Squadra Donne, Season Review – 16th August ’10
Squadra Donne – Update Blog Piece
With the season in full flow, here at Shutt/Squadra Donne we think it is time to formally introduce ourselves, tell you all what exactly we’ve been doing this season, and what the future holds.
Just like the general cycling public; cyclists come from all walks of life, all kinds of backgrounds and have all kinds of skills off the bike, that most spectators would know nothing about, Squadra Donne is no exception. I think as amateurs we should have admiration for this, a side of the sport that rarely gets any mention. Do we cycle to live? Or live to cycle?
The 2010 season has been a fruitful one for Squadra Donne, featuring a number of wins, amongst other podium finishes; and not just in road racing but off the road on the trails sees Stephania Magri lead the series, and is looking strong to see it to the finish.
Back on the asphalt there has been equal success. With one of the highlights of the season being in Malta where Iona Sewell took the overall win, winning two stages in the process, an impressive improvement seen over last years 3rd place finish. The successes don’t stop here this season also saw Vicky Ware take 3 victories at Montee Courcheval, Montee St. Christophe, Alp d’Huez and a 2nd place at Montee Maron; with her time up the Alp d’Huez putting her in the top ten women of all time to race this course. With results like this the 2011 season is set to be even stronger yet, bargaining on the improvements to be made by the squad over the previous years.
Currently the team is racing The 3 day Ras na nBan held in the Ring of Kerry based in the small village of Sneem, the race ascends Moll’s Gap on the final stage, a well know local climb. A mention should also be given to one of the lead sponsors, BikeFood, the fuel behind the Squadra Donne riders, watch out for the bright bidons! Yellow of course, the hallmark of professional cycling.
The 2011 season will see the squad head back to Malta in defence of Iona’s title, in early March. With aims to also podium at the two days of Bedford, the only women’s stage race in the country all year, with further endeavours to race on the continent in France and Holland. From everyone at Shutt VR we wish the best of luck to the girls for the coming season and hope it reaps more rewards than the last. Viva Squadra Donne!
MB
Team Shutt VR
