Feb 21-23, 2006- Women's Geelong Tour perfect training for what is to come. The first UCI Women's World Cup stage race began on Feb. 21st. The first day had 140 of the best riders of the world test their legs on an 8km Time Trial along the beach front road just outside of Geelong, Australia. The unique thing about this time trial was that everybody was on an equal playing field having no time trial bikes allowed. Each rider set out with their normal road bike set up...no tt bars, no disc wheels, and no tt bikes. About 1.5hrs later, the afternoon 30km Criterium race began...with 140 riders starting...ending with only 40 riders. The pace was so high, the corners were so tight, and most of the course was uphill. These factors combined lost 3/4 of the field out the back and they were pulled from the race. Ending the race was an aggressive field sprint, with an 8th place finish for me. The next day brought an 80km circuit race, seeing the only significant breakaway set by myself and Priska Doppman who were off for 10km. They were caught on the last lap, and a field sprint resumed. The final stage consisted of 115km in distance broken up with a climb so steep it made riders fall off their bikes!! With riders pushing their bikes uphill, combined with riders lying on the ground, those who had the strength to power up the climb were left weaving their way through the 'debris'!!! Again, a very aggressive field sprint with the remaining riders ended the race with a top 15 for myself. All this in preparation, mentally and physically, for the World Cup race in 2 days time.....