Reader Submitted: International Women’s Day Cycling Criterium

 
Report and pics by Claire (aka Atomic Infinity)

March 8th saw an exciting new event for International Women’s Day, held by the Second Life Cycling Federation (SLCF) at their Destiny region race track. One of the many IWD missions is to celebrate the achievements of women in sport, and promote equality and visibility, and while our sport might be ‘virtual’, it still counts!

An international field of six women lined up for the 10-lap race on the road circuit, supported by their partners, friends, and representatives from Wuud On club who sponsored the event to help promote International Women’s Day in Second Life with us. The grey ribbon of asphalt laid out before them consists of straights, hills and technical curves to test the riders skills, technique and tactics. Each rider was supplied with a special edition Zephyr racing bike built by event organizer Bill Jobs (of BJ Bikes and president of the SLCF), and a unique design race cycling outfit to celebrate the day.

The start of the race saw some jostling for position on the road, with each aiming to get a good line through the first few corners. The riders soon began to string out, forming a sinuous line that flowed around the course. The leaders, members of the SLCF and practiced at racing, not surprisingly started to break away from the peloton although even over 10 laps the chasers were never far behind.SLCF rider Claire took an early lead and managed to keep hold of it all the way to finish the 10km distance in 12 minutes 46 seconds. Le Sweetie in second place was a mere 5 seconds later, and Elise in third was not far behind. Artemis, Kyara and Inesye each then crossed the line to further applause.

The award ceremony followed with all the riders being awarded another very special bike by Bill with an exclusive paint finish called Rose & Fire. Then Claire, Le Sweetie and Elise stepped up to the podium to receive their trophies and prizes.

Thanks must go to Bill for holding the event, building the venue and the bikes, and to the Wuuds On club for their generous support to promote International Women’s Day with us. Also thanks to all the participants and onlookers which made the day very special.

I hope all involved felt elated at the celebration of our women racers, and may it be the first of many such events. I certainly felt elated from where I was standing, which lucky for me was the top step of the podium. Sorry for no action photos in the race, I was too busy pedaling!

The Second Life Cycling Federation is open to join and race at no cost. Bikes are provided free, so why not join in with one of the events, or try your skills at the ongoing time-trial timer which is always available.

More photos on Bill’s Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/192235040@N04/

Claire