Back on track: The Marion Clignet Journal 2004

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 returned to the velodrome in 2003 to the velodrome in a determined comeback. After a solid year building a foundation, Marion's back competing at thehighest level in 2004.

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World Track Championships - CM, Melbourne, Australia, May 26-30, 2004

Marion's mumbles from Melbourne

Waddya doin in my lane mate?

Awright, so Day 1 was excusable. Rode out of the Dunc Gray Velodrome in the right lane with some of the Frogs screaming left!, left! behind me. Since they're always whingin' about something, I really didn't give it a thought and continued to plod along deep in my own thoughts on a 53-15, should I try the 54, and wow these bikes are fast, so maybe it's the bike, etc.

I suddenly, or perhaps finally is more suitable, looked where I was going when I realized I was about to become the hood ornament on an oncoming pick-up truck. Yeehaw! Sister! Wake up, uh hello? We ride on the left here! Oh yeah.

So, it's Day 3 and it's not getting much better. Rode out of the velodrome today OK, a little better. I rode out diagonally from right - then I remembered and crossed over - to left. Made it home without a scratch, but can't seem to get used to it. Could it be my, uh, young age?

Later in Melbourne...

Wanted to start my day with a good laugh so I got online to read Matt Wilson's account of stopping to wait for Brad Macca at the Giro while Brad, uh, tended to business. Well-told, and off I went giggling all the way.

And this morning - I've only been here 15 days now! - I stopped at what I thought was a light for me... I kept hearing this irritating bell ringing like it was ringing at me and of course neuronally dysfunctional that I am, I only thought to look left and not right or down for that matter. I was stopped at the proper light but also in the middle of the tram track that was patiently waiting and ringing its bell to politely tell me to get the f&#$ out of the way... so I smiled, giggled actually, and continued on my merry way with Spiderbait playing full tilt in my ears.

The IP: It's about time Ulmer!

All I can say is IT'S ABOUT TIME ULMER! How awesome and it couldn't happen to a nicer gal. As for moi, bad day, dunno what else to say. Can always say I should have ridden this or that time. In training, I'm on a 3.35-36 schedule consistently, but today I wasn't, didn't and by the looks of it, won't be at the Games unless...

More to come,
Marion

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