Wiggle High5 Pro Cycling’s youngest rider Grace Garner stepped onto the podium for the first time in a black and orange jersey as she picked up the Sprint Classification, in Race Melbourne, on the Australian Formula 1 motor racing circuit. The 19-year-old had been working hard in the race to lead out former double track World Champion Nettie Edmondson, but was able to take the opportunity herself as the race unfoldded.
Edmondson unfortunately clipped the barriers with around 400m to go, but was able to stay upright and sprint into fourth place, behind Kirsten Wild (Cylance Pro Cycling) former Wiggle High5 Pro Cycling teammate Chloe Hosking (Alé–Cipollini) and Lisa Brennauer (Canyon-SRAM).
“It wasn't intended that we went for me in the sprints,” Garner explained. “We were practising for Nettie but she wasn't in a good position so she shouted at me to go and I managed to get it
“Then we went for the second one as I was in good position to win the points classification and I had a problem with my gears but still just managed to get the overall which was great.”
“It's nice to be on the podium but we were going for the win at the end,” she added. “That was the big goal, but I think as a team we really moved forward and worked so much better as a unit.”
The 63.6km race, run over twelve laps of the 5.3km motor racing circuit, went off at an average of 43.3kph, meaning that it lasted far less than the expected hour and a half. Having wrapped up the Sprint Classification for herself, Garner then set about the task of leading out Edmondson in the finish, but the chaotic end to the race meant that the Australian was ultimately unable to compete for the victory.
“In the final it was chaotic and a bit hairy at points,” Garner explained. “Nettie caught her shoe and we had to go but we were in the wind on the left hand side so we were at a disadvantage. Nettie did well to get up to fourth. She did a good job and came from really far back too so it would have been impressive if she was well positioned I think!
“Nettie’s really got good legs in the sprint at the minute but I think we are still learning as a team,” Garner added. “We’re definitely moving forward though!”
Result
1. Kirsten Wild (Cylance Pro Cycling)
2. Chloe Hosking (Alé–Cipollini)
3. Lisa Brennauer (Canyon-SRAM)
4. Annette Edmondson (Wiggle High5 Pro Cycling)
