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Commonwealth Games
Road Race |
26/03/06 |
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The 2002 Champion,
Nicole had to settle for bronze this time behind two Australian
riders on home soil.
A five rider breakaway at the end of the first lap seemed
unlikely to make the distance, especially when Nicole inspired
the bunch to whittle down their lead from three minutes
to one and a half on lap five.
The peloton though sat up again, and Natalie Bates having
done no work in the breakaway launched a solo bid with two
laps to go building up a lead of over four minutes to take
Gold.
The remaining breakways failed to press their advantage
and were caught on the last lap. However the remainder of
the 6 strong Australian team were able to lead out Oenone
Wood for silver, Nicole just missing out on second pipped
in a sprint for the line.
To read how the race unfolded in detail review the live
coverage. |
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"I'm tired, but
I have another medal, and I'm really happy with that."
"The Australian team were very strong and could control
the race, but I was on my own and there are lots of other
good riders who had good teams too and they've come away with
nothing so I have to be really satisifed with a bronze."
"I had to make a decision - either cover every Australian
break and tire myself out or place my bets and hold out. It's
everything I could have hoped for and I did everything I could."
"When the gap came down on lap 5 it did look as though
we would catch the group. I thought if it went up again to
around three we could pull that back over the last few laps.
It went up more than that though, so I'm just really glad
to make the podium."
"I know that I'm going well now and I'm really looking
forward to the rest of the season. I'm flying straight back
to Europe. Next weekend we're in Belgium which will be a little
different to Melbourne!"
(further photos are available
at canadiancyclist.com) |
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