Australian Pursuit Racing (APR) aims to level the playing field in bike racing. Similar to golf’s handicap system, riders are grouped based on perceived ability and set off at staggered intervals. The goal for all riders is to cross the finish line first, with the faster, more experienced cyclists working to catch those who started ahead. Riders can work together within their groups to increase speed and develop race tactics.
We caught up with a few of the women who took part.
Helen Brown is a Breeze Champion with nearly 150 led rides and a member of Revolution CT cycling club. Originally a runner, she now cycles around 5,000 miles a year. Despite her experience, Helen is relatively new to racing: “I tried a bit of racing at an Elgin Cycle Club ‘Go Race’ Ladies Day in 2022. There was some coaching and a course recce before the race. I stayed near the front for three laps but got dropped on the sprint! Still, it was a great experience. I’ve also joined a few APR practice evenings with Elgin CC and really enjoyed them.”
Helen was encouraged to enter the Dyke APR when the organiser mentioned only one other woman had signed up. A few more followed, including Zoe Newsam and Corinne Menzies. Corinne decided to take part after learning she wouldn’t be the only novice, boosting her confidence to give it a go.
Corinne, nearly 65, had little racing experience beyond a few time trials and one APR. Until recently, she had viewed cycling mainly as transportation. She joined her local club just a few years ago.
Helen admitted feeling nervous the day before the race, but her daughter reminded her she could handle the distance and encouraged her to enjoy the ride.
At the start line, Helen, Corinne, and Zoe Newsam were placed in Group 1, along with five men. Corinne described it as:
“A very welcoming experience. The organiser and volunteers were supportive and reassuring. Everyone in our group was friendly, though many felt nervous.”
With four laps ahead, Group 1 decided to work together, taking turns at the front. Group 2 included the two other female riders, who Helen described as younger and faster.
Group 1 held out for two laps before faster riders caught up. The men surged ahead, leaving Helen, Zoe, and Corinne to continue working together. Unsure if any women had passed them, they kept pushing. Helen said:
“I was enjoying it! I hadn’t come to win, so we just kept going. We regrouped when we needed to, riding together again.”
In the final lap, a fourth rider joined their group. Corinne shared:
“Working as a threesome was great. Even better when a fourth rider joined us on the last lap. We nearly caught a couple of our original group. With just a few km to go, Helen surged up a small hill and sprinted to the finish for a well-deserved win.”
Helen shared:
“I just went for it. We rode strong and did a great job. Thirty-seven miles at an average speed of 19.3 mph.”
Close behind her was Zoe Newsam, who added:
“I’m a pretty experienced cyclist but hadn’t done a road race like this before. I’ve ridden sportives and done a few time trials, but racing always felt too intimidating. I entered the Dyke APR because the organising club, Elgin CC, was so inclusive and welcoming. It was a lovely event with a great atmosphere.”
Helen said the win didn’t sink in until she returned to HQ. Her main motivation was to boost female participation:
“I was absolutely chuffed to win and so happy for Zoe and Corinne who came second and third. I’m glad my daughter persuaded me to go! I was on cloud nine all day and told everyone at work the next day I’d won a race.”
For each of them, the APR format offered a more accessible entry into road racing. Working in a group gave them a chance to benefit from drafting, recover between efforts, and build tactical skills.
Zoe wants to encourage others:
“If you’re interested in testing yourself, sign up for something like this. You don’t know how it feels until you try!”
Corinne agrees, urging more women to give it a go:
“If more women, beginners, or older cyclists entered these handicap-style events, it could create a snowball effect. Competitive cycling has huge potential as a lifelong sport—more than most others can offer.”
Meanwhile Helen was keen to acknowledge the efforts of organisers and volunteers: “Events wouldn’t happen without volunteers. I love volunteering myself, in fact, my next event is Etape Loch Ness, where I’ll be volunteering. If racing isn’t your thing, there’s always room to help out!”
Congratulations to Helen, Zoe, Corinne, and everyone who took part, and a huge thank you to the volunteers and organisers who made the Dyke APR possible. Here’s to seeing even more women on start lines soon!
Want to start road racing? Click here to find out more. Enter an event here.
The next APR event is in Midmar, Aberdeenshire, on Thursday 22nd May, click here for more information and entry details.
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