The race started smoothly with not too many problems but coming down the hill for the first lap we were told to slow down and take care. There had been a big crash in the mens pack and still around ten to fifteen skaters on the side of the road plus gravel and stones everywhere. It looked really bad and I wish all the skaters involved a speedy recovery.
Some of the teams changed their tactics this week in an attempt not to let the race finish in a pack sprint. The Alessi team made quiet a few attacks but everyone was quick to jump on them including me. With a few little sharp hills, the heat and rough roads there were quiet a few girls hanging off the back of the pack throughout the race. The race still came down to sprint finish with about 25 skaters left in the pack.
The road narrowed to one lane with about 2km to go which meant you could only skate two abreast. Most of the teams wanted to be near the front including us so we were constantly chopping and changing to get on the right train that was moving through. With about 300 meters to go Giovanna Turchiarelli hit the lead. Tamara towed our team up equal to Giovanna but couldn't quiet get past she then moved over so Alexandra could come through. After a few meters Alexandra moved to the outside so Cecilia and myself had space to move up the inside. With 200 meters to go I ended up being slung by two hands from the hip and then slung from my skin suit as the skater was coming off me. I lost all my speed and went from being behind Cecilia in about 4th to 25th in the space of a few meters. Cecilia hit the lead not long after this and took the victory comfortably. Alexandra came in 10th, Tamara 17th and myself crossing the line in 22nd but moving up to 21st after the skater that slung me was relegated.
Womens sprint with 200 meters to go.Photo - Nadine Benz juka linthline
Womens FinishPhoto - Niki Neck
Womens PodiumPhoto - Niki Neck
No comments:
Post a Comment