Erin gets bronze in at junior road nationals

[Lister Farrar]

Erin's got the bronze in u19 women today! Erin's riding road nationals this week in Quebec. She's only u17, and required permission to ride up.

The winner was another islander, Gillian Elsay of Comox.

[Fozzy]

Great result!!! Awesome job Erin.

[Rolf]

Great accomplishment, Erin! Keep aiming high.

[Lister Farrar]

After attacking and being in two solo breaks, Erin got 4th in the road race. Attacked in last 2km on the technical descent, started the final climb to finish in the lead. Got caught by three, including her teammate Gillian Elsay who tried to give her a lead out. But Leah Harvey of Alberta (junior worlds team last year) held them off, and Quebec girl got by as Erin's legs cramped.

Just got off the phone with Erin. She's very happy. The race was harder than she thought from the flatter than expected course.

Holly Simonson started the last lap action with an attack on the technical descent. Then the NCCH girl went. Gillian chased down the NCCH girl and then prompted Erin, who went when she saw the other favourites boxed in. But the chase and sit tactics brought her back, and she was starting to cramp then I think.

She said she recovered faster than she expected though on the main descent, then attacked on the technical descent about 2-3 km out. Good thing too because there was a crash that took out several contenders, two NCCH girls and most of Quebec team. Gillian, Leah (sp?) and one Quebec girl caught her about 700 m out. Gillian tried to lead Erin out, but Leah (went to
Junior worlds last year) had the front and held them off. The Quebec girl got around Erin in last 100 metres, cramping probably slowing her. Maggie' Coles Lysters (pereniial bc winner) group about 10 meters back.

Erin happy with being aggressive, and late attack. Thought maybe she should have drunk more. Dropped a gel and honey stinger during the race too, but Ruby from Ontario gave her another. Nice to hear. Unfortunately Ruby was caught in the crash and is in hospital. Hip injury.

They've gone to lunch. More later.

[Lister Farrar]

Erin 4th again today in the crit. Again active, making some other riders hurt here with 1 to go. Could have used a lead-out. Sarah maybe in two years?