Photo gallery: The 2017 Holden Giro della Donna weekend
Held this past weekend in the Victorian town of Warburton, the third edition of the Holden Giro della Donna was the biggest yet. In 2017 the event expanded from one day to two, with cyclocross racing and a 60km gravel route joining the classic 120km Giro della Donna on the event program.
The weekend began with some of Australia’s best cyclocross racers gathering to ride around a stunning abandoned estate near the event village in Warburton. Fun was the focus as riders wound their way through the sprawling property, and even through the old house that remains standing there. National CX champion Peta Mullens took a comfortable win in the elite women’s event while Sean Lewis, best known for his MTB exploits, took victory in the elite men’s event.
Soggy conditions were in store for those that tackled the Giro della Donna and Gravel Giro on Sunday. But with the temperature remaining mild throughout the day, the conditions weren’t nearly as uncomfortable as they might have been. Event ambassador Marianne Vos was the fastest female over the course’s two timed sectors, while Darren Lever was the fastest male. Follow the link for full results from the 2017 Holden Giro della Donna.
Thanks to everyone that joined us over the weekend. We hope you had as much fun as we did. See below for a teaser for the upcoming video from the day, as well as a selection of amazing photos from Tim Bardsley-Smith.
Teaser video
Photo gallery
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- Riders sign on for the CX races on Saturday.
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- Kids races started off the day.
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- The course weaved through an abandoned estate in Warburton.
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- The course didn’t just go around the property’s old house …
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- … it went through it as well.
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- Former pro Chloe Leighton (nee McConville) rode her way to third in the elite women’s race.
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- Peta Mullens looked very comfortable out on course.
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- So much so she had time for a sausage hand-up towards the end.
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- Mullens first, Mel Ansett second, Chloe Leighton third. Oh, and Marianne Vos was there to present the prizes.
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- CyclingTips founder Wade Wallace took to the course but was hampered by a mechanical.
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- Sean Lewis leads former national CX and road champion Al “Alby” Iacuone. The pair would share the lead through much of the race.
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- Lewis would go on to win ahead of Iacuone.
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- Sean Lewis first, Al Iacuone second, Greg Thorne third.
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- The Saturday night featured a Q&A with Marianne Vos and Australian WorldTour rider Brendan Canty.
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- NRS rider Kate Perry (right) was among the hitters on the startline for Sunday’s Giro della Donna.
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- Marianne Vos has a quick word with MC Scott McGrory before the GdD.
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- Peta Mullens was back in the saddle on Sunday after her win on Saturday.
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- Brendan Canty (in the green of Cannondale-Drapac) leads a group up Reefton Spur.
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- Marianne Vos sits comfortably in the bunch on her way to the fastest time for a female.
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- The mid-ride lunch stop in Marysville.
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- The gravel sector along Acheron Way. The rain had made it a little slick in parts, but still more than fine to ride on a road bike.
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- The last 9km of the ride are uphill. It’s a tough finish.
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- The final push to the summit of Mt. Donna Buang.
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- And with that, the 2017 Holden Giro della Donna was done.
