Rachel Neylan, Cyclist
01/22 2010 Posted in Blog | 4 comments
Just over 2.5 years ago Rachel Neylan competed in her first cycling race – Green & gold, stage races, the European peloton and world cups and were only a distant vision…
“The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur.” – Vince Lombardi
The late transition from elite runner to international cyclist was sparked by will, spirit and a few remarkable life changes in late 2007 – Sydney to Adelaide, full time profession turned to hours in the saddle and running shoes to pedals… READ MORE
Tour of Limousin
Our Aussie National team had a a fantastic race with Ruth Corset 2nd on GC, 1st teams Classification, and a final day stage win with Carlee Taylor.
We didn’t win overall GC but were mighty close and did everything we could to try, just beaten by a marginally better team on the final day. Each of the the girls rode their legs off in a brilliant team effort each day. I think the next time we are in a position to win a race such as Limousin we will be more experienced because of this years race.
Personally i was very happy with my form first race back after my crash and completing my role working for the team result. I finished 7th in the TT which i was very happy with also!
Pics here;
http://www.rachelneylan.com/category/gallery/
Aussie Cycling Team Remember Amy
The 18th of July was the 5 year anniversary of Amy Gillett
http://www.amygillett.org.au/australian-women-s-cycling-team-rememember-amy
http://www.amygillett.org.au/message-from-amy-s-parents-on-the-5th-anniversary
Being an AGF scholarship holder means more than just opportunity. It is about being part of Amy’s legacy which is an absolute honour.
Five years on this legacy is ever so strong..
The work of the AGF, carrying forward Amy’s evidant dedication, spirit and enthusiasm – is essentially saving lives on our roads every day.
One more special fact is that there are many young Australian women inspired in sport by Amy’s life to live out her dreams.. I am proud to say I am one of them.
Last week on 5 the year anniversary, I was with the Australian Women’s Cycling Team, we remembered Amy wtih a tranquil training ride around Varese, Italy.
Following this we raced in France at the Tour of Limousin, wearing pink arm bands – for admiration, respect and memory of Amy.
I had the absolute pleasure of exchanging some lovely words with Mary and Denis Safe last week who I am most inspired and by their positive and peaceful disposition. My thoughts are very much with the Safe family and Friends, Simon Gillett, the Amy Gillett Foundation at this time.
I never knew Amy but wished I did – as my racing season progresses well here in Europe and on this anniversary I am ever so greatful of being part of the AGF family.
Tour Feminin en Limousin – Stage 1 and 2
Racing again feels great. Before the start of stage one in the Tour Feminin en Limousin, I felt great and was ready to give it my all for team mate Ruth Corset. Ruth was in good form and the first stage was going to be tough.
Stage 1 was 118 km with 7 Climbs and with a motivated Lotto Team, the race didn’t take long to get serious and selections were being made. I had the form to get into the decisive spilt, working for Ruth for the final climb. I raced hard to set it up for Ruth to go in the final break, I unfortunately didn’t have enough left to go with them. I finished in 12th but Ruth finished in second but had done enough through out the day to take the race lead on GC.
Stage 2 was A Time Trial and I was again feeling good. It was an opportunity for me to see what kind of form i was in! I gave it my all and at the finish I was seventh on the stage. Feeling very satisfied with my 4th European top ten in only my second race back after my crash in Spain, it was a ride that also moved me up to 8th overall. Ruth was third on the day and has slipped to 2nd in GC by only 5 seconds so we will be looking to help her get back into the yellow soon.
I will update again after stage three, it will be a big two days on the road but looking forward to it!
Next Stop France – don’t get excited, not Paris.. just the bit in the middle
Feels great to be on the road again and focussing on RACING!
Following GP Cento on Sunday I joined the Aussie team again for a few days training in Varese at the AIS base. Congrats to fellow Aussie and friend Rochelle Gilmore on her 2nd place at the race!
I was happy with my first race back at Cento, all was positive on the flat, fast and very hot circuit.. my SRM average temp was a nasty 38deg!
We depart tomorrow for an 8h drive across Italy / France to Limousin in central France for the UCI 2.2 Tour Feminin en Limousin.
I am looking forward to a good return to top level stage racing – we have a fantastic team starting with Ruth Corset, Amanda Spratt, Shara Gillow, Lauren Kitchen and Carlee Taylor.
It is more than likely that we wont have internet a the race accommodation as unfortunately the French women’s race budgets have much to be desired. So i have posted the links here for the race details and following;
Race stage results http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-feminin-en-limousin-2-2-1
Race website http://www.aacf87.org/
Recovered, trained and ready to RACE.
Recovered, trained and ready to RACE!
After a two week rehabilitation period off the bike following the crash in Spain, then 2.5 weeks of solid training I am ready to return to racing tomorrow. I will start the GP Cento Carnivale in Cento Italy wtih Team System Data – a flat 110km race, perfect for a return to competition.
I will then travel to France with the Aussie National Team for the Tour of Limousin
I have had a very tough relentless but brillant uninterrupted block of training. Living here in Lucca and working at the SRM Italian HQ has given me a fantastic supportive environment to live and train.
- The Walled City of Lucca
I have done much of my work solo so give much thanks to my Ipod and SRM! It has been a farily demanding training block but have had much support to get over the training peaks from my sponsors in particular 2XU recovery compression and Endura sports nutrition.
A hard day or two were always punctuated with a beautiful view of the mediterranian sea, an ancient mountain top monument or a tuscan sunset.
It’s been a good experience settling in to life here for an extended time, finding my local routines, meeting friends and establishing local networks and necessary services – first and foremost the local patisserie and barrister “Angelo Dolce”, local bakery “Panne Panifico”, my Fiseotherapista / osteo “Francesco” and the go to guy for motorpacing Armondo (offering wthe draft of him in skinsuit on his decked out Cervelo P3 / or his smartcar!) and of course my favourite Parruchiere (= hairdresser) in town Simone!
Here are some shots from some of the kms i’ve been the road
Rachel Neylan is a fast progressing road cyclist climbing the ranks of Australian Women's Cycling. From runner turned cyclist, in late 2008, the passionate and ambitious 28 year old has promptly progressed to international racing. In 2010 competing on the professional European / UCI circuit, Rachel will race with Italian ' Team System Data' and the Australian National Team. “I am a passionate about elite competition, and all that it entails - the daily physical challenges, the technical ability, the mental discipline, and the camaraderie with other elite athletes.
I enjoy the ability to share my journey with others, engaging people along the way. Through the medium of rachelneylan.com. I hope to take my family, friends and sponsors around the world with me from ambition to accomplishment in the exhilarating sport of world class cycling. This is a gesture of my appreciation for all your support along the way!" 