NEWS FOR AUGUST 2003

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NICOLE COOKE WINS GP PLOUAY

Nicole wins her third World Cup of the Year. Picture from Tony Collins (liz.tony@btinternet.com)

Commonwealth Games Road Champion, Nicole Cooke from Wales, is within touching distance of becoming the first British rider to win the Womens Road World Cup series after yet another World beating performance in France this weekend. Despite having suffered serious injuries and a subsequent layoff because of it, Nicole's ability to prepare herself in training to perform at the highest level saw her more than ready to withstand the competition from the Worlds best. It was her third win in the UCI Womens World Road Cup series, a performance not seen by a British rider before.

The winning move in the race came on the final lap when a leading group of riders split and Nicole made no mistake in the finish, using her power and speed to best advantage to take a glorious victory. Speaking on her excellent website, NicoleCooke.com, she says ""I'm so happy. It really was fantastic, it's a dream. My team worked so hard and when it came to it I did my bit. If I'm honest I was a bit apprehensive coming into this race because I knew I wasn't 100%." For anyone wanting to leave a message of support for Nicole, you can by going to the Support Centre on her website.

The Great Britain Womens team was also riding with British Time Trial Champion Frances Newstead the teams top finisher in 30th position in a large group, 1 minute 21 behind Nicole. Also in that group was Rachel Heal in 35th position. Both riders had just travelled from the National Track Championships where they both won medals in the Pursuit event. A special mention to a young rider, Catherine Hare riding her first World Cup, finishing 58th, only 1.57 behind Nicole.

Results 
 1.  Nicole Cooke (Wales)    Ausra Gruodis   2.59.45
 2. Judith Arndt (Ger)
 3. Mirjam Melchers (Hol)

GREAT BRITAIN                     
30. Frances Newstead (GBr)       1.21
35. Rachel Heal (GBr)
49. Charlotte Goldsmith (GBr)    1.29
58. Catherine Hare (GBr)         1.57

World Cup Standings 
 1. Nicole Cooke (Wales) Ausra Gruodis   282 pts