Day 3 (Australian Criterium Championships) – Eastern Beach, Geelong – 10^th January 2003

Conditions: Clear skies, 25ºC, 6.30pm

Today was a tough 800m hotdog circuit on Eastern Beach, held at dusk.  The hill overlooking the course was packed with interested spectators.  Each end of the circuit had a tight U turn, which unfortunately resulted in crashes in both the men’s and women’s fields.

Again, the pace today was furious as riders had the added incentive of being crowned the Australian Criterium Champion.  Some riders were dropped in the first lap, and riders continued to be lapped throughout the race.  The attrition rate was incredible with only 16 girls finishing the tough circuit.

I had great legs today and felt really strong.  I had instructions from John Beasley to attack often but there was always an ACT or NSW girl shutting down every move I made and never let me stay away for more than a lap.  Katie Mactier also rode strongly and tried a number of moves, but we were always outnumbered.

I attacked with 2 laps to go, and held a slim lead for the lap before the entire field stormed past on the bell lap.  I tried to recover and sprinted home in 11^th place with absolutely nothing left in the legs.  Katie just missed the podium with a 4^th place finish.

Results:

1^st Elizabeth Williams (VIC)
2^nd Kate Bates (NSWIS)
3^rd Rochelle Gilmore (NSWIS)
4^th Katie Mactier (Drapac Property / Beasley Cycles)
11^th Helen Kelly (Drapac Property / Beasley Cycles)