Cadel Evans Race 2017 – Women’s Preview
By David Hunter
Geelong – Geelong 113km
The riders face an unchanged race, as Amanda Spratt tries to retain her 2016 crown. They head out from Geelong, along the coast, then back to town. Aside from the wind, the main difficulties all come in the last 20km.
The 6 climbs near the end might not look like much, but the women will go charging up them, making it tough for most riders to hold on. The final climb, Hyland Road, is 500m at 5%. It is typical of the roads in Geelong, perfect for explosive puncheurs.
Tactics
Orica-Scott are the boss. We’ve had two races in the last few weeks, Garfoot won at nationals and Spratt took the TDU. Given the level these two are currently riding at, the team will be very hard to beat. Despite having these two brilliant riders, Orica do miss something, a sprinter.
That means we will see them ride an aggressive race, trying to put all the quick finishers into difficulty. It is a tactic that has worked already this winter/summer, especially as Garfoot and Spratt can rotate who attacks.
The other teams will have to play a very clever race. There are a couple of riders who could challenge Garfoot and Spratt, but getting them in the winning move will be very hard. The best of the rest should be Ale-Cipollini, as they have three riders in good form. The Italian team can also play the card of working for Chloe Hosking and refusing to cooperate with Orica-Scott.
Contenders
Katrin Garfoot – the national champion is so strong just now. She didn’t perform well in Rio, due to illness, but responded well in Qatar, taking bronze in the ITT. Instead of taking a holiday, she continued at full gas from the Worlds until now, that is why she is flying. Due a long period of rest, she will be determined to take advantage of her form and win another bike race.
Amanda Spratt – lost to Garfoot in the nationals, but won the TDU. Spratty is a tremendous all rounder, good on the climbs and on the flat. Orica-Scott will not care which of their riders win, as long as one of them does! The defending champion would love to make it two in a row.
Chloe Hosking – climbing as well as I can remember. Won stage 3 of the TDU, a day that finished in Lyndoch and included two ascents of the Whispering Wall. She has hit some impressive early season form and is the best bet of all the sprinters to stay with the front group. Also in her favour is an impressive looking team.
Janneke Ensing – her 2nd place in the TDU seemed to take everyone by surprise. The Dutch women is a talented climber, particularly good on explosive climbs. That means this race will suit her very well. With Hosking and Carlee Taylor, she forms an impressive threesome, a group of riders that Orica-Scott will have to look out for.
Peta Mullens – her form hasn’t been as good as she would have liked, but she still has the best chance of the other competitors. A very disappointing 18th in nationals was followed up by a much improved 6th in the TDU. Mullens seems to be gathering a head of steam, do not discount her!
Video Preview
Here is the video preview I did with Carlee Taylor.
Prediction Time
Despite what my head is saying, I’m going with Chloe Hosking. I think the Ale-Cipollini girls will be able to hold the race together and Hosking will win from a small bunch sprint. Remember this race will be streamed live, do not miss it!
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