Sky Scholar and cyclist Lucy Garner reflects on an emotional road season
By Mark Ashenden
Last Updated: 24/03/17 11:15am
Ending the season by not being selected for the Great Britain squad at this week's World Championships in Qatar was a painful blow.
But after spending 12 months busting a gut to help support her higher-profile team-mates at Wiggle High5 and riding at the National Championships with two broken ribs, there's nothing much left that could faze Lucy Garner.
The 22-year-old from Leicestershire, supported on the Sky Academy Sports Scholarship scheme since London 2012, reflects on the highs and lows of a debut season with her new team, the growth of female road racing and her ambitions in the saddle....
1. NOT MAKING THE WORLDS SQUAD WAS A TOUGH WAY TO END THE SEASON
I was and still am really disappointed and upset about not being selected. But I am hoping for a good winter and that more opportunities will come my way next year.
2. HOW WAS YOUR LAST RACE OF THE SEASON - THE MADRID CHALLENGE?
I didn't have the best legs in the race. I had four days of hard racing in Belgium and flew out to Spain as a last minute call-up to replace a rider that was unable to race.
I was really happy to be there and racing, I just hoped for better legs. The race was great for the team as we got first and second with Jolien D'hoore and Chloe Hosking. It was a great achievement for the girls.
3. HOW IS WOMEN'S ROAD RACING DEVELOPING?
The Madrid Challenge was shown on TV and broadcast to around 90 countries which is just great for our sport.
It gives everyone the opportunity to watch what women cyclists can do. I hope more races will be shown on TV in the future. The publicity around female cycling is definitely getting much, much bigger.
4. BEST AND WORST MOMENTS OF THE SEASON?
I have played the role of being more of a domestic rider. I have learnt a lot from the more experienced riders and I really hope next year I can build on my sprint and get some chances myself to compete in the final again and aim for good results.
The least favourite moment this year has to be breaking my ribs. It was a nasty crash which meant missing out on a home race - the Aviva Women's Tour.
One of the best moments was finishing second in the Tour de Yorkshire. It's always nice to get a big result in a race but managing to get it on home soil with friends and family watching made it extra special.
5. ANY REGRETS ON MOVING TEAMS TO WIGGLE HIGH5?
The girls are great. We all get on really well and I think we've had a good year together! There are definitely no regrets about changing teams and I hope to get a good winter this year and come back stronger in 2017.
6. WHAT'S IT LIKE SUPPORTING THE MORE EXPERIENCED RIDERS AND SEEING THEM ON THE PODIUM AND NOT YOU?!
Cycling really is a team sport and I know that when one of the girls gets a big result that all of us other girls have really helped them to achieve that.
We may not be on the podium ourselves but the girls are really thankful for our help.
7. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF - ON AND OFF THE BIKE - OVER THE LAST YEAR?
I think after breaking my ribs it has really made me calmer!
I didn't rush back with the racing and took time to recover and I was rewarded with a third place at the National Championships.
8. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO IMPROVE YOUR RACING?
To move forward I really need to race more finals and to work harder on my sprint.
WHAT'S COMING UP FOR OUR SCHOLARS...
OCTOBER 3: Elise Christie, Speed Skating Invitation Cup
