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Last year Felicity Wardlaw broke
Shara Gillow's run in what was one of the three upsets in the
time trials in 2014. Pre race favourite and Commonwealth
bronze medallist Katrin Garfoot has withdrawn due to injury.
2014 Results
1 Felicity WARDLAW
2 Shara GILLOW +32.2
3 Bridie O'DONNELL +37.1
4 Katrin GARFOOT +38.2
5 Tiffany CROMWELL +54.8
6 Gracie ELVIN +1:02.5
7 Amanda SPRATT +1:46.0
8 Taryn HEATHER +1:53.6
9 Lauren KITCHEN +2:43.8
10 Louisa LOBIGS +2:52.7
Under 23 Podium
1 Jenelle CROOKS +3:09.5
2 Emily ROPER +3:12.6
3 Jessica ALLEN +3:47.2
The Route
A new course for 2015 sees riders compete on a 29.3km
undulating course. There is not one flat kilometre, which
should make it interesting.
The Contenders
Full Start List available
here
Felicity Wardlaw
After dominating time trials domestically Wardlaw caused an
upset beating Shara Gillow in 2014 by over half a second. A
lack of time trials in Europe in 2014 saw few opportunities
for Wardlaw to show herself and missed selection for the
Commonwealth Games and World Championships. Her strength
against the clock is well known but the course this year with
the constantly changing undulation suits her less. Expect a
strong showing but winning again will not be easy.
Shara Gillow
Gillow missed out on a fourth national title in a row, when a
flying Wardlaw took a commanding win in 2014. Gillow quickly
turned it around a month later when she dominated the Oceania
Championships. Gillow had a difficult season far from her best
and only managed sixth at the Commonwealth Games. An injury
saw Gillow miss the World Championships and end her season
early. The undulating terrain suits Gillow who will be looking
to regain her crown.
Taryn Heather
The 2013 Oceania Champion had a strong season in Europe,
including finishing third at the Nagrada Ljubljane TT and
helping Bigla to seventh at the World Championships in the
TTT. Finished second in both 2011 and 2012, if Heather can
re-find that form could again be contending for the medals.
Bridie O'Donnell
The 2008 winner is now 40, but still highly competitive.
Silver in 2010 and bronze in 2012 and 2014. With a long list
of younger riders advancing through the ranks repeating her
past podium performances could be difficult. Don't discount
O'Donnell though, she has experience on her side and her
bronze last year shows age doesn't matter.
Ellen Skerritt (U23)
Mostly known as a climber but since her mid 2014 season return
from illness and injury Skerritt has proved to be one of the
best all rounders in Australia. Only 20 and a genuine
contender for the under 23 title but Skerritt could also find
her way on to the elite podium. Fifth in the time trial at the
Tour of the King Valley before winning the race against the
clock at the National Capital Tour.
Janelle Crooks (U23)
Won the under 23 title last year by just three seconds ahead
of Emily Roper who finished fourth at the Junior World
Championships in 2012. Spent some time racing in Europe last
season with the national team with her best result 19th
overall at Internationale Thüringen Rundfahrt der Frauen.
Strong against the clock and will again be competing for the
under 23 title. |
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