Lochard Energy Warrnambool Women's Classic – SBS Women's League Preview
Beginning as its own classification in 2015, the women’s event ran alongside the men, both starting together in a mass start for the 267km course. This changed to a standalone women’s event in 2022 for a 157km course starting in Colac, the longest Women’s one day race in the world!
THE ROUTE
The course follows the same route as the men’s event from Colac, heading to the Great Ocean Road where crosswinds can have a large bearing on the outcome of the race. The riders then head inland through Allansford to the uphill finish on Raglan Parade.
RIDERS AND TEAMS TO WATCH
The women’s field features a mix of sprinters and breakaway specialists. Talia Appleton (Praties Racing Team), the SBS Women’s League leader, will be a major threat, aiming to extend her lead after strong performances at the SA Kick-It. With teammates Alli Anderson, returning from the national team, and Sophie Marr, an in-form sprinter, Praties have several options. Marr clearly has the speed to win and after showing a strong tactical nous in Adelaide, will be one of the clear favourites on the day.
Butterfields Ziptrak is led by Katelyn Nicholson and Odette Lynch, both strong contenders. Nicholson, fourth at Road Nationals, will likely look for another chance to get up the road, while Lynch is emerging as a strong contender in a bunch sprint. Summer Nordmeyer may also be an outside chance from a breakaway after showing solid speed in the League so far.
Keely Bennett (Duda Cycling), making her PSL debut, brings a wealth of experience from both domestic and European racing, while Belinda Bailey (McLardy McShane Cycling Team) will be keen to move up the standings after near-podium finishes at the SA Kick-It.
Meridian Blue p/b 99 Bikes sees Alyssa Polites return after a national team stint. If she’s recovered from her recent crash at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Polites will be a formidable presence and a potential race winner.
