Geelong – Bellarine Tour 2003

23 February 2003 – 30km Criterium – Geelong Botanical Gardens

Conditions: 28C

I was riding the Bellarine Tour as part of the VIS team.  Our team included Katie Mactier, Liz Williams, Emma Rickards, Dellys Franke, Narelle Peterson and myself.  We met at 4pm at the criterium course, had our team briefing and were given our Victorian blue and white uniforms.

The criterium circuit was held in Geelong’s Botanical Gardens.  The circuit was a 1km loop with a sharp off camber left corner after the start / finish line, a speed hump 100m further on and then into a head wind along the back straight.  This section had great views of Corio Bay, although I never took the time to enjoy the view.  The final section had a short downhill followed by a 120° degree left corner before a short hill up to the start / finish line.  It was tough and technical circuit and certainly tested the skills and fitness levels of the peloton.

After each team was introduced, we rolled a neutral lap before the gun was fired.  I took the neutral lap as an opportunity to move to the front where it was a lot easier to ride.  The pace was furious from the start.  I had reasonable legs but was suffering from stomach cramps so it was a matter of just sitting in and surviving this one.  Katie led Liz out for the sprint primes, while I sat in to cover any post sprint attacks.

Oliva Gollan jumped away after 8 laps and quickly maintained a 20sec lead.  Riders were being shelled every lap and soon we were lapping riders.  With 10 laps to go, I attacked hard up the climb and got a 30m gap.  I was quickly chased down but my move broke the field further with only 20 of us left in the front group.

Olivia rode strongly to take the win and with the bonus seconds established a 40sec lead.  Liz, Katie and I all finished in the front group, with Liz also securing the Under 23 jersey.