Emily Collins 4th in Noordeloos

SwaboLadies in Noordeloos

Race Report; Monday August 9th, 2010: Noordeloos (NL)

by: Emily Collins
fotografie: Anton Vos

After a very tough UCI race in the Holland Hills on Sunday, I fronted up for the Noordeloos Ronde yesterday afternoon feeling a bit stuffed! Noordeloos is only 15km from Oosterwijk where we are staying with Sofie and the Van Horik family so I was still very keen to race (it’s the only race on the calendar we can actually ride to from home)! We had a good line up of Swabo girls; Emily, Tracy, Miffy and Sofie. Nice to see lots of pink and white out there!! The race was around a very short/sharp 800meter circuit with a few cobbles here and there.

Surprisingly as soon as I got out there I felt great. The legs were going good and I was very set on getting a good result. It was a quick start and riders were dropping from the word go. I started attacking on the 4th or 5th lap and was consistent with this throughout the race – dead set on getting away in a break. Unfortunately I was unable to do so, but managed to push the pace enough to drop a lot of the field. I was up there for the prim’s – feeling good and sprinting well and managed to get a 2nd and 3rd. With about 10km to go I really went for it with another girl for about 4 laps. The bunch eventually reeled us in so I decided to stick in for the last 5k and focus on the sprint.

Coming into the last few laps I tried to focus on getting in a good position, however the bunch was very fast moving and on such a small circuit this proved a bit difficult. I managed to get right up there halfway through the last lap and was in a set spot for the sprint. Coming into the last straight I went ‘that bit’ too late and came in 4th place. I was happy with the way I rode – as I was aggressive and confident out there and am learning to take chances with getting away. I am however, very disappointed to have missed the podium. Was so very close!! Damn fourth place is a pain. The win went to Anna van der Breggen (WV De Noord-Westhoek).

Sofie had a good aggressive race also and was up there with the front bunch the whole way. She came in 12th. Was nice to see her crew of local fans out there supporting her and the Swabo girls! Thanks to Theo and Elles Van Horik and their family friends for giving us all a yell.
Mif and Tracy are still finding form but was great to have them out there. Team support is always good! We are now all off to Brasschat in Belgium today for another race. Hopefully the legs aren’t too weary! Has been a tough old week on the bike.

zie ook: uitslag 19e ronde van Noordeloos |