2nd Giro della Romagna Donne - 1.9.2

Italy, September 28, 2003

Results

Australians dominate in pre-Worlds hit-out

In the last major race prior to the World Championships, many of the world's leading female riders had their last opportunity to assess their form. Riders such as 2003 World Cup victor Nicole Cooke and leading dutch rider Mirjam Melchers were in the field, as well as a very strong representation of Australian riders.

At 45km to go, a quality group of six went clear including Cooke, Melchers, Italian Vera Carrara and Australian riders Olivia Gollan and Oenone Wood. With 1.5km to go, Gollan put in a major attack and held off the chasers, finishing 50 metres clear to take the win. Her team-mate Oenone Wood won the sprint for second with Cooke in third, Carrara fourth and Melchers in sixth.

Another Australian, Alison Wright, won the bunch kick as the peloton followed in over three minutes later.

Results

1 Olivia Gollan (Aus) A.I.S. Australia         2.59.02
2 Oenone Wood (Aus) A.I.S. Australia              0.03
3 Nicole Cooke (Gbr) Ausra Gradis
4 Mirjiam Melchers (Ned) Farm Frites
5 Vera Carrara (Ita) Ceramiche Pagnoncelli
6 Tatiana Guderzo (Ita) Top Girls
7 Katia Longhin (Ita) Acca Due O Pasta Zara       3.04
8 Alison Wright (Aus) Nobili-Road Runner

14 Katie Mactier (Aus) A.I.S. Australia
22 Sara Carrigan (Aus) BIK Power Plate
40 Margaret Hemsley (Aus) A.I.S. Australia        4.06