EMILY Watts is the first female cyclist to etch her name on the 2020 Hunter Valley Chrono trophy after recording the fastest time in the Women's Individual Time Trial on a 30km course in Singleton on Sunday, November 8.
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The former Lithgow resident and Bathurst Cycling Club rider beat all other individuals, pairs and Super Teams crossing the finish line with a time of 47:19.06.
In the Chrono riders can choose to compete as individuals, pairs or in teams of four. It showed the class of Watts who chose the disadvantage of riding alone and went on to defeat teams.
"I was concerned [about riding alone] when I heard that teams could beat me for fastest time on the day but lucky the time I got was good enough," she said.
"I kind of wish I did a team for the afternoon because seeing all the teams have so much fun out on the road, it is always better riding with company."
Watts said she felt honoured to win the trophy and commended Cycling NSW for organising the event.
"It feels pretty good [to win] and the course definitely suited me with it being longer and quite hilly," she said.
"It's great that Cycling NSW is able to organise such an amazing race that brings athletes of all abilities together," she said.
Watts said in leading up to the Chrono event she trained hard aand managed to squeeze in a rest day.
"I prep very weirdly for events in that I normally train hard up to a day before and have one easy one. Then my fingers are crossed that I have good legs come race day," she said.
She is now preparing for an NRS tour in Tweed Head followed by Australian Track Nationals.
"I've got a nine day road tour in Tweed Heads and Nationals coming up within the next few weeks, so training at the moment consists of a mix of track efforts and road long endurance rides with strength and intensity in the gym," Watts said.
The calendar keeps booking up for Watts in 2021 as she looks to have a Domestic Tour down under, Road Nationals and 2021 Track Nationals and Oceania.
"We're definitely making up for the lack of racing that couldn't occur during COVID and I can't wait," Watts said.
Watts also wanted to thank her Subaru Giant Sponsors for their continued support in her cycling career.
"This couldn't have been possible without you and I can't wait to finally be able to show off our kit at some racing in the coming months," she said.
Alanna Tomazin
Alanna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on education. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at alanna.tomazin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Alanna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on education. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at alanna.tomazin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
