Thorne Triumphs in first race of Women's C

Photos courtesy of Greg Long

A healthy sized group of 21 women lined up for the first Women's C race of the season to put on a show for the early SuperCrit riders. After an extended race brief the bunch rolled away and despite many first time racers being present, the peleton quickly found a rhythm around the track and through the corners and was soon looking like an experienced racing bunch.

With Maddy Marshall, Donna Smith and Helene Blackwell keeping the pace ticking along at the front, any attempts to break from the bunch were quickly shut down. The relentless pace eventually took it's toll with a few riders missing wheels and dropping off the back - a learning experience for next time.

By the final lap a solid crowd had built up on the sidelines to watch what was shaping as an exciting finish. Linda Rigby put in a big attack down the back straight but the drivers in the main group left allowed her just enough room to tire herself out before hauling her back in. Out from the bottom end of the course and into the final straight it was Christina Thorne who put in an early burst, taking the peleton by surprise and gaining a gap. The might of the chasers of Amanda Koerber, Merryn Steer and Belinda McCredie powered hard up the final hill, latching onto the wheel, but after the chase effort none quite had the power to overhaul Christina.

Post race was an event in itself as riders swapped stories and planned their strategies for next time. There was plenty of riding potential on display for the first women's race of the series, and we look forward to watching over the next few weeks as the field improves in fitness, techniques and tactics.

Results of Women's C Round 1

1. Christina Thorne

2. Amanda Koerber

3. Merryn Steer

4. Belinda McCredie

5. Maddy Marshall

6. Carly Rickerby

7. Helene Blackwell

8. Donna Smith

9. Rebecca McLaren

10. Kylie Biilmann

11. Shalan Bray

12. Linda Rigby

13. Elizabeth Lowe

14. Megan McIntyre

15. Christine Coogan

16. Judy Diamond

17. Helen King

18. Michelle Kennedy

19. Carol Paice

20. Katherine Huckstep

21. Megan Rhind

Author: Simon Dwyer

All photos courtesy of Greg Long

http://www.greglong.photostockplus.com/