National Women's Team Series - Round 3
Windlesham - 22/06/2008

Report from Jon Miles

RACHEL MAKES THE DAY

Rachel Osborn - West Midlands - sprinted clear of the rest of the riders to win her first ever road race after instigating the break half through this Twickenham CC organised Women's Team Race Series event.

Held on the Windlesham circuit, with its unique finishing laps of their smaller Valley End course, the race was held in breezy conditions which were to affect some of the less fit although there was a high pace most of the race.

The first serious effort came with just 11 miles covered when Susannah Osborne - Surrey League went of the front but she was caught after a mile, two miles later another attack but again this was brought back. 19 miles covered and Michele Buck - Fat Birds CC, attacked but hers was short-lived as well.

Then an Agiskoviner rider attacks but none were to survive until with 24 miles under the wheels Rachel attacked; this cause an immediate split in the bunch as Dorchie Cockerell - Twickenham CC, Rebecca Curley - Surrey League, Sarah Cramoysan, Jeanette Caldicott - Team Luciano and Joanne McRae tagged onto the back of Rachel Osborn and the action was on.

Slowly at first the metres eked out until the gap was 200 metres, then 300 metres - then the break was really gone from sight in the twisting lanes; rapidly they gained nearly 4 minutes as the bunch resigned themselves, although urged on by Jayne Paine - Twickenham CC on occasions, looking for the minor placings.

Into the final 1 kilometre and Dorchie Cockerell attacked and she was closely followed by Osborn until at the yellow flag Osborn came cleanly around her to record a notable win.

After the prize presentation winner Rachel Osborn said "It was a good race, well marshalled; I only started racing last year although before that I had done some mountain biking but it was while I was writing my thesis that a brought a proper bike. The break rode well today with all of the riders working which is why we had such a large gap at the finish".

Lisa West and the rest of the Twickenham club worked hard to put this race on in place of a cancelled event and congratulations must go to them all.

Official Photo Gallery

Some additional photos taken by Dave Humphries

For more information regarding the Women's National Team Series please visit the Team Series website.