Santos Tour Down Under 2021 - The Inside

Words: Emily Fowler, Charlie Coquillard | Pictures: James Mcpherson

Our Women's racing Team Step Forward Suzuki / Soomom racing was back on the saddle after long months of no racing due to COVID-19.

We went behind the scenes to give you insights into what racing looks like after so long without any events. Emily Fowler takes you through the excitement of the Santos Tour Down Under, and what it takes to compete at this level.

How did it feel to be back?

It was nerve-wracking. Racing in big groups is super intimidating when you're not used to it anymore. We raced in groups of 65, over the last few months, the most I've done must have been 15, so that's a significant change. For that type of event, you require a higher level of focus; it gets pretty hectic out there.

What was hardest after so long without racing?

Reacting to attacks is the thing I found the hardest. You train so hard, so your body is ready, but you can't prepare for attacks and fighting the bunch. Everyone has been on ZWIFT for months and has lost some of their bike handling skills. Meaning some of the moves in the bunch were a bit dodgy.

How did the team go overall?

Overall we finished 10th, so that was a good result for us. The girls did very well under the extreme heat, and our youngest finished 5th in the young riders' category — an incredible result.

Riding up Willunga — you see the best in the world do it every year, and there's the paint on the tarmac. Passing there yourself is pretty special.

Any tips for young female cyclists?

Keep riding your bike, don't stop, train every single day. Monday is rest day though — don't forget rest day. You need to enjoy riding because when you stop having fun, that's when there is a problem. You want to enjoy riding and training. Otherwise, what's the point in racing?