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Snerf's slant: The 2004 Nicole Freedman Diary
Sprinter, 2000 Olympian and a founder of the Basis women's team, Nicole Freedman - known as Snerf to her friends - is one of the US circuit's great characters. Her goal for 2004 is to make the Olympic team for Israel and failing that "to see one of my developmental teammates win their first NRC race and subsequently take all their prize money."
"We got fourth!"
April 25, 2004: The Tour de Berne
The Tour de Berne proved the most successful event of the Spring for the Basis-Aude international squad. We did not get lost once getting to the start, which was upwards of 6km from our hotel.
The Tour de Berne is a 1.9.1 race, a slightly lower rating than the World Cups in which we have been competing. We were relieved. This field featured 178 riders instead of the usual 179 racers.
Fresh off winning her World Cup Track Qualifier, Marion led the team to its first Top 4.37 finish. With three racers off the front, Nicole off the back, and 1km to go in the race, Marion attacked. Fortunately she did not hurt anyone.
Marion soloed to the finish for fourth place. A full team effort, the rest of our Basis-Aude teammate, cheered, "Go Marion", as we calculated our split of the prize money.
When in Europe act like a European. To celebrate, we fittingly decided to start a riot. How better to share our happiness with the world than by sabotaging private property, fighting and screaming in the streets. "We got 4th, We got 4th," we hollered as rocks were launched into overturned cars. "Tour de What"... "Women's what biking?" we were asked by the crowds who joined in.
Back to the USA,
Nicole
