The women’s C starters have made a tradition of very well mannered starts, and it was again the case tonight. The nine riders took off at a sedate pace for the first three laps giving first time racer Kristen Walker time to adjust to racing conditions on the Stromlo circuit.
The riders are relaxed during the first few laps
After a few impatient thrusts and parries, Kate Molineaux eventually found herself riding away from the group solo, with the bunch not reacting. With several rounds experience racing with her, SportsCare rider Merryn Steer realising the danger that Molineaux can pose with a solo effort, so she quickly jumped from the bunch in an attempt to bridge. Walker, showing a natural nose for racing already, attached herself to Steer’s wheel and found herself in a break of three.
Shalan Bray leads the watchful Merryn Steer
The six riders left to chase could not get organised and found themselves spread along the straight in their chase attempt. Eventually Shalan Bray and Megan Mackenzie found their rhythm, but the pair could not impact on the three strong riders up front who were working an impeccable team time trial to stay away. Behind, Katherine Huckstep struggled on the down hill with her restricted gearing but formed an alliance with Rebecca McLaren, and the two were eventually joined by triathlete Emma Fielder, with Liz Lowe not quite able to make the junction with the group.
The lead break quickly imposed a comfortable lead on the rest of the field
With Molineaux having done the bulk of the driving in the front group, the final lap found her under attack by Steer and Walker. Steer pulled away to take her first win in a bike race follow in by Walker in an impressive debut, and Molineaux rounding out the three place getters.
With just one round to go before Christmas, the win puts Merryn Steer into top place in the women’s C point score table with 39 points, with the four following only separated by 10 points. The teams classification sees the Vikings Valhalla team with an unassailable lead, followed by Masters ACT, Bilbys Freshstart and Team SportsCare.
Race Results Womens C Round 7
1. Merryn Steer
2. Kristen Walker
3. Kate Molineaux
4. Megan Mackenzie
5. Shalan Bray
6. Emma Fielder
7. Katherine Huckstep
8. Rebecca McLaren
9. Elizabeth Lowe
Race Report: Simon Dwyer
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