this into perspective:
2013 Para Road Nats
Photo: Con Chronis
Average Speed: 34.6km/hr
Average Power: 190 Watts
Distance: 13.6km
2014 Para Road Nats
Average Speed: 38.0 km/hr
Average Power: 253 Watts
Distance: 15.9km
Really enjoyed the race – a time trial is just you and the bike (plus a bit of wind, rain, and corners). It is up to you to keep pushing. I got off to a great start with the support crew cheering like hooligans on the side-line; I think they win a Gold medal for decibel level and size of the banner (see below). Definitely felt the love.
Photo: Dazza Camilleri
So, massive improvements, but not quite the speedy 38.5km/hr needed to qualify for World Championships and top two placing. Massive congrats to my competitors Alex and Sue who will be off to the USA in August wearing the Green and Gold!
The 60km road race was held on Sunday morning in Rushworth, and the fog had just started to clear when the C4 women were off with the C3 men. Working with David Nicholls and Noel Blundell, a few C3 men fell off the pack during the first lap. Rolling turns plus a few attacks occurred during the next lap, and David managed to break away with Noel in close pursuit. The final lap with Alex and Sue saw more attacks and a sprint finish, with Sue taking out honours, and Alex coming in a close second.
Road Race action
Photo: Con Chronis
Results
Event 32 Sunday, 11 May 2014 8:00:00 AM
Women Cycling 4 63km Road Race Final
Place Rider Name Team Time
1 POWELL Susan – Vikings Cycling Club ACT 1:55:07:550
2 GREEN Alexandra – Clarence ST CCC 1:55:07:650
3 MACDOUGALL Hannah – The Pirates Sporting Club 1:55:07:760
Photo: Con Chronis
It was a great experience racing with these talented athletes, and I have some very exciting news that I can’t wait to share with you all very soon – watch this space!!!!
Until then, I am off to enjoy my first cup of black Bushells cup of tea after a 10 week caffeine hiatus.
Ride with purpose, ride with a smile, ride in the moment,
Han
Pirate action while waiting for medal presentation ceremony after TT at the Lockington Museum
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