The Tradies Ladies Head Skywards

21.11.11

The ladies of The Tradies Racing Squad have been busy in the weekend past, notching-up a successful attempt at the annual and feared Fitz Epic Cycling Challenge - a gruelling ride that covers some of the steepest hills in the Canberra region and covers a total of 3,800 vertical meters over 205 kilometres.

To give some sort of perspective, this is equivalent in height to 16.5 Black Mountains, and the same as riding from Canberra to Goulburn return. Ingrid, Lyn and Kate managed to complete this impressive feat in 9.5 hours, and received a well-earned break for a few days before getting back into training for their next race which sees them off to Byron Bay to participate in the anuual Rainbow Ride. Don't let the name mislead you, however, as the ride is one that will test even the strongest cyclists, and with the change in climate, and a total distance of 160km from start to finish, the girls will have their work cut out.

While the ladies headed upwards, rider Tom Behrens came crashing down to Earth when competing in the Scott 24-Hour MTB Champs as part of a 6-man team. His first time competing at a MTB event proved a painful initiation with Tom crashing down hard a number of times during the race. Undeterred by a deep cut to his knee, Tom fought on through injury to attempt another lap before coming down one last time and having to visit hospital to have the wounds on his elbows and knees stitched. The times that Tom did manage to post however were competitive, and he has vowed to persist and continue with his MTB racing.

The summer criterium series has also just begun, with The Tradies riders prominent in a number of grades and also having bolstered their ranks with new additions Kate Westmoreland and Sam Sautelle. Ingrid Kimber has bolted to a great start to the crit season, taking 1st and 3rd in consecutive weeks.