WomensCycling.net - race coverage, Noosa Criterium

Arguably Australia’s top female rider, Rochelle Gilmore, won the 2007 Cannibal Women’s Criterium at Noosa yesterday in a controlled, powerhouse display before a hardy sun-loving crowd of 3000 fans.

Photo: Rochelle Gilmore wins the 2007 Cannibal Women's Noosa Grand Prix © Peter Ford (Cycle Sport News)

The women’s race, run in very warm conditions, attracted most of the top exponents of the sport currently racing in the country, including Lorian Graham and Gilmore’s team-mate Skye-lee Armstrong.

The pressure was applied right from the start with Clare Vlahopoulos attempting a break on the first lap, but she was quickly reined in, and there were very few opportunities for similar attacks throughout the race.

Photo: The Noosa podium

Both Armstrong and Graham were very conspicuous during the half hour of racing, as were the Hit Racing girls headed by Carly Hibbert and Nicole Whitburn.

However, it was the champion performer, Rochelle Gilmore who finally asserted her authority on the race, attacking in the final stages of the event, then easing off for a final “coup de grace” on the finish line.

Tasmania’s leading rider, Belinda Goss, rolled over the line in second place just ahead of Hit Racing’s Nicole Whitburn.

“It’s always hard to back up in these sort of events after coming off a tough European campaign” Rochelle told reporters after the race, “but you can’t really ignore important races like this. Even though you have come home for a rest.”

“To be able to ride in front of a large Australian crowd is very special for us. In Europe we do this every day, but to have this sort of support on home soil is fantastic. This race will only get bigger and bigger, which is great for women’s cycling”.

Photo: Lorian Graham leads the peleton

Rochelle Gilmore will now turn her attention towards preparing for the National Road Race Championships which will be held on the gruelling uphill Buninyong circuit, situated in Ballarat, Victoria.

The 2008 event is expected to attract a world class field female riders including Kate Bates, Sara Carrigan, Oenone Wood and Kathryn Watt.

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Results - Top 5

Rochelle Gilmore
Belinda Goss
Nicole Whitburn
Kirsty Broun
Skye-Lee Armstrong

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