Ballan to Ballarat – report
Ballan to Ballarat
Steven Carroll won the Ballan to Ballarat handicap race last Saturday. In fact, we had a number of other athletes up ont the podium.
Great results were as follows: Sean McIver won fast time, Mark Kelly 2nd fastest time, Angus Lyons 5th fastest time, Vic Snibson 6th and first female, Nick White 4th overall. Both Ash Gillespie and Pat Cosgrave were unfortunate victims of flat tyres which triggered the end to their race.
Full results of Ballan to Ballarat handicap can be found here.
Kelly Cycle coaching caught up with Steve and asked him about his race.
How many handicap events have you ever ridden?
Only 2.
How many handicap events have you ever ridden?
Only 2.
Were you feeling very nervous before the start?
Felt more anxious than nervous. Tried to work out how I was going to ride the race, attacks etc
Felt more anxious than nervous. Tried to work out how I was going to ride the race, attacks etc
How many riders were in your bunch?
There was 8 of us in the bunch including Nick White (Liam’s younger brother) and Vic Snibson.
There was 8 of us in the bunch including Nick White (Liam’s younger brother) and Vic Snibson.
Did your bunch work well together?
Yes, I think we had the best working bunch
Yes, I think we had the best working bunch
Was it windy?
On the way out there was a tail wind, then it become a right side wind which then became a head wind for the last 15 km’s or so
On the way out there was a tail wind, then it become a right side wind which then became a head wind for the last 15 km’s or so
Was it very hard or do you feel quite comfortable with the pace of the peloton?
I did a fair bit of the pacing so I was fairly comfortable in the peloton
I did a fair bit of the pacing so I was fairly comfortable in the peloton
Did you get a chance to eat or drink anything during the race? Also, what did you eat for breakfast before the race?
During race, drank water and ate 2 muesli cookies. Breakfast before race was porridge and raising toast. On the drive to Ballan, I had a muffin with jam that mum toasted and wrapped in foil before we left.
During race, drank water and ate 2 muesli cookies. Breakfast before race was porridge and raising toast. On the drive to Ballan, I had a muffin with jam that mum toasted and wrapped in foil before we left.
Were there many attacks towards the end?
In the last 3 km’s to prepare for the sprint. I did one attack in the last 3km’s and there were 2 or 3 more
In the last 3 km’s to prepare for the sprint. I did one attack in the last 3km’s and there were 2 or 3 more
Can you explain what happened in the final km? Where were you positioned?
I tried one last attack coming into the last km and got out about 20m but then I was picked back up by the peloton. Was positioned 2nd coming into the last corner before the final sprint. Dropped back to 5th wheel with about 500m to go and held the wheel until about 100m to go where I was sitting in about 3rd. Came out from the wheel and sprinted as hard as I could and was surprised that I was passing 1st and 2nd.
I tried one last attack coming into the last km and got out about 20m but then I was picked back up by the peloton. Was positioned 2nd coming into the last corner before the final sprint. Dropped back to 5th wheel with about 500m to go and held the wheel until about 100m to go where I was sitting in about 3rd. Came out from the wheel and sprinted as hard as I could and was surprised that I was passing 1st and 2nd.
Finishing sprint
What did it feel like to cross the line first? Did you know you had won or was it too close to tell?
I wasn’t expecting a win at the start of the race. I was amazed that I crossed the line first after starting the sprint from about 5th wheel. Won by about half a bike length on the line and I couldn’t believe that I actually won. Didn’t do whole sprint out of my seat as my legs started going really fast so I sat down and just pushed as hard as I could.
Again congratulations Steve. A very deserving victory.
