RUTH WINDER WINS SNELLING

Cat 4 women
1st Ruth Winder (age 15)

Snelling road race was my favourite road race last year. Even though I flatted within the first 5 minutes it was still my favourite.

When it came round this year I had my fingers crossed I wouldn't flat. I didn't. It must be the most active 4s race I have ever been in. There were attacks happening all the time. Mostly from the Davis team.

Besides chasing down the odd breakaway it didn't get exciting 'til the end. The sprint. Coming to the last turn before the finish I was feeling it. To encourage my self I just thought "Mark Cavendish. Be Mark Cavendish." I moved up to about 4th wheel knowing that if anyone went I would need to be right there. Looking at the ladies in front of me I picked who I thought would be most successful judging off what I had seen in the race. My pick was a rider from the Third Pillar team. After the last turn coming up to the 200 meter mark she pulled out to go around the women in front of her and I jumped right on her wheel. Not far after the 200 meter mark I came around her. Soon after I sprinted. I felt as if I was in slow motion. The finish line seemed so far away. I thought for sure someone would come past me. No one did. It was the longest 200 meters ever.

I won and I couldn't believe it.
~ Ruth