CCC Kim Garett second in first female only Open race in France.
Challenge Morlaix Communauté dames à Sainte-Sève Sunday 30 June 2024
Sunday saw Kim Garrett racing for Caesarean Cycling Club (CCC) compete in her first female only Open race which was for women aged 17+ across all categories. The race in Ste Seve, was the 4th round of the Challange Morlaix Communaute Groupama series. The course was 13 laps of a 4.62km circuit. The course was a traditional French circuit course, a few lumps in it and rolling flat. The race started in the rain, much to Kim’s disappointment but fortunately it soon dried out. Not knowing where Kim’s level was against the French women, she held back the first few laps and watched what was going on and who was strong. In the early laps, attacks were made which saw a few riders drop off but due to lull’s some were able to bridge back. A decisive attack happened on roughly lap 7 which saw two riders get away. Kim let the group try and chase but once she realised they weren’t going to catch, she attacked the group to bridge across to the two leaders. The trio stayed away for the remainder of the race with all the riders making attacks at different parts of the course but nothing stuck. It came down to a three up sprint on the punchy climb to the finish. Kim gave it her all and secured second place, just behind the previous multiple-Breton champion and beating the current Breton champion.
Piré-Chancé Semi-Nocturne which formed part of the Trophee Du Pays De Châteagiron Communauté. Friday 28 June 2024
On Friday 28th June, Jim and Kim Garrett racing for Caesarean Cycling Club (CCC) competed in the Piré-Chancé Semi-Nocturne which formed part of the Trophee Du Pays De Châteagiron Communauté. The race was 25 laps of a 3.6km circuit. The majority of the 130 entrants were Open 3 category or access 1 with Jim and Kim entered under Access 2 category.
The race started at a furious pace which saw Jim settle himself in the pack but unfortunately the pace was a bit too much for Kim but she managed to get in a group who worked well together until they were caught by the main bunch. Jim was managing with the pace nicely and evaded a nasty crash in front of him which saw two riders leave in an ambulance. Kim settled into the bunch once lapped as the race had calmed down a little. Jim was holding his position nicely until another crash happened. This saw a gap emerge between those stuck behind the crash and those ahead, Jim was able to get back to the group before the next bout of attacks. The chase was too much for Kim and she got dropped but continued to pick riders off who had also been dropped and got picked up by the bunch for the last few laps. With 1 lap to go Jim suffered from cramp which unfortunately cost him a bunch finish. Over 1,000 metres of climbing and 90km completed in 2 hours 10 mins, this race was certainly a test.
Due to Kim continuing despite getting lapped she was the first female home and got a trip up to the podium. Finishing places are roughly top 30 for Jim and top 80 for Kim (the official results are somewhat skewed due to the lapping etc).
Jim and Kim would like to thank CCC for their continued support this season, enabling them to race in France. Special mention must go to John Derrien who was on hand for any last minute entry panics but across the weekend all organisers were welcoming. They would also like to thank the Cog and Sprocket for their continued support.