Canadian
National Team Member
12 time National Champion
Multiple World Cup Winner
World Championships Silver Medalist
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Monday, March 20, 2006Poitras 5th in Commonwealth Games Points Race
Last night was a great race for the Canadians in the women's 25km Points Race. Gina Grain and myself finished 4th and 5th respectively. Although we just missed the podium by one point, we raced well to try and battle the strong Australian contingent who eventually finished first and second. My job was to cover Kate Bates (the eventual winner), and cover any moves during the race. Gina was to be the aggressor and take as many points as possible along the way. There were 10 sprints to be contested throughout the race. By the half way point, Gina had consistently picked up minor placings putting herself into 4th place. In the process of leading her out for a mid-race sprint, I picked up first place points myself, and then got into a late race breakaway, won the final sprint, and moved up to fifth overall.
My intent at the end was to try and get the New Zealand riders to chase as they were also in a position to medal if they could win the final sprint. This would have allowed Gina the opportunity to sit on and then take some valuable points in the end.
Unfortunately, things didn't play out as planned as the New Zealander's seemed content to sit in the bunch. With four of us away until the finish, there were no points left for the pack (and therefore Gina) to contest (points go 4 deep for every sprint). Overall, it was a hotly contested night of racing with strong performances from Australia, Scotland (3rd place finisher), England and New Zealand.
Photos: Rob Jones, CanadianCyclist.com
We are now looking forward to the 120km Road Race which will be contested on a challenging 11km circuit around the city next Sunday.
Many thanks to everyone who made this possible including:
Rocky Mountain Bicycles, PowerBar, Tim Hortons, Shimano, Easton Sports, TUFO North America, Rudy Project, Symmetrics Cycling, Cypress Solutions, OpenRoad Communications, Adidas, Basic Sports Nutrition, AVIS Rent A Car, Race Face Headsets, GiroPoste, See You In Athletes Fund, and Emer'gen-C.
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