The inaugural is fast approaching. It's time to get to know the riders who will make up the Scotland Team as they prepare to race around the county across three stages from the 9 - 11th August. First up it's recently crowned Scottish National Road Race Champion Jennifer George.
How did you get into bike racing? Can you describe your first racing experience?
JG: My cycling habit/obsession sadly only started at the end of 2012 when my husband and I decided we wanted a challenge for 2013 and that was to Ride the Etape Du Tour 100th Anniversary. We did many training rides, building up distance each time. We did some crazy sportives in the UK and joined a cycling club (Dulwich Paragon CC). During the lead-up and after the event I was told on multiple occasions “you should race”, but I was at that point happy to ride a lot and keep up with the boys. Eventually the women’s secretary (Charly Roberge) for the club literally dragged me to a race at Preston Park track.
Nerves were not the thing that day as I was blissfully unaware of what I was about to do! It was more the fear of not knowing what to do, where to sign-on, what I was supposed to be doing pre-race and being the only beginner. Luckily Charly was there to keep me right.
The field was small and the course an oval; with no corners to be concerned about. Everyone racing was keen to keep the pace up and take turns; I wrongly assumed that every race would be like this! I remember thinking that I was struggling with the constant pace and concentration. However, as it came to the last lap my brain said, “you got this”, and I went for it and sprinted the final lap to take the win, meanwhile Charly did an amazing job blocking.
The other main riders in that race became good friends and we raced a lot of races together as unofficial teammates in Pheonix and Dulwich Paragon jerseys in 2014.
Congratulations on your recent win at the Scottish National Women’s Road Race Championship. How was the race and how does it feel to retain your title for a second year?
JG: I’m thrilled to retain the title for a second year. The race was very tactical from my side. After a lap it was apparent that the field was overall a lot stronger than last year; It was going to take a lot of energy to get a successful breakaway. There also seemed to be other riders keen to break the race up. I tried a few attacks but my wheel was marked so I decided to let everyone else attack and chase each other which meant that rather than there being a break it was more like attrition. As we hit the final lap; there were lots of suggestions from bystanders shouting at various riders and the theme was; “Make it Hard”. At which point Anna Shackley attacked on the main climb and I went with her, taking the lead as we went over the top to keep the pace up on the descent. Unfortunately, not everyone was up for keeping the break that formed alive so the pace slowed and it came back together before the turn towards the dam. With 10 riders in the bunch I decided to hit the bottom of the ascent to the dam hard. Fully expecting Anna to attack over me, I kept enough energy to be able to go with her and she led up the climb with Beth on my wheel and leaving the rest of the bunch in our wake.
As we hit the top I was patient which is rare for me! I knew I needed to wait till we were 1/3 of the way along the dam before I opened up the sprint. Which is what I did!
With the Women’s Tour of Scotland fast approaching, what are you doing to prepare for this race?
JG: I’m racing a fair amount in preparation which always helps my top-end. I have also recce’ed all the routes and will reduce the volume I am riding tapering towards Stage 1. The other things I am doing are regarding my equipment; making sure my bike is working well and that I have a spare bike in good condition if there is an issue. I’ve replaced my cleats and put new tyres on my tubeless wheels.
What would you say are your strengths as a rider and are there any parts of the course in particular that you think will suit you?
JG: At the Women's Tour of Scotland, the team plans and what part I am assigned within that will dictate how I ride in order to execute my job. I’m a punchy rider so the shorter steep climb suit me, I can also sprint.
With the race going over three days, how will you recover after each stage and prepare for the next?
JG: As much sleep as I can leading up to the race, lots of good clean food. Post race carb/protein shakes and post race meals. I believe we may even get a massage which will be a treat! During the stages I will also fuel with the next day in mind.
How does it feel to be part of the Scotland Team alongside Olympian Katie Archibald?
JG: I’ve raced in the peloton on many occasions with Katie but never as her teammate. It’s a nice feeling to not be marking her and rather be helping her! Excited to be in this position for once!
Wearing the Team Scotland kit for the first time is really special and what better race to be doing it at?!
Finally, what advice would you offer other women who are interested in getting into bike racing?
JG: Join a club that cater for women and has other women that race. Go to some race training and get to know other riders in the same mindset. Get your race licence and enter a local race. Remember to take someone with you that has some experience or at the very least a friendly face to help you.
Good luck to Jen as she takes on the Women's Tour of Scotland.
The inaugural Women's Tour of Scotland will take place across three stages from the 9th to the 11th August 2019. Find out more information HERE.
