Blogs
Sun, 4 Jul 2010
Onwards and upwards for Annie
By Annie Simpson - Horizon Fitness Racing Team
I am now back in Belgium for the rest of the summer, and my first race back was today in Steenokkerzeel. Driving to the race, we drove through a storm so I wasn't too enthused if it was going to carry on like that all day, but thankfully it dried up for our race. In the race from Horizon Fitness was Me, Alex, Britt, and Helen Wyman was also racing.
Before the race, I knew my aim was to at least see the front of the race, and try to attack to make the race as hard as possible. From the start I was at the front. Having such a class bunch riders like Britt and Alex around me, it really gave me confidence and I was happily moving around the bunch, but better than before.
The main break went with Alex and Helen in it. I was annoyed to have missed it, but I’m still getting used to spotting things like that in road races. Once they had gone, I knew I had to try to work in the bunch to help them. I confidently got myself up the front for the rest of the race. I was on the front, slowing the bunch and bringing back every attack to help the girls out front. I felt strong and confident in my riding, and even had a few digs off the front myself.
This race today has given me a lot of confidence in my bunch riding skills, positioning, and my ability to get up and off the front, which is a great progression for me. Onwards and upwards from here. The break stayed away, and Helen took a brilliant 3rd place. Alex did a great ride to say she has barely raced yet this year. Britt really helped me move around the bunch and put in a strong ride too. I just finished in the bunch after a bit of a spur of the moment attack on the last lap.
Tomorrow we are all going to watch the Tour de France in Brussels which will be really cool, then back to some hard training. The next race for me is on Thursday.
Annie
For more information about the Horizon Fitness Racing Team, visit www.onthedrops.com.