Nicholson takes dominant solo win with a strong show of force in Warrnambool

Rolling out in windy conditions, Celestine Wells of NOSTROMO X CCACHE, and Chantelle McCarthy of Women’s Cycling Development p/b Balmoral CC defined the first half of the race with early solo efforts. Celestine built the largest advantage at just over 4 minutes, but this was whittled down quickly when the peloton started ramping up the pace as they hit the crosswinds.

As the field hit the Great Ocean Road, the Praties Cycling team took control, pushing the front group through the crosswinds and ensuring all six of their riders made the key selection of about 20. As the lead group settled inside the final 50km, riders keen to avoid a large sprint began attacking.

Oceania Road Champion Katelyn Nicholson (Butterfields Ziptrak Racing) was the first to break free, quickly building a gap. Frankie Hall (Praties Cycling Team) and Josephine Pepper (Duda Cycling) chased, but the group soon sat up, allowing Nicholson to extend her lead to 2:30, with Hall and Pepper 20 seconds behind.

Pepper began to fade, leaving Hall to chase Nicholson alone. The gap widened as Nicholson powered ahead, maintaining her strong pace to secure a comfortable solo win, 47 seconds ahead of Hall. Pepper held on for third, while behind them, Talia Appleton (Praties Racing) and Alli Anderson (Butterfields Ziptrak Racing) battled for the league’s overall points, with Appleton extending her lead in the U23 classification.

LOCHARD ENERGY WARRNAMBOOL WOMEN’S CLASSIC RESULTS

SBS WOMEN'S LEAGUE

1. Katelyn Nicholson (Butterfields Ziptrak Racing)
2. Frankie Hall (Praties Cycling Team)
3. Josephine Pepper (Duda Cycling)

U23

1. Talia Appleton (Praties Cycling Team)
2. Alli Anderson (Butterfields Ziptrak Racing)
3. Mia Williams (Meridian Blue Cycling p/b 99 Bikes)