BC Superweek kicked off with the Tour de Delta. A strong women’s field turned out, including 2 World Cup gold medallists, and 5 current or former national champions. Awe-inspired but not intimidated, both the fresh faced rookies and seasoned veterans of Glotman-Simpson Racing were eager to see how they measured up.  First up was the new MK Delta Criterium in North Delta, 30 laps of a 1.3km course, replacing the prologue held in previous years. A tight downhill first corner was a test for the nerves, as this was the first Cat 1/2/3 criterium for part of the team. In the end, it was a grueling race of attrition, with only half of the field finishing in a bunch sprint.

 

The Brenco Criterium in Ladner was fast (averaging >40km/h) and wicked fun, with large crowds out cheering on the racers. With 16 prime laps thrown in for extra pain and excitement, team tactics were at play on the 0.9km circuit, allowing a 4-rider break to stay away despite strong efforts from our girls. Jenn was gunning to be a part of a sprint finish but went down in the corner on the second last lap. Sparks flew as she careened to a near stop on her rear rim before going over. With only minor road rash but a blown rear tire it wasn’t meant to be. The girls went to bed that night high on adrenaline and were up with the sun the next morning for the White Spot Road Race.

 

Sunday in Tsawwassen saw the racers testing themselves not once, but 11 times, up the infamous 56 Street hill, for a total of 88km. The rivalry for omnium placings between the Local Ride and Trek Red Truck teams made for a relentless series of attacks, spitting racers out the back of the peleton on each climb. With strategic blocking from her teammates, Local Ride’s Jasmin Glaesser was able to launch herself on a winning solo breakaway. The girls made a valiant effort to chase her down, including Tamasin bridging a huge gap solo, but it came down to a bunch sprint for the pack, with Tamasin and Meghan taking 12th and 13th respectively. Jenn displayed admirable tenacity, finishing strong shortly behind the main field.

 

 

The inaugural UBC Grand Prix was next on the agenda. The 1.3km criterium course through the heart of campus had a fast downhill section, speed bumps, an uphill finish, and sharp corners to keep riders on their toes. The race was fast from the gun, with lots of early attacks and prime sprints. On day 4 of racing, the aggression was starting to come out, with lots of bumping and shoving within the pack (allowed as long as the hands don’t come off the handlebars!). Unfortunately, our girls were hung up behind a crash, ending their race early. Overall, this was a great new event, and we hope it is back next year!

 

 

The much-anticipated Giro di Burnaby was revived this year after a 2-year absence. It is a longer 1.85km B-shaped course with a strong headwind on the straightaway along Hastings Street, and Ferraris as the lead and follow cars. Again, the Local Ride vs Trek Red Truck rivalry shaped the race, as one rider from each team got away in a break while their teammates blocked the chase. Even though outnumbered, the Glotman-Simpson girls animated the race, guided by Erin’s energy and experience, throwing down attacks and chasing breaks. Finally feeling in her element, Jenn put the hammer down winning a prime sprint. She and Erin then powered through to the finish to take an impressive 8th and 10th place respectively. 

 

 

After a week of racing, the Glotman-Simpson girls were thrilled to have Megan R. join from Victoria, bringing with her fresh legs and lots of race experience.

 

Stage 1 of the popular Tour de Whiterock was the Hill Climb. Megan R. set a blazing time in the  leg-searing 700m sprint up Buena Vista avenue’s 16% grade, taking a remarkable 4th place.

 

Stage 2 was a challenging criterium on a hilly 1km loop through the heart of Whiterock. Our team was outnumbered, with Meghan’s knee injury finally sidelining her, and Erin out with the flu, Megan R. rode strongly, taking 12th place.

 

Stage 3 was the infamous Whiterock Road Race, 80km with many steep and challenging climbs. Megan R. made a daring early solo breakaway, and was off the front for nearly 4 laps on her own before being chased down by the pack. Despite a week of hard racing, Tamasin looked as strong as ever, holding on to the main field and crossing the uphill line in a sprint finish. At the end of the grueling race, Megan R. and Tamasin took 3rd and 7th place respectively. Megan R. also dominated the Queen of the Mountain competition. Crowned QOM and representing Glotman Simpson on the podium, this capped off a challenging and triumphant week for the GS ladies.

 

Overall, it was a great week for the Glotman-Simpson women’s race team. This was the first time racing BC Superweek - and first time racing at the Pro 1/2/3 level - for most of the team. Both Meghan and Tamasin bravely raced despite painful knee injuries. Morgan’s skills were sorely missed this week, as she is recovering from a recent crash. The team would like to extend a sincere Thank You to our generous sponsors for making it possible for us to participate in such a momentous week of racing, and to all the club members who came out to offer their much appreciated support. We had a blast, gained valuable experience, and can’t wait to train hard and pull out some big results at the Cypress Hill Climb, the Whistler Gran Fondo Giro, and next year’s Superweek! 

 

Team Bios:

Cat: 3

Years Racing: 1

About her: Tamasin works as a Graphic Designer. She is an amazing runner and was formerly a top-notch tennis player. She began cycling to participate in an epic charity cycling event. She learnt to ride a bike for the first time in 2008, and has had multiple crashes since :P 

 

Cat: 3

Years Racing: 1

About her: Mends broken hearts as a Cardiac Surgery ICU Nurse. Moved out west from Ottawa almost 6 years ago for love of the ocean and mountains.  Powder-obsessed snowboarder for 17 years. Took up cycling in 2009 for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. After cycling over 2000km on a mountain bike finally bought a road bike and quickly developed the hunger to go fast and hard! When she grows up she wants to be just like Mark Cavendish :)  

 

Cat: 2

Years Racing: 4

About her: Erin is a multi-talented engineer; when she’s not designing bridges, she’s illustrating children’s books or perfecting her pike at diving class. She comes to us from the McGill varsity cycling team in Montreal.

 

Cat: 3

Years Racing: 1

About her: Meghan is a medical resident (training in Emergency Medicine). Formerly a figure skater, she decided to trade sequins for chamois last year after a friend convinced her to take a “Learn to Ride” class at the Velodrome. Her first year on a bike has included 6 crashes, 2 cartwheels over the hoods of cars, 14 stitches, 2 shattered helmets (but only one concussion!), and 1 torn meniscus, but she just can’t help coming back for more!  

 

Cat: 2

Years Racing: 5+

About her: Former national team member, and student at the University of Victoria, Megan is the team member with the most racing experience under her belt - or bib shorts...

 

Cat: 3

Years Racing: 1.5 (Year 2 got cut short with a concussion and broken hand)

About her: Mathematician-extraordinaire by training, currently helping Sugoi in its mission to bring spandex to the masses. Loves guinea pigs. Always the chattiest one at races - and during them!