Colfontaine- Belgium-Podium!!!!

[cthomas]

My final race of the season was to have been the race in Colfontaine, Belgium.
I stood on the start line, not quite understanding what was going on. It turned out the Belgian National Champion was racing and she was being introduced. I thought her wheel would be the ideal one to sit on so as soon as we rolled out, I made sure she was around me. I attacked on lap 1 due to the pace being lower than I would have liked and was promptly told to ride with everyone for 15km by the National Champ so I had to sit back and wait. Sure enough after 15km, an attack went so I had to cover it. We were brought back after not too long when another went. This was to be the decisive attack. There were 4 of us- the Belgian National Champ, me, and 2 other strong riders. We all worked hard battling against the wind and avoiding speed bumps and drain covers. We stayed together for about 12 of the 13 laps until the National Chap told me that it was my time to get the Prime money. I went for the prime and she attacked!  I was rather too gullible. Then we were 3...At the last time check we were over 5 minutes ahead of the peleton and the other 2 riders said, "Should we wait?" I just rode hard away from them and they got the message....We rode together for the last windy lap and I took 2nd place in the sprint to take 3rd overall.

Some pictures:http://www.cyclingnews.nu/wedstrijdverslagen%20weg%202009/Dames%20Elite%202009/Colfontaine13-09-2009.htm#Dames

[gavinc]

Well done Claire, a very good result.  It must have satisfying to get on the podium after the 'no service' debacle of your last big race.   

[calumm]

Congratulations - such a well deserved result - and in a quality field.  I'm very impressed.

[El Barn Door]

Well done Claire. You had an awesome season and deserve every bit of success that you got.

Your a great credit to the club,Scottish and British Cycling.

Kevin.
RTTT Convenor.