Lochard Energy Women's Warrnambool Cycling Classic Recap
Butterfields back up in aggressive Warrnambool Women’s Classic!
SBS Women's League
The longest women's one day race in the world kicked off under stormy skies in Colac for an exposed, windy 156.9km to Warrnambool. Three big teams were set to go head to head, with Team Redcat, Butterfields Ziptrak Racing and Meridian Bikebug each lining up with multiple cards to play.
The race opening was cagey, before Cycling Development Foundation's Carly Coventry and Women's Cycling Development Initiative's Vanessa Nanfra popped away and extending their lead to over 2 minutes.
The main field seemed content with the situation for a period of time as each of the big teams watched the others and waited for their moment to begin applying pressure. Butterfields Ziptrak Racing were the first to step up to the plate, leading the charge with defending champion Katelyn Nicholson.
As the wind picked up the field began to split, each of the major teams were represented and happy to continue with the effort. SBS Women's League leader Sophia Sammons (Team Redcat) was on the back foot missing the split, requiring a big effort to close the gap and ride herself back to the front.
The front group was aggressive, attacking each other relentlessly on the run into Warrnambool as it became clear the next victor of the Lochard Energy Women's Warrnambool Classic would come from this group.
No one managed to get away and a group of 8 came into Raglan Parade to contest the finish on the iconic final straight. Meridian Bikebug launched early for Alyssa Polites with Keira Will (Team Redcat) locked onto the wheel, before Sophie Edwards (Butterfields Ziptrak Racing) blasted through to take an iconic win in Warrnambool and backing up the team's victory from last year.
The SBS Women's League leaders jersey remains on the shoulder of Sophia Sammons, but with her lead diminishing after round 3, the overall title remains open.
Lochard Energy Women's Warrnambool Cycling Classic Podium
1. Sophie Edwards – Butterfields Ziptrak Racing
2. Keira Will – Team Redcat
3. Alyssa Polites – Meridian Bikebug
