On Saturday 18th Oct I competed in the Herald Sun Tour - Lygon St Masters Race hosted by Southern Vets. It was a tough day, partly due to the heat (max on my Polar was 35 degrees during my race) and wind, but also due to the grade I was in. I had my first C grade race at this event. Unfortunately the entries were down for the lower grades so they needed to combine C & D grade into C and riders normally below D were grouped into D grade. This also ensured less bunches on a tight circuit. I was the only woman in C grade for this race. I had tried to get dropped to D grade but my luck had run out!

I am not sure where I placed overall but I tried to keep up the front, however on about lap 4 or 5 when there was a huge acceleration I was not able to go with them. The group split and I was in about the 3rd bunch. We worked together and got onto the bunch ahead although once we got there the others that seemed to work with me dropped off. There were a lot of non-finishers. I was happy with my ride as I was able to finish and stay with some riders that frequently place in C grade, however I think for now a bit of more time in my regular D grade until I get a bit stronger and fitter. It was a big jump to C grade, particularly since 2 weeks prior to this event I was racing E grade and had only 2 starts in D grade.