Weekend Kudos :: 9th May, 2012

Weekend Kudos is my way of recognising those who have put in significant efforts over the weekend in their respective race disciplines. It's not so much about the placings or results, it is more for the effort that has been put in. As a rider, I appreciate the encouragement I receive when I put in the effort to do my best so it is only fitting that I repay the favours.

It would be remiss of me not to formally congratulate Emma Gillard on her monumental effort in the Busselton 70.3 Half Ironman on Saturday morning (5th May). Emz placed 3rd in her age category and placed 22nd overall among the tough female contingent of athletes taking part in what has been reported as an incredibly gruelling event - as is the norm for the Busselton Half by the sounds of it.

Since her return to training after her time off with a foot injury, Emma has completed a demanding program to get herself back into shape for this event and her commitment and courage has been nothing short of remarkable. Emma took it upon herself to improve her cycling ability and the results from this event and her qualification in the UCI World Cycling Tour certainly shows that she has come a long way.

Emma's results can be found here (enter bib #479 and click "Go") or here.

It has been a privilege to have been able to ride with Emma over the past few months and she thoroughly deserves the result she came away with. Well done Emz, you are a true champion and it's certainly a pleasure to now have you as a training partner through Hall Cycle Training.

Speaking of Mr. Hall, congrats to Brad and his Plan B team for taking the win down at Collie on Sunday (6th May). Brad reported that conditions remained dry enough to make for some good racing so congratulations to the team for taking away the win. AP was also amongst the A grade racing but an unfortunate run of punctures turned his race into a very well ridden 80km ITT.