03/09/03 Well Nicole, You finally did it!!! Proving any doubters wrong that Welsh
cycling is on the up.....
I'm so glad that you got over the two falls you had earlier in the season
and have managed to recover in time to claim the World Cup series before the
last races!!
I'm so happy for you, and look foreward to see that World cup jersey flying
over the Rhigos and Bwlch roads during the off season.
Congrats again, here goes the Worlds eh!

ian

02/09/03 brilliantly done in the world cup, I just hope that your achievements gain the recognition they deserve on British television, even more than a passing mention on the BBC sports review of the year particularly in the light of the recent 'disappointing' world athletics champs, would not hold your breath though.
We have another British cycling world beater, well done

Martin Gibson

02/09/03 Congratulations on your World Cup Win and good luck in Canada in October. Look forward to seeing you on your return home. Love from everyone in Wick.

pauline

02/09/03 Congratulatons on a great season! It's great to see a Welsh girl doing so well! Good luck for the tour of Holland, and the world championships!

Excellent website too - thank you.

gwyneth

02/09/03 Glad to hear you missed the crash in the first day in the Netherlands. Hope the leg doesn't give you too much gip and heals fast.

Good luck to you and the rest of the team for all your up and coming races.

elaina

02/09/03 Well done on your World cup win
I had the pleasure and honour to ride for Wales in Ireland this year.
Remember me when I was nine, you broke my little finger playing rounders !!!! I am now 15 not much bigger.
Yourss in sport

swifty (yorkshire man!!)

02/09/03 we have just got back from a fortnights stay in Brittainy. The Highlite was seeing your Victory salute as you crossed the line at Plouay that really made the holiday for us. It was also great to meet your Dad and brother.
Good also to buy a copy of L'equipe this morning and read of your clinching the World Cup in Nurenburg.
Is another rainbow jersey possible? Hope so.

Reg and Carol Oakley

01/09/03 You continue to impress the world with your cycling ability. All at Maindy Flyers Youth Cycling Club send their best wishes and congratulations at your continued success. We look forward to seeing you back in Cardiff during the winter!

Maindy Flyers Youth Cycling Club

01/09/03Congratulations on your World Cup win Nicole, I think it's one of the most
awsome sporting performances by anyone, ever. Had to wait until this
morning to find out if you'd done it but it's been well worth the
wait. I'm pretty sure this won't be the only time you'll be receiving
messages like this so you'd better get used to it. My only gripe is why
you couldn't have been born in Wick, Scotland! All the very best and we'll
be rooting for you in the World Championships.

gary

01/09/03 What an incredible achievment Nicole you really are an impressive person. We are extremely proud of you and I hope you can relax a bit after all the hard work is over for the year. Finish it off with the World Championship road win ??? Enjoy it and I know your family will be thrilled. Looking forward to catching up with you when you have a quiet session back in UK.

Lee, rwww.wheelygoodcause.com Patron Nicole Cooke

31/08/03 Another plus to add to your Racing C.V.,another memory to tell your Grandchildren about !You are an extra-ordinary young woman and greatly under reported in our media.
I only discovered your web site this week,but I now have a Shortcut on my PC to your site,I will follow your career week by week ,try not to fall off too often.
Oh yes,if you could get your "live commentator " to spice up his/her reporting on the Web it would make more interesting reading......until such time as we can watch you live ???????
Well done Nicole.

Graham Smith.{Ex -Racing Cyclist,1948-54},

31/08/03 Not sure what position you got but I've been sat here at the computer all morning clicking on the refresh button. I'm sure if the computer had a mind of it's own it would be glad the race is over :-)

Wish I could have been there to watch, I've become a nervous reck waiting for news, especially in the last 5k.

Great ride, well done to you and your team.

Roll on Canada :-)

elaina

28/08/03 Super riding and best wishes to you girl - world champion and still a mere youth, you are such a star

buck

29/08/03 Another brilliant ride in Plouay. Well done to the best British cyclist,
male or female.

Tim Costello
The Hunter Springs Consultancy
e-Business Consultants

28/08/03 hey cooke !
congrats on plouay !! impressive !hope to see you out there again, .......very soon!

sara

27/08/03 Well done Nicole, you are a shining example to all young sportspeople. If only others in Wales had your dedication and profesionalism what a sporting Nation we could be.

Phil Jeremiah, Cwmparc

27/08/03 You are the most exciting rider to come from Britain, yet the media, as ever, gives scant publicity to your achievements over here. I accept that last year, the Welsh TV stations gave you a good profile before, during and after the Commonwealth Games, and that you got your award for being the most promising young sportstar...It is so frustrating that you are not yet a household name throughout the UK after your achievements. How is your profile in Europe? Is it, like Chris Boardman, a relief to come home from time to time to become more anonymous? Nicole... I wish you all the best for the future... you are phenomenal.

To date you and Paolo Bettini have each won three World Cup races: the difference is that he has served his apprenticeship to get to the top, but you are still learning and developing. I hope that your successes will soon give you the profile as Britain's most exciting sports star in the near future.

Keep focused and go for it...

Amitiés

Tony L

26/08/03 Nicole - you are really something
well done for your lastest win!
best wishes for future wins!

Steve Clarke
St John St Cycles
91-93 St John Street
Bridgwater
Somerset
TA6 5HX

26/08/03 We have just got back from Plouay. It was really worth the ride down to see you do so well. Before the race we were concerned for you after your lay off but as the race progressed it was so reassuring to see how in control you were.

Congratulations on a great win and all the best for the next 2 weekends (unfortunately we cannot be there)

Alan Emmott, Hantspol

25/08/03 Another win! Having got my first win since 1996 this year I know what it takes! You for BBC Sports Personality of the Year no contest. However, Jo public will probably pick some overpaid footballer or likewise! Keep up the brilliant work - you are a star and an inspiration. Well done Nicole.

Tony Boynton, Yorkshire

25/08/03 Well done Nicole!
A briton leads the world!
Go for it in Nuremberg.

Charlie Rhind,Middlesbrough

24/08/03 Hi Nicole, I'm British (& proud of it) like you but from England & work with 3, dare I say, VERY Welsh blokes in Gosport, South England. They had never heard of you & your fantastic achievments! I was gob-smacked that these feircly patriotic rugby fan's had never heard of their own international mega-star. Anyway, they were quite chuffed when I told them about all about you.

Russell

25/08/03 World Cup - world class .

Ann

24/08/03 Never had any doubt at all, get ready for the rainbow jersey, being called "Dame Nicole" and a lager shandy with the Wheely Good Cause Bunch.


Lee, rwww.wheelygoodcause.com Patron Nicole Cooke

24/08/03 We applaud you. You and your commitment an inspiration to the Welsh everywhere. You moved to a another Country, you mastered the language and now you are conqering the world.
We have complained in the strongest possible terms about the lack of coverage you received in Wales yesterday, particularly after watching those 15 wallies in red at the Millenium Stadium

Lindsay, Shirley and Laura, Salisbury

24/08/03 Nicole - you are really something!

Peter

24/08/03 hello!!! NICOLE...
many congratulations for your new splendid victory... good luck for the world cup and the rest of the cycling season.

Christophe

24/08/03 Hi Nicole,
Just read on that you have won Plouay - Well Done.

Elaina

24/08/03 Congratulations on another fantastic race, outsprinting Arndt and Melchers is no mean feat, especially when apparently you're not at 100%. Looking forward to seeing what you can do when you are!

Ben Atkins, Brighton

24/08/03 Chapeau to you Nicole

Same weekend last year at Mildenhall giving out prizes and riding round the track – now it’s another, and all the more brilliant because it was off the back of injury, world cup win.

Inspirational stuff girl, and we doff our caps to you as a family.

Cheers

Geoff, Deb, Tom and Reya

24/08/03 Nicole
I've just found out that you won another World Cup race today. Congratulations. I hope you go on to be the overall champion. I won my Under 8s race today at the Darley Moor Sports centre nr Derby.

Emily Kay ,Sunderland

09/07/03 Seeing Baden Cooke win stage 2 of the Tour de France made me wonder how Nicole Cooke is doing. So a quick search on Google brings up her own website. I knew Nicole was good but so famous as well. Great website by the way and great to see Nicole doing so well in the pro ranks. It's great that a young British (I'm English) rider is winning races in europe at a young age. I can only think that Nicole will be emulating the great Longo and challenging her for the title of greatest women cyclist. I for one will be voting for Nicole in sportsperson of the year. She definitely deserves Young sportperson of the year.

Hope she recovers from her collision with a motorbike and is soon winning again.

Duncan

08/07/03 I have read on a few websites that riders average around 40kmh+ during a
race, and said professional riders can reach speeds in excess of 80 to 90kmh
on long mountain downhill sections.
Is this possible and what is the highest speed you have reached.

Puckey

Nicole says: "I must admit that I don't regularly ride with a speedo on my bike so I can't give you a definite answer, but I do know that in the National Road Race in Newport we went down the main descent at about 60m/h (95km/h) and I felt quite comfortable at that speed. I think the speed/safety balance gets to it's limit on windy mountain descents where the hairpin corners really need a lot of control and skill, and speed is less important."

01/07/03 total inspiration.
almost unbelievable achievements
is nicole the best there's ever been ?
can't wait to follow the rest of the world cups and the worlds.

Al Ross

01/07/03 Just wanted to say congratulations for the race on Saturday. A veteran of several Tours de France, I had never been to a UK road race before and was very pleasantly surprised by the whole day. Celtic Manor was a superb setting and if the route was a little tough, it was great for spectators. It's a shame for the girls who travelled a long way to take part, only to be retired after a 3rd of the race, but as ever, there was a great spirit amongst the competitors and I can only praise everyone who made the effort.Well done to the race organisers, to BBC Radio Wales who provided some live coverage, to all who took part, and especially to Nicole, who is without doubt Wales' most talented and committed sportsperson. It was a privelege to see you race.

Phil Stead

01/07/03 Just a quick line to let you know that there are plenty of us out there rooting for you. Well done in the Nationals! There's nothing we'd love more than to see you win the World Cup though - we'll be there with a Union Jack on August the 23rd ( my duaghter's 2nd birthday) having booked our Summer holidays in Brittany.

Thanks again for giving British cycling something to really be proud of.

Peter Welsh, www.focus-consultants.co.uk

30/06/03 Molte congratulazioni per le sue vittorie splendide!

Inspirational.... keep focused
Ciao.

Cherie Pridham

29/06/03 Well done for retaining the jersey. I am a Pembrokeshire native, racing and
coaching in the States, and it is always good to read your extremely user friendly website and get the latest news. Tell me, who is leading the team now, is it you or Diana Ziliute? I look forward to hearing from you.

Nick Baker

Nicole says: "Thank you Nick. Our squad is split into two. Diana is the main leader for the Accadue O team, whilst in most races I've been the protected rider for the Ausra Gruodis/Safi part of the set up.

We have plenty of talented riders though and sometimes I will ride for the others, for example Rochelle Gilmore or Katia Longhin.

We also sometimes ride both teams together as one. In the race where I crashed in Montreal I was riding for Diana. In the World Cup races she was riding for me.

The team support in the last few World Cup races has been fantastic, but at other times it's right that I repay that, that's one of the great things about our wonderful sport of cycling."

28/06/03 Well done on your win at Celtic Manor. It was great to see you ride, we had a great day

Elaina

28/06/03 Champion again. Brilliant again Nicole. Many congratulations. Knew you'd do it. Terrific. It's got to be tempting to ride the Giro in your renewed National Champion's jersey. When will you decide?
Steve Wiltshire

Steve , Hantspolcc.co.uk

Steve (webmaster) says: "There'll be news of the Giro on the site very shortly."

28/06/03 Cookie Monster! Well done today - had my money on you! Have a good rest of the season and enjoy life. Hope you are stretching!!

Charlotte, Welf and Isabella x

25/06/03 Good luck for Saturday. Hope the weather is just how you want it to be.

Elaina

25/06/03 Hi Nicole - can I say it's great to have a website which is updated so frequently. Keep up the winning ways (no pun intended!).

Secondly - can I ask about how you recover after a hard training session?

I have been cycling seriously for only 2 years, and I find that after a hard training session, I need a full day recovery before I can train hard again. This means I can only do 3 or 4 training sessions a week, and less if I have a race.

Do you find you can train for several days on the trot? If so, is that because of the fitness you have developed over the years, or because of the support you get as a professional cyclist (massage, good eating habits etc.)

Chris Smith, Bournemouth Arrow Cycling Club

Nicole says: "I think the basis of all training is made up of hard sessions to overload the body and then a recovery phase afterwards so that the body grows stronger to compensate for the stress it was under during the hard training. I too find that I can only manage a few hard days in a row before needing a recovery day or total rest day.

Usually after a race or a particularly hard training session I would have a massage to speed up recovery, but I still need a full day to recover before putting my body under pressure again. I have also found that stretching really makes a difference and helps me recover quicker.

I would suggest that you try and structure your training week, or time between races, so that you can fit in all the training necessary to work on all aspects of cycling: Climbing, sprinting and sustained efforts but in such a way that you can recover and more importantly be stronger for the next race."

22/06/03 Nicole, Will you please stop falling off..... I've just bought my ferry tickets to get over to Plouay for the next World Cup event and I'm going to be really cheesed off if you injure yourself and can't ride.

Will you wear the World Cup leader's or the British Champion's jersey? Or am I being a little too presumptuous? Best of luck in your homeland next weekend, work will prevent me being there unfortunately.

By the way, to all you Nicole fans, you can take the Friday afternoon sailing on 22/8/03 from Portsmouth to Cherbourg and the Monday lunchtime (Bank Holiday 25/8/03) return sailing on the same route. Don't you fancy a couple of nights in Brittany? Plenty of gallettes & crêpes washed down with a little local cider? Or maybe a ride around the course? Go on 'phone P&O Ferries or book online before the prices go sky high. Let's get on the circuit and shout our support.

(Don't expect to find any accomodation in Plouay though. I've tried. The men's GP Ouest France won last year by Jeremy Hunt is on the Sunday)

Steve , Hantspolcc.co.uk

09/06/03 As an unashamed fan of Nicole's it was great to hear the Radio FiveLive programme on and by Nicole. I have no doubt Nicole WILL get to the top and stay there for many a year to come and be an inspiration to cyclists of all ages. Now the BBC have done a half-hour radio programme on Nicole, perhaps they'll do a TV one for national TV - to be shown at prime time of course! You go girl: you are a level-headed young lady who will be at the very top of adult cycling soon and will reign supreme for years.

Helen Simmons

08/06/03 Get well soon - injuries sound pretty grim - even without broken bones. Maybe an enforced rest will benefit you in the long run? Good luck for your season's ambitions!

Matthew Sidford

07/06/03 Hi Nicole, at last i've found your website only to hear of your misfortune. Hope you are back in the saddle soon and into your winning ways. The Bwlch & Rhigos are still there for you when you need them.

Phil Jeremiah

05/06/03 I was glad to read that your injury wasn't as serious as first reported and that you'll be back on the bike in 10 days or so.
Up until the crash what do you think of the racing here in Canada?

Leighton Davies

Nicole says: "Each time I have raced in Canada I have really enjoyed it. The races are always organised really well with fantastic courses and really high quality racing. Although this trip has finished with a crash, the World Cup on Saturday was probably the biggest women`s only race I have taken part in. The crowds were absolutely awesome! There is always a fantastic atmosphere at the races so I am really looking forward to returning to Canada for the Worlds later this year."

05/06/03 Secondhand Opera frame for sale - One lady owner!

Good to hear you in such good spirits in your interview on the BBC. I wondered what tactics the other teams were going to employ to stop you winning. Shame it takes a crash like that for 'Auntie Beeb' to take notice of what you're doing. I'm sure the enforced rest will help you come back even stronger.... not so sure what they can do to mend that frame though! Those Campag cables are very strong, aren't they.
Get well soon.

Steve , Hantspolcc.co.uk

Steve (webmaster) says: "Great humour Steve - we enjoyed that. You've been a bit harsh on Aunty Beeb though. The BBC in Wales has always done a fair bit on Nicole including a documentary. Thanks to them you can hear quite a few interviews on this site.

Nicole on crash
Nicole on Montreal World Cup
Nicole on winning Fléche Wallone
Nicole on winning Amstel Gold
Chris Boardman on Nicole

I'm sure the BBC in London will soon be doing a lot more too!

04/06/03 Get well soon Nicole. We're coming to watch you in the Giro del Trentino, so I hope you're back to winning form by then.

Liz and Ben , Brighton Mitre CC

04/06/03 I was saddened to learn of your accident in the Rigaud race. Your performances at the World Cup on Saturday and in the criterium were exciting to watch! I
hope that this mid season rest will work to your advantage and find you fresher than you would have been for the world championships in October. I hope you get
the care you need so you're fit enough to defend your world cup points lead for the rest of the season.

Laughter is the best medicin!

Tom

04/06/03 I'm sorry to hear about your crash, I hope you'll get well soon again.

Dennis

04/06/03 Nicole, Hang in there. You have so much fitness. You will regain form quickly, and you will come back even stronger.

Sarah

04/06/03 glad to hear the first reports of a break untrue , get well soon .

Barry, UNION CICLISTA BENIDORM

01/06/03 So sorry to hear about the crash but glad to hear nothing is broken. Hope you are able to get back on the bike soon.

Elaina

01/06/03 Hi Nicole, heres to a brilliant recovery and advantages gained from a period of recuperation. I am a bit confused re your injury, ie your web site mentions knee stitches whereas cyclingnews.com says a broken collar bone.
Whatever, we all wish you well.

Reg

Steve (webmaster) says: "The news of Nicole's crash appeared first here on her site soon after 2am UK time Wednesday. She had just had her X Ray which had confirmed there was no break. We've no idea where the confusion arose that led to later reports elsewhere that she'd broken her collar bone.

We're all just glad it's not true and she'll be riding again as soon as the stitches are out"

01/06/03 Bene Niki , direi grande Niki

Rino

01/06/03 You've come a long, long way from those Llandow race nights where only the lads could provide you with any opposition . . . and you pasted them as well!

By the way, the site is excellent. Congratulations to the people who've designed such a thoughtful and informative site and who upkeep it so well. I spent yesterday evening designing a poster for the
national road race championships with your picture on it and, in between, calling up nicolecooke.com to find the Montreal result.
Second - you made my day.

And tuning in today and having your own thoughts on the race gave a real insight into life at the very top of racing. Well ridden and
well written! Look forward to cheering you on at Celtic Manor at the end of the month.

Roger

01/06/03 WELL DONE.
Keeping an eye on your activities through this and other web sites is a succession of reports of amazing things done by you. The UK press might catch up one day!
Here's to success in Plouay. I will be on holiday in Brittainy in late August and might just mosey over to watch the race-------- TRY AND KEEP ME AWAY!!!!!!!
Go for it!

Reg

01/06/03 Another great ride today on a very challenging course!
You should be very proud of yourself because 2nd place on that climb is impressive!
Good Luck the rest of the season, and I hope to meet you at the Worlds in Hamilton.

Leighton Davies

31/05/03 Congratulations on getting third in the World Cup today and on extending your lead overall.
:-)
Good luck for Plouay. Looking forward to seeing you Wales, good luck for that as well.

Elaina

31/05/03 Another brilliant result Nicole. Second in Canada will have them all wondering how they can stop you winning the World Cup now. Hope to see you sew it up in Plouay in August. Have you had a look at the Worlds' course out there? What do you reckon, will it suit you?
Well done, again. Tremendous.

Steve , Hantspol CC

29/05/03 Best of luck, not only in defending your overall lead, but in scoring your hat-trick of World Cup wins.
We're all cheering for you at Hantspol and know you can do it.
Kick @ss, as they say on that side of the pond.

Steve , Hantspol CC

21/05/03 Well done on your latest double success - if only we had boys that could do what your doing...

Chris Barnes , Mid - Sussex

05/05/03 Hi Nicole, I understand you’ll be racing the World Cup in Montreal after all, Have you been keeping up with Genevieve Jeansons’ progress lately – she’s been cleaning up in the States- Do you have any special plans for her? Or are you more interested in defending your place in the world cup. I am looking forward to seeing you both fight it out on Mont Royal.

Good luck for the rest of season.

John Gilchrist, Calgary Alberta

Nicole says: "My main aim in Montreal will be to defend and enhance my World Cup overall lead, so I will be looking for a good result. I have seen the course two years ago when I spent some time in Montreal with some friends, but without having actually ridden the course it is difficult to predict exactly how the race will go.
With regard to Genevieve, I have a lot of respect for her and as you say, she is definitely dominating the North American scene. I am sure that come the final laps we will both be there to play our part in a great finish for you! "

05/05/03 hi, wish to say well done in your races this year, keep up the good work.

hope to see you win the world champships, you got a good team round you.

dj

04/05/03 Well done to Nicole and the team for your victories in the Alto Adige.

Elaina

04/05/03 Looking at the wonderful results achieved by Nicole I came across pictures of her team clothing. I was wondering where I could purchase Acca Due O team clothing in the UK, or elsewhere? It looks fantastic with a lemon/grey mix. Should be OK for guys to wear even though it's a womens only team?

Peter, Scotland

Steve (webmaster) says: "This is something that is still in the planning stage, but we hope to be able to offer for sale through the website soon. As soon as we do we'll make an announcement on the site, so keep an eye out for that."

02/05/03 Well done to your recent wins in the Amstel Gold and Fleche Wallone. Good Luck for the rest of the season. I knew you would do well abroad.
Hope you remember me, I raced aginst you before I retired. I've got six weeks to go to having my second baby. Keep up the good work.

Sally Boyden

01/05/03 Many congratulations on your Double Whammy we are all very proud of you. The Glamorgan Gazette is giving you good coverage. Love from everyone in Wick.

Pauline Thomas

30/04/03 Congratulations on your terrific wins in the Amstel Gold and Fleche Wallone! You are truly an inspiration to all cyclists.

It's great to hear about how well you are doing from your web site, Eurosport and Cycling Weekly (I only wish we could see some of your races live on TV!)

I have a question for your Nicole - I have taken up cycling again after a few years break, I used to cycle lots in the 80's. Now I'm in my late 30's and although I can feel strength and tone coming back to my legs I've got a bit of a midriff!, after years of chips and chocolate, I find it difficult climbing. My diet is fine now but do you think eventually that if I keep up the miles the midriff will disappear!?

Any advice would be great - I'd like to take part in time trials e.t.c. Keep up the brilliant work and all the best for the rest of the season and onwards!!

Joanna McGrory, Glasgow

Nicole says: "Thankyou for your support Joanna. We all put a little bit of weight on when we lay off the bike for a while, it happens to professionals when they ease up over the winter.
As you ride more and get fitter the improvements will come. If you go along to your local club you should find someone to advise you on diet and training, and other riders will help to motivate you.There are plenty of riders who've returned to racing after time off and got themselves in to fantastic shape, so I'm sure you can acheive your goals. Go for it!

30/04/03 Nicole You're amazing - what a fantastic pair of wins! I may be a lowly 4th cat. but you're an inspiration to dig deeper whan I'm struggling. Hope you win the world cup!

Katherine Wren

30/04/03 Just heard about your latest wins. Fantastic.
There are so many people who are amazed when I tell them of what you're doing. Keep it up and you'll eventually get the recognition you deserve. Maybe even £135k for an appearance like Paula Radcliffe. (Aren't there any world records you can knock off between races?)
Must go. Got to have a gripe at Transworld Sport for not mentioning you last
week

James

30/04/03 I am really impressed with what you are achieving. I hope that you will act as an inspiration for my children - especially Molly, even if it isn't in the world of cycling.

Paul Sander, Llanharan

26/04/03 I am a 3rd cat vet. I'd just like to say that that you are the best rider from these islands we've seen in a very long time. All the other so-called male "stars" are out-shone by your brilliance. All the best.

Gerald

26/04/03 congratulations for your wonderful week...
2 great wins in world cup races and the first place at the world championship...

Christophe Deram

25/04/03 Double Whamy! congrats nicole, what a superb week for you - you are an amazing athlete.
we are following your racing career with utter admiration.
robin cadwalladr and all at swansea wheelers

robin cadwalladr and all at swansea wheelers

25/04/03 Nicole, I've been following cycling for 35 years... you are the business! I really admire you, cycling is probably the hardest sport there is, and you definitely have what it takes.

Peter

25/04/03 Many many congratulations on your recent HUGE successes.....as an Ex Ajax member from a long time ago, I've followed your amazing progress with increasing belief that you would someday be a big star.

Well you are now, girl!! Well done!

I was honoured to have you nearly crush my hand(!!!) in a hand shake after your victory at Plouay, and watched you at Manchester last summer, but the manner of your two World Cup wins has left me, and a lot of people, stunned & delighted!!

You are, and will be an inspiration for all cyclists worldwide, but please, don't go too hard just yet, and burn out too early in a what should be a long and glorious career.................look at Hingis & Capriati, and even our own Mandy Jones.........

Once again many many congratulations.

Mike Burns, Rugby

25/04/03 Big Up! Well done for a brilliant start to the season! I can not really see any limit to your ability and you seem to just push existing champions out of your way! Excellent!!

One question - will you be racing in the UK at any point this season?

Stuart

Nicole says: "Yes I will be racing in the UK this year."

"I'll be defending my British Road Race title at Newport, South Wales in June, and am really looking forward to racing at home"

25/04/03 Congratulations on your 2 great wins this week, I am really delighted for you, you must be really happy. You are well on your way to being recognised as the greatest woman cyclist in the world. You are a real inspiration to me and other young female cyclists in the UK.

Is there anywhere I can buy a replica Acca Due O team strip, so I can look like you whilst I ride.

Good luck

Emily Kay England

Nicole says: "Thanks for your message Emily, and thank you to everyone for their fantastic support, I've been amazed by all your messages"

"As far as replica team kits are concerned we hope to have them available via the website shortly. We'll let everyone know here on the site as soon as we are able to do so"

24/04/03 Really thrilled for you and for British cycling!

You have helped me show my daughters that bike riding/racing is not just for blokes.

Well done for your present successes and all the best for the future!

Andrew Whelan, Reading

24/04/03 Best for British Cycling since:-
David Millars Yellow Jersey, and for British Womens cycling since the days of Beryl Burton.

Nicole, well done is really anunderstatement. You do us proud.

Reg Oakley

24/04/03 Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful We are absolutely thrilled for you . Noticed you first at a Championship Hill climb some years ago, and have followed your success ever since.
We saw you at Plouay. We saw you at Lisbon, How we wish we could of seen you win your 2 World Cup races. But hope to see you in Canada.

Frances and Brian Pearson Mersey Roads Club

24/04/03 hi, i just want to say well done on a brilliant start to the season you must be so pleased with how it is going.
see you on the coast road some time

simon, ogmore valley wheelers

24/04/03 Nice one Nicole!

You are an inspiration to all cyclists aiming for the top.

I certainly always point to you as an example of determination to succeed to all those that I coach/mentor.
Hopefully, these wins will not only bring you to the forefront in the sports press but also women's (and men's) cycling.

Good luck for the rest of the season - as if you need it! - Go get that World Cup, the jersey looks good on you.

John Capelin  john@sports-coaching.com

24/04/03 Hoffwn longyfarch Nicole ar ennill eu dwy râs yn ddiweddar.

Congratulations Nicole on winning the two World Cup races. Bring the World
Cup back to Wales - you are the best!

Mark Richards, Aberystwyth.

24/04/03 Many congratulations for your splendid victories!
Ciao.

Marino

02/04/03 I'm a male x-c rider from B.C. Canada, who raced extensively for years, but took time off for college.

Now I'm getting back into it, and am curious about the latest diets. What kind of food do you eat during the training season?.

Jonathan Lambert

Nicole says: "For training rides it depends on the legnth of the ride. At the moment while the weather is not too hot, I would normally take bottles with Energy Boost, a carbohydrate drink supplied by my nutritional sponsors Winning Ways, but when the weather gets a lot hotter while I am out here in Italy, I would use another type of drink with also salt and minerals included to replace those lost through perspiration.

If the ride is over 2 hours, I would take something to eat as well, either a type of carbohydrate energy bar, or even a banana which are tasty on a ride.

I also think it is important to make sure that you rehydrate after the training session, so normally I would drink a glass of milk, because it has all the carbohydrate and protein needed to restore the bodies energy stores after the training."

20/03/03 The new site looks great.

Please could you clear up the confusion of Nicole and Acca due O and Ausra Groudis. I thought Nicole was riding for Acca Due O and now I read about Ausra Groudis. Maybe I missed a posting - sorry.

Elaina, Femsport.co.uk

Nicole says: "Ausra Gruodis-Safi is really part of Acca Due O. The UCI have brought in a regulation limiting team sizes, so a number of the squads have had to effectively split themselves in too.

Ausra Gruodis was already one of the co sponsors of the dream team along with Acca Due O, Pasta ZARA, etc. So the team is now in two halfs, the more experienced riders with Acca Due O as the headline sponsor, and the younger developing riders under the name Ausra Gruodis.

In races though you'll generally find the two halves of the team riding together"

21/03/03 Hi - just visited the new website and I wanted to let you know I like it!

It seems clear and easy to find things.

The most important thing though is to keep it up to date. I don't want to find out about Nicole's latest race or news a week after it happens!

Keep it up!

Chris Bournemouth Arrow Cycling Club

Steve (webmaster) says: "Glad you like it Chris. We'll do our very best to keep it as up to date as we can."

"If it's a racing day we'll get a news flash up as soon as the race is finished, with full results and a report as soon as available."

"Normally we'd hope to have Nicole's thoughts and any available photos on line as soon as possible too."

"Any time there's some news we'll get it to you all as quickly as we can, so check in often"

24/04/03 Awesome!!!!! You just proved to the rest of the world that you are a force to be reckoned with.

Congrats on your second BIG win and taking over the World Cup lead.

Leighton Davies

24/04/03 Yes, You did it again, Nicole Congratulations!!
Your the best at this moment..
and then mentioning that the season has just started.
We drunk a glass of champagne on your victorys. we are planning to do this every win you have. so we already bought some champagne for friday. :-)
Have great time the comming days,

Johanna

24/04/03 Congatulations - Local girl makes excellent - you have our total admiration and all the very best of wishes for the events still to come.
We've watched and admired you from the very early days and with your fitness, your bravery and your attitude nothing can stop you.

Barrie and Judith Smith Cardiff

23/04/03 You rock! Hope to see you race one day in the states, perhaps when the San Francisco Grand Prix has a women's field!

Sarah Bamberger, SF, California, Cyclocross, Mtn, Rd Racer

23/04/03 I am sure you will be flooded with messages of congratulation Nicole and they are all so well deserved. Congratulations on two awesome wins and I am so glad everything is coming right for you with all the dedication that you put in. Hope you will ride our Solihull CC Road Race again in the future and that Craig is enjoying riding the frame he won when he beat you that day last summer! Guy Elliott - Solihull Cycling Club

Guy Elliott, Solihull Cycling Club

23/04/03 Wow! Congratulations on your wins of late! And here's to many many more!

Chris

23/04/03 Great website, and congratulations on the Fleche-Wallonne victory today.
If anyone had to beat my fellow Canadian Sue Palmer, I'm glad it was you!

Good luck for the rest of the season!!

Gary Spicer, Velika Kladusa

23/04/03 Congrats on winning the Fleche Wallone.

Just seen a posting on veloriders announcing the win, hope they're not pulling me leg.

Well done.

Elaina

23/04/03 Da iawn!!
Brilliant stuff - best of luck in future events.

Meic Pickavance, Swansea Wheelers

22/04/03 The website is excellent!

With the lack of cycling coverage in the UK it is refreshing to be able to catch up with your progress and successes through the website.

I'm sure your Amstel Gold Race win is the sign of many more to come!

I may not be there to cheer you on during race day, but I will always be giving you a big virtual cheer from the UK.

Keep doing what you do best!

Scott, i-team.co.uk

22/04/03 Congratulations on your world cup win. It was great to read about your
victory, well done for British cycling and lady cyclists all over the world.
Best wishes

Janet Hornby, York

22/04/03 Just a quick congratulations on your Amstel Gold win!!
Good luck the rest of the year!
Can't wait to meet you in Hamilton Canada at the World Championships.

LEIGHTON DAVIES (A fellow Welshman)

21/04/03 Good arra me owd flower.

Dave S

21/04/03 hello...congratulations for your victory in amstel gold race.
good luck for the fleche wallonne...

Christophe Deram

21/04/03 Brilliant, never doubted it for a second.. Go for it on Wednesday and lets hope the team does a bit for you this time?

From the Wheely Good Gang

20/04/03 nicole - world cup win age 20 - thats incredible.....thanks for giving british fans something to cheer about. Good luck for Fleche Wallone - you can do it.

Matthew

20/04/03 Congratulations with your victory in the Amstel Goldrace for ladies. I think the Netherlands is for you a good country.

Last year you was the winner in Westerbeek in the race I organized De Grote Herfstprijs (the Big Autumnprice).

I knew you already from the jeugdtour many years ago and after that time I follow your results.

I was last year very happy with you as winner and I'm also today happy for you with this big worldcuprace victory.

Keep on going like this and lots of success on Wednesday in the fleche wallone.

Hubert Emans
wcw Westerbeek the Netherlands

20/04/03 Amstel Gold success. GREAT!

Reg

20/04/03 Yes Yes yes... you did it....
Congratulations with this perfect win in the amstel gold race.
I knew you would win the race.

have a nice day, and enjoy your win,
and we will see you again next wednesday in the fleche wallone.

Johanna

20/04/03 Nicole, BIG CONGRATS on winning the Ladies Amstel !!!

Well done,I look forward to reading the report and your comments.

Elaina

14/04/03 Do you ride the Amstel Gold Race in the Netherlands next weekend?

Johanna

Nicole says: "Yes and I'm looking forward to it! I rode in the Netherlands as a junior and have always enjoyed riding there.

I'll also be riding the Fleche Wallone in Belgium a few days later. You can see my full schedule for 2003 on the calendar/results page"

13/04/03 Hi Nicole, I know you're disappointed to have got 2nd today but congratulations. Happy birthday.

Elaina

06/04/03 I like the new web site, especially the reports of the Women's World Cup. I like the photos too, especially the candid ones around the pits.

I too love to ride in Italy in the area around Bolzano and Trento.

Keep up the good work and keep the Welsh flag flying.

Regards from an ex rugby player and now manic cyclist from Cardiff, Wales.

Paul Mapstone, Cologne

05/04/03 What a briliant web site I love it.

We enjoy reading of your continuing achievements - keep it up.

Best wishes for 2003

Alan Emmott

04/04/03 Congrats on the form in Spain.

The new web site is good too .
I always enjoy following your races.

Jane K