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Last year Gracie Elvin doubled up
winning for the second year in a row. Elvin is back looking to
complete the hat trick and become the second women to do it
after Kathy Watt between 1992-1994.
2014 Results
1 Gracie ELVIN (ACT)
2 Lauren KITCHEN (NSW) +0
3 Katrin GARFOOT (QLD) +0
4 Tiffany CROMWELL (SA) +0
5 Amanda SPRATT (NSW) +0
6 Emily ROPER (QLD) +0
7 Miranda GRIFFITHS (VIC) +0
8 Jenelle CROOKS (QLD) +0
9 Shara GILLOW (QLD) +3
10 Joanne HOGAN (VIC) +16
11 Lizzie WILLIAMS (VIC) +50
12 Samantha DE RITER (VIC) +50
13 Felicity WARDLAW (VIC) +50
14 Taryn HEATHER (VIC) +50
15 Peta MULLENS (VIC) +50
Past Winners
2014 Gracie Elvin
2013 Gracie Elvin
2012 Amanda Spratt
2011 Alexis Rhodes
2010 Ruth Corset
2009 Carla Ryan
2008 Oenone Wood
2007 Katie Mactier
2006 Katherine Bates
2005 Lorian Graham
2004 Oenone Wood
2003 Olivia Gollan
2002 Margaret Hemsley
2001 Katie Mactier
2000 Anna Millward
The Route
10 laps of the 10.2km course around Buninyong. The infamous
climb of Mount Buninyong Road is the main feature on each lap,
topping out after around 2.5km in to the lap.
The Contenders
Full start list available
here
Gracie Elvin
Elvin is fast becoming the Queen of Mount Buninyong after
taking the win the past two years. Elvin is a puncheur and the
course is ideally suited to her. Not always the strongest but
a fighter who will never give up. Dropped on the last lap in
2014 but clawed her way back to convincingly win the sprint
and defend her title. For Orica-AIS it is the team that
matters and they have other cards to play. With only three
teammates the team is not as strong as it has been in past
years.
On stage two of the Bay Crits, Elvin went solo with nearly 30
minutes to go. Her form is good and will be hard to beat.
Orica-AIS
Gracie Elvin may be the favourite but there are other options,
despite just having three riders this year. The loss of Katrin
Garfoot to injury is a big blow as the course is perfect for
her. Amanda Spratt is a
former winner and after a difficult 2014 with injury will be
looking to start off on a strong note. Lizzie Williams is yet
another option for the team who climbs well on the shorter
climbs and packs a quick sprint. The team wants to win and
ensure they earn a fourth title in a row. Who it comes from is
not a major concern.
Tiffany Cromwell
The top ranked Australian on the UCI rankings has been chasing
the Australian title for a number of years. 2014 saw Cromwell
step up but a win eluded her despite numerous top 5 finishes
including at the World Championships. Has support from Loren
Rowney but will be outgunned by Orica-AIS. Few in the field
can out climb her and she has been working on her sprint
making her dangerous especially from a small group. Was very
quiet at the Bay Crits but is likely happy to sit under the
radar before her first big goal of the season.
Lauren Kitchen
Kitchen started 2014 on a strong note finishing second behind
Elvin on the hilly Buninyong course. A quiet year in Europe
mostly playing a support role but has timed her form to
perfection. Kitchen was in fine from spirnting to second and
overall at the Bay Crits behind Chloe Hosking. If Kitchen can again navigate the hilly course could
take the win with her fast finish.
Ruth Corset
Corset is a former winner back in 2010 and has spent time
racing in Europe. With a young family Corset now spends her
time racing domestically and dominated the national road
series. A strong climber who has a reasonably quick finish
should be in contention but her lack of racing in a field of
this level could be a disadvantage.
Ellen Skerritt
A name that might be unfamiliar to many but after an illness
impacted 2013 season and missing the National Championships
last year Skerritt bounced back in the second half of the 2014
NRS season. Skerritt is eligible for the under 23 title but in
fact could be the big surprise and take out the elite title.
One of the best on the climb and has a decent finish but wont
be able to match any of the bigger names in the field in a
sprint. Don’t be surprised to see Skerritt attack on the final
climb and try to solo to the win.
Carlee Taylor
Spent 2014 with Orica-AIS but returns to Lotto-Soudal as it is
now known for 2015. Last year played a support role but this
year has an opportunity to ride for herself. Taylor is one of
the most underrated riders in the peloton and the 2011 under
23 champion. A strong climber but lacks a quick finish, expect
to see her attack on the climb.
Rachel Neylan
World Championship silver medallist in 2012 Rachel Neylan has
had a difficult two seasons but is back ready to show off the
talent we saw two years ago. Very strong on the climbs and
Neylan will be looking to attack on the climb.
Miranda Griffiths
Finished seventh last year in the select group. One of the
strongest domestically when it comes to climbing but lacks a
quick finish to win from a group of the best in Australia.
Claimed a third consecutive Tour of Bright victory at the end
of 2014.
Shara Gillow
Gillow had a disappointing 2014 season including the loss of
her Australian time trial crown. A quiet season in Europe
followed where Gillow was unable to repeat her past
performances at the Giro Rosa. Lacks a quick finish but if she
can get away solo or as a group will be hard to bring back.
Rebecca Henderson
Henderson is best known as a mountain biker who claimed bronze
in the cross country at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Has
finished top 20 twice in the past in the elite ranks. In 2013
Henderson finished second in the under classification. Limited
experience on the road in a field of this caliber but could
surprise with a strong result.
Jo Hogan
Claimed silver in 2013 just behind Gracie Elvin in 2013 and
bronze in 2011. A strong all rounder and is very consistent at
Nationals after finishing top 10 the past five years.
Other names to watch: Loren Rowney, Jessie MacLean, Sam de
Riter, Bridie
O’Donnell, Lisa Jacobs, Tessa Fabry, Kendelle Hodges, Taryn Heather and
Peta Mullens.
Under 23
As mentioned earlier Ellen Skerritt is the stand out favourite
and could even challenge for the elite title. Defending
champion from the past two years Emily Roper is not back to
defend her title.
Jenelle Crooks is another who is strong on the climbs. Lost
her under 23 time trial title on Thursday so will be looking
for revenge. Jessica Mundy who finished third last year could
also challenge for the title.
Other names to watch include Alex Nicholls and Allison Rice. |
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