Women’s Track Training Sessions

Orla Hendron has started organising track sessions to help Orwell women get acquainted with the different style of racing, and coaching for tactics. Isabel Cogan kindly took the time to give an account of last week’s session…

Orla Hendron has started organising track sessions to help Orwell women get acquainted with the different style of racing, and coaching for tactics. Isabel Cogan kindly took the time to give an account of last week’s session…

Friday evening saw the first of what are to be regular women’s training sessions at the Sundrive track. Five women showed up on what started out, at least, as a balmy summer’s evening. Expertly led by Masters Track World Champion Orla Hendron, and aided on two wheels by her lovely assistant Eddie Lynch, the women were guided through some challenging training drills aimed at improving their track skills, and boosting newcomers’ confidence on fixed gear, brakeless bikes.

The session catered for the full spectrum of experience and abilities, with seasoned trackies such as Sandra Telford showing the ropes to the greener riders. Old hand Eddie cycled with the women, marshaling and doling out tips and tactics on the way.

All agreed that this first session was a great success, and there was great enthusiasm for holding further sessions on a regular basis, with a view to preparing Orwell women to take part in track racing over the summer months.

These sessions are open to all accredited riders (info on track accreditation here) and further details will be available soon. Track bikes and shoes are available for hire at Sundrive.

Big thanks to Orla and Eddie for coaching this session!

At present, you need to be accredited to take part in these sessions, though Orla is hoping to take unaccredited riders in the near future. The next will be taking place this coming Friday 17th May, at 6pm. If you’re interested, get in touch at orlahendron@hotmail.com so she can gauge numbers. Even if you’re not accredited, send Orla an email and she can let you know if you’re able to join anyway.