Lisa Jacobs, centre, says she is feeling upbeat ahead of the Tour of the Goldfields, which starts in Ballarat today. PICTURE: Jarrod Partridge
OLYMPIC bronze medallist Annette Edmondson is playing down her chances in the inaugural Tour of the Goldfields, which starts in Ballarat today.
Despite this, Edmondson, who rides for the South Australian Sports Institute, is one of the big chances in the women’s four-stage three-day cycling event.
After missing the opening four races of the National Road Series, she was a decisive winner in the Shipwreck Coast Classic on Sunday.
“My goals are to be a strong SASI team member, do my job within the races and hopefully help the team to a stage win or two and strong overall position,” a modest Edmondson said
“I also aim to have a ball this weekend with the SASI girls and make the most of perhaps our final races together as a team.”
Edmondson said teammate Taryn Heather was a “diesel”.
“Get her on the front and there’s no stopping her – she’s one of the strongest riders I know.
“Sinead Noonan is a brilliant team player, she will give absolutely everything to the team, but if the opportunity arises she’ll get in a break and you won’t see her again. Jess Mundy is a great all-rounder, an up-and-coming talent who can get in a break, yet also has a very dangerous sprint on her.
“Alex Manly is just up from under-17s, small in size but packs a punch. Watch out for her in the years to come.”
Edmondson singled out the top three in the NRS standings – Ruth Corset, Lisa Jacobs and Miranda Griffiths – as the big dangers.
“They could get away on the final hill stage and definitely put pressure on the SASI team”.
She also identified the 20km second stage team time trial as a pivotal moment where the race for overall honours could easily be decided.