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The comeback track: The Marion Clignet Journal 2003
French track legend Marion Clignet retired from racing in 2000, intending to become active as an advocate for women's sport. But after two years off the bike, and perhaps inspired by the other female champions she's encountered while working as a presenter for French TV, Clignet is returning to the velodrome in a determined comeback. Follow her progress on Cyclingnews as she works to make her way back to the top.
May 19: Sydney World Cup
Scheduling snafus & young blood
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After coming in second in the points race, and no easy effort I may add, I knew my pursuit was probably going to suffer a bit. Why? Because the points race was on Friday night and the pursuit first thing Saturday morning, so several competitors who should be able to race both decided to just pick one. The ideal situation would be pursuit heats Friday morning with the finals Friday evening and the points race Saturday evening.
In any case Sarah Ulmer blazed once again to an awesome 3.35 in the heats riding a very smooth pace as always. Diana Ziliute followed with a 3.40 after starting out on fire and coming to a slower finish. As for moi, it's coming back but as I am learning you don't just hop back on your bike and crank out the 3.30's like you used too.
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The scratch race was marked by Sarah's awesome pull to the front with three to go being passed only at the end by young Victoria Pendleton from the UK and Australia's blazing Rochelle Gilmore who hopped off her bike to help Australia win the women's team sprint immediately after her second place ride.
Now it's 22 hours back to France which will get me in tomorrow afternoon at around 15.00. In one week we'll have flown 45 hours and raced three days - yeehah!
It was good to see a lot of new faces at these races; it means that some of the countries are recruiting and forming young racers for the next generation. Wish I could say the same for all of the countries!
Cheers!
Marion
