Tour of NZ

About 2 weeks before Tour of New Zealand i got a call asking to join the National NZ team to replace Alison Shanks. I was given the chance to join the team for experience and to learn as much as i could. This was by far the biggest race i had ever attended and said yes without question. So a day after Bev May tour i was on the plane on the way to Wellington. The team consisted of; Jo Kiesanowski, Rushlee Buchanan, Linda Villumson, Cath Cheatley, Kaytee Boyd and myself.

There were about 100 other riders from all over the world competing. The first 10km i was scared as hell, i wasn't used to people riding so close nor the amount of surging in the bunch. Then after about 10km i felt relaxed and alot more confident. About 3 quarters through the race we hit a 2km VERY steep hill, the Americans went from the start and the whole field completely broke up, into almost single file. Over the top i got into a bunch of about 10 and we caught the leading bunch of about 14. Our bunch of 24 stayed away for the rest of the race, containing all 6 of the NZ team. However USA and the Ausies were too strong at the finish, but Jo finishing 4th.

The next 3 races consisted of 2 road races and a short time trial. The team went well for all of these with Linda Villumson and Rushlee Buchanan in the top 10 and everyone else in the top 21. Also Cath pulled out after the first stage due to major knee issues.

The fifth stage was by far the most exciting. The peleton shrunk to about 40 after the hills and various attacks on the flat. With about 20km to go Jo and Rushlee got in a break away of about 5, But unfortunately got caught in the last 500m, having no legs left they both finished in the bunch with Kaytee finishing 4th.

Coming into the last stage, the criterium, all the NZ team were in the top 21. With Linda 6th and Rushlee 10th. This was the hardest race i have ever been in. From the start the pressure was on, with the Americans driving the pace. I learnt that in a criterium like that it is very important to be at the front, where i was not. Over 3 quarters of the bunch got pulled out of the race, including myself. Therefore being a race between 20, including Jo and Linda. With Jo achieving 3rd place at the end.

Overall I learnt so much from these races and enjoyed every moment of it. The team was so inviting and taught me heaps!