A top class field from 18 countries is now confirmed for Newport on Saturday 20th August. The big guns from the world of women’s cycling are preparing to battle it out on the tough 3-lap, 114 km Welsh course in this, the 8th leg of the 2005 UCI World Cup series.
A strong showing is expected from the GB team, with leader Rachel Heal particularly tipped for a place on the podium now that her fellow country–woman Nicole Cooke has had to withdraw due to injury. Hoping to enjoy a victory in front of her home crowd, just as Canadian Geneviève Jeanson did in Montreal in May, Rachel comments “If the home support is anything like it was at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, it will be a great experience”.
Acknowledged as one of the strongest women’s professional teams on the circuit for many years, team Nurnberger are set to have a strong showing in the Usk Valley. Current World Cup leader and last year’s champion Oenone Wood of Australia, together with teammate Judith Arndt (Germany) make a formidable pair, suggesting that a Nurnberger jersey could well be first over the line.
Fierce competition is expected however from Buitenpoort-Flexpoint with Sweden’s double World Champion Susanne Ljungskog and Mirjam Melchers-Van Poppel of the Netherlands both keen for a win. Lying second and third respectively in the current World Cup standings, both riders have everything to play for as the series draws close to its climax in Germany this September. A full rider list will follow shortly.
TV scheduled
The UCI Women’s Road World Cup, Grand Prix of Wales, Newport will be recorded by the BBC TV, presented from Wales by Jill Douglas. It will be broadcast on Sunday 21st August and distributed internationally.
Race details and further links
Distance is 71 miles (114km) over three laps and includes six climbs. A full route description is available from the race website www.worldcupcycling.com
Latest UCI Women’s World Cup standings can be found at www.uci.ch
The youth cycling development initiative Go-Ride, run by Welsh Cycling will be taking place prior to the start of the World Cup on Saturday 20th August. More information from www.welshcyclingunion.com
More Links:
• Celtic Manor Resort
• Want to Marshall? The Events Group
