Germany, Netherlands and Belgium UCI Races - A Mechanics Perspective - bmwcycling
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29 Jun Germany, Netherlands and Belgium UCI Races – A Mechanics Perspective

Posted at 11:03h in Race Reports, Racing by

These races have been challenging, but also immensely rewarding. The first few races were really just about finding our feet, sorting a routine and sticking to it. The Lotto Thüringen UCI 2.1 tour was certainly mentally challenging for the girls, and physically exhausting too, for Jordan and I, that week was one flat out. Some days we were driving more than 2hrs to get to a stage, then 2hrs back, some days back to back. Then it was back to the motel to get bikes out of the van, clean, service and lube them. Then clean the van out, and load it back up. The girls definitely learnt how to race during that tour, bunch positioning was key to a successful tour.

The Salverda Omloop van de IJsseldelta UCI 1.2 race in the Netherlands was very different, crosswinds tore bunches to bits, and a very unlucky crash to Niamh meant her day was over. In terms of a successful race, bunch positioning was absolutely key. Niamh did a great job, but unfortunately got blown off at the worst time!

The next day was another big one for the girls at Dwars Door De Westhoek UCI 1.1, crashes marred the race that day, with almost half the field going down in crashes. However, the girls rode smart till the end of the race. The crashes brought a new level of pressure to us in the convoy…how were we to deal with a rider in hospital and what was our plan to ensure most riders could still get home, but still putting most of out attention to Jenna. But we managed to sort out a plan, so all the girls got home safely, while Jordan went to check on Jenna. That was some great teamwork we can all be proud of that day.

SPAR Flanders UCI 1.1 was one of our best races as a team, they all rode very well, and even though we lost a rider to a crash again, and Emma had a major mechanical in the last 500m, all of the girls rode very smart, they should be proud of their racing. They were all looking out for Libby (team captain) and made sure she was in prime position and could grab a couple of bonus sprint points, along with Connie. Logistics was again very smooth, Jordan and I discussed a plan regarding visiting Alicia and it all went perfectly. Jordan and I have definitely got into the swing of things now, and yesterday was a great day out!! Seeing all of our riders finish (minus a crashed out Alicia) was a great feeling. I’m sure local races and skills sessions have helped the girls achieve this awesome result.

Contributed by Steffan Fuller (Team Mechanic)

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