Jodie Batchelor
Jodie is the current Victorian Vets Criterium and Road champion in her age group. She has been racing for several years now and likes any event that involves sprinting and not too many hills. She initially used cycling as an important part of her rehabilitation from a mountaineering accident in New Zealand. She then got into racing as a replacement for martial arts in which she represented Australia and won Gold, Silver & Bronze medals in the Martial Arts World Games in 2000.
Jodie's race report from Southern Vets Tour
- By Jodie Batchelor
- Published 14-Jul-08
Southern Vet Tour (SVCC)
I have just finished my second tour, which was with my home club Southern Vets (SVCC). It was a 3 stage tour over 2 days. Although the courses were flat there was a lot of wind, which kept the bunch together and resulted in sprint finishes for each road race.
Stage 1 - 22km ITT
The start was delayed by 30 minutes due to a truck being on the circuit, which meant that I warmed up too early. Never mind I kept turning the legs and running to the bathroom due to all that nervous energy. I was riding a disc rear wheel for the first time on the road (I have ridden with it a few times on the track before) and a nice Corima carbon rim front wheel. Anyway, off I go and we start with a gentle rise. I look down and realise that I am not getting km's on my computer - damn, I should have checked with the change of wheels. I try to focus on my cadence, heart rate and the rider in front. I catch the rider in front at the first corner (6km) then head into the head wind. I can see the next rider in front and am catching but was nervous to go too hard given I did not know how far I had to go. Once I got about 1km from the finish I could see the road signs and people and knew that I had lots left in the tank - I lifted but it was too late. I finished 2nd for the stage by 2 seconds. Lesson - check all your gear!!
Stage 2 - 44km Road Race
The second stage was 2 laps of the ITT circuit. The bunch rolled out and we stuck together for the duration, there were a few moves off the front at times and I went with each of them, usually with 2 others - none were successful. We were coming around to about 6km from the finish and a big guy got on the front and set a great pace, lining us all out. I was second wheel and had a great sit. There was a kick for the line quite early with 3 riders, I jumped also but not too hard and gradually built the pace and reeled in the riders, the road opened on the right and I was able to sprint through for a win. I was elated. I left for the day leading the tour for my grade and having taken my first placings ever in the club for my grade that were not for the fastest woman.
Stage 3 - 72km Road Race
Day 2, and I felt good. The sun was out before the start and I change my clothing - bad move. Almost as soon as we started it clouded over and the wind during the race was strong and we got rain. We rolled around covering the km's like a social ride. I really wanted something a bit more exciting to happen but then I was the tour leader - everyone was watching me and as I was told before the start I had a big target on my back. Anyway there were a couple of rises in the road about 16km to go, I was still hoping for things to hot up. 2 km to go I am on the front, totally the wrong place to be, a nice guy in the group pulls forward so I can sit behind him. Then there is a kick 300m before the last corner, and about 800m from the finish. I go and chase, I got on but then he sat up about 300m from the line and I knew at that point I just pulled everyone up and blew my chances of winning the tour. I still tried and I held on for 4th place but learnt a lot. I did not need to chase, that rider had no points and the best scenario would have been for them to win the stage or have others chase and me try and out sprint them. Oh well.
I finished 2nd over all and although really happy with that, think about what could have been. I really enjoyed the tour and Southern held a great event, I hope next year the numbers increase and that I get to do it all over again. Thanks to my support crew - David and Lotto @ Cycling-Inform for the coaching.
