| |
|
|
| |
Mitchelton Bay Cycling
Classic
Women's Preview |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Defending champion Chloe Hosking
is back but will only ride 2 stages so a defence of her title
is unlikely. Orica-AIS bring a strong
squad with local High5 Dream Team bringing a powerful line up
headlined by reigning Australian criterium champion Kimberley
Wells. Valentina Scandolara and Julie Leth add international
flavour to the field.
2015 Recap
Stage 1 - Chloe Hosking
Stage 2 - Gracie Elvin (solo win)
Stage 3 - Peta Mullens (solo win)
Stage 4 - Giorgia Bronzini
General Classification
1 Chloe HOSKING (Wiggle Down Under) 34
2 Lauren KITCHEN (Roxsolt) 29
3 Elizabeth WILLIAMS (Orica-AIS) 26
4 Giorgia BRONZINI (Wiggle Down Under) 24
5 Gracie ELVIN (Orica-AIS) 24
6 Peta MULLENS 19
7 Kimberley WELLS (Roxsolt) 14
8 Miranda GRIFFITHS (Holden Women's Cycling) 13
9 Loes GUNNEWIJK (Orica-AIS) 12
10 Emily COLLINS (SUVELO Racing) 10
The Stages
Stage 1 - January 1: Ritchie Bvld, Geelong
Stage 2 - January 2: Eastern Gardens, Geelong
Stage 3 - January 3: Portarlington
Stage 4 - January 4: Williamstown
The Contenders
Full start list available
here
Chloe Hosking
Hosking is back looking to defend her title but unlike last
year when she was backed by the strong Wiggle squad she is
entered as an individual rider. One of the worlds leading
sprinters but comes in having missed the second half of last
season with injury.
Without team support will have to be careful the likes of
Orica-AIS and High5 don't make a move without her as she has
no team to call to chase dangerous moves down.
Update: 1/1/15 - Hosking will only ride 2 stages meaning the
overall victory is unlikely.
Orica-AIS
Orica-AIS bring a strong team with a number of fast finishers
but are without an out and out sprinter. Expect them to be
aggressive to try and prevent a big bunch sprint. Lizzie
Williams finished in the top six of every stage last year and
with a full year of experience in Europe behind her will be
looking for a win this year.
2014 Australian Criterium Champion Sarah Roy is another option
for the team in a sprint. Packs a quick finish and after
missing the Australian summer last year with illness will be
looking to start on a strong note.
Expect Gracie Elvin to go on the attack to try and replicate
her solo stage win and with Amanda Spratt and Chloe McConville
they have the most credentialed and strongest team in the
race.
Kimberley Wells and High5 Dream Team
Reigning criterium national champion Kimberley Wells leads a
strong High5 squad. Wells a criterium specialist should be on
good form with the Criterium National Championships. Raced in
Europe in the second half of the year picking up the win at
Trophée d'Or Féminin.
Wells can count on strong support from Kendelle Hodges, Tessa
Fabry, Jessica Allen and Jessica Mundy they have a strong
leadout. If the race is together heading in to the final laps
expect to see High5 take to the front and control things for
Wells.
Peta Mullens
Australian road race champion Peta Mullens will be looking to
start 2016 on a strong note. Claimed a solo stage win on day
three last year before going on to take the Australian title a
week later. Packs a strong finish but isn't a pure sprinter
and will likely want to go on the attack. Riding as an
individual so is without team support and is likely here as
training as she looks to Road Nationals.
Ale Cycling
At four riders Ale have a small team but one with several
options. Valentina Scandolara is known for her attacking style
of racing so expect to see her on the attack countless times.
She also packs a fast finish so will be in the mix in a
sprint. Australian under 23 criterium and road race champion
Shannon Malseed is another name to watch. Racing with
Scandolara will be important for her development and she packs
a strong finish as well.
Japan
Sakura Tsukagoshi, Minami Uwano, Kisato Nakamura and Kisato
Nakamura have all been racing the Tasmanian Christmas
Carnivals taking it to the likes of Annette Edmondson, Georgia
Baker and Lauren Perry. A bigger field here but it will be
worth watching them.
Keep an eye out on talented junior Ruby Roseman-Gannon. A
strong pursuiter and comes in from impressive performances at
the Omnium and Madison National Championships.
|
|
|
|