Laws & Halfords in Charge
11.05.2008, Olveston Women's Road Race; Olveston, S Glos
Promoted By: Bristol Cycling Development Squad
Images: Gavin Percy; Report Jeff Coast
A British Cycling National Series Event
Related Links: Round 1, Cheshire Classic
LATEST: More pictures now added. Click the Gallery 4 button at the top of the page to view a selection of images from Dave O'Nyons.
REPORT
In the absence of Nicole Cooke (Team Halfords Bikehut) the race was predicted to be more of an open contest, especially with a strong presence from Agiskoviner, Swift RT and Team Luciano.
Virtually from the off, the Halfords Bikehut team went to the front and set a high tempo
In complete contrast to the conditions last year, the weather was very hot and the high temperatures soon began to take effect on the field. As in previous races it was the kilometre long ascent of Old Down Hill, which proved to be the real test and the location for the winning moves. On the very first climb, after just 9 kilometres, the field was split into two groups.
A bottle goes flying in the run-in, but the Halfords riders already have things sewn up
The leading group consisting of Jessica Allen, Catherine Hare, Sharon Laws, Jo Rowsell and Emma Trott (Team Halfords Bikehut), Julie Mann (Altura), Claire Thomas (Edinburgh RC), Jessica Booth (Halesowen CC), Charlotte Colclough (Private), Paula Moseley (Climb on Bikes), Rachel Osborn (Newport Shropshire CC), Charlotte Blackman (London Dynamo) and Jeanette Caldicott (Team Luciano), slowly increased the gap on the rest of the field, until after 4 laps it stood at over 3 minutes.
The rest of the field chases
The Halfords team then turned the screw even more, and on lap 5 Jo Rowsell started the move which resulted in her team demolishing the rest of the leading group and going on to take victory. The smooth operation of the Halfords team ensured that they would not be caught and time margin to the rest of the riders increased even more over the next 3 laps. On the final climb Sharon Laws proved to be too strong for her team mates. Only Jessica Allen was able to stay with her but she couldn't quite match Sharon's final burst to the line.
A muted celebration from Sharon Laws as she leads her team-mates in for a clean sweep of the top 5 places
The chasing group came in some 4 minutes later led by Rachel Osborn who narrowly outsprinted Charlotte Colclough to take 6th spot.
Results
1 Sharon Laws Team Halfords Bikehut 2.55.00
2 Jessica Allen Team Halfords Bikehut @ 2 secs
3 Jo Rowsell Team Halfords Bikehut @ 3 secs
4 Catherine Hare Team Halfords Bikehut @ 6 secs
5 Emma Trott Team Halfords Bikehut @ 8 secs
6 Rachel Osborn Newport Shropshire CC @ 4 mins
7 Charlotte Colclough8 Claire Thomas Edinburgh RC
9 Charlotte Blackman London Dynamo-Cyclefit
10 Jessica Booth Halesowen A & CC
11 Julie Mann Altura
12 Paula Moseley Climb on Bikes
13 Jeanette Caldicott Team Luciano-Kuota
14 Kate Fearnehough Surosa Cycles
15 Hannah Rich Pinarello RT
16 Eryn Nolan Dulwich Paragon
17 Rebecca Curley London Dynamo-Cyclefit
18 Marianne Britten VC St Raphael
19 Sarah Byrne Afford Rent A Car
20 Alice Monger-Godfrey Swift Racing Team
21 Gabriella Day Swift Racing Team
22 Louise Eden Seamons CC
23 Ella Sadler-Andrews Leisure Lakes
24 Michelle Buck Team Fat Birds
25 Jackie Garner Team Luciano-Kuota
26 Lisa Parsons Welland Valley CC
27 Cassie Gledhill Agiskoviner.com @ 1 lap
28 Hayley Edwards Halesowen A & CC
29 Laura Demery Bush Healthcare CRT
30 Caroline Chesterfield Devon & Cornwall Police CC
31 Edie Bassy Team Fat Birds
32 Susie Scorer XRT/Emly Cycles @ 2 laps
Highest placed team - Team Halfords Bikehut (Sharon Laws/Jessica Allen/Jo Rowsell)
Queen of the Mountains - Sharon Laws (Team Halfords Bikehut)
Highest placed 3rd cat - Paula Moseley (Climb on Bikes)
Highest placed 4th cat - Eryn Nolan (Dulwich Paragon)
Highest placed Junior - Jessica Booth (Halesowen A & CC)
Last but one rider to finish - Edie Bassy (Team Fat Birds)
