We are receiving daily SMS updates on the Women's TDN Team's progress from team member and Australian Women's Champion Kristie McKinnon.
September 21
I minded for the boy's today, - they had a good day, and finished 7th. A lot of the Group A teams from 2008 moved down to Group B this year so the Group B International class was very competitive ... Great time had by all :) see you all when we get home :)
September 20
A full write up on the days competition can be seen HERE
Great Britain 1st, Spain 2nd, Germany 3rd, France 4th, Norway 5th, Italy 6th, Australia 7th, Usa 8th, Portugal 9th... They made a few of the sections harder and tighter, but it did stay dry for the day!
It was really close all day between Spain and Great Britian, but the UK girls got the Title back again.
Shell was on fire again today, Brooke came straight from the hospital to the trial and rode out of her skin, we are so proud of her!
Tomorrow we relax and watch the boys, its been raining all arvo so should be interesting :)
September 19
Sorry I didn't msg you, i left my phone at the hospital so Brooke could call her parents... Sections were awesome for Michelle and myself, though a bit hectic for the 125's! Shell rode unreal yesterday, finished 20th, I rode $%^& and finished 23rd, Brooke had a big one and got a ride in the meat wagon! She is back on the bike this morning and we are pumped to go :) they have pulled the section level back today...
September 19
Reports are that "Scary, Nasty, Gnarly $%^&" took it's toll today in the Italian Round of the Women's World Championship. Australian Team member Brooke Lonie ended her day with a big crash from a log to huge rock splat. Brooke took a huge hit to her hip and stomach and was taken to hospital for checks. She is being kept in overnight under observation. She is apparently in good spirits, and a decision will be made at 9am Saturday as to her ability to compete in the days TDN.
Michelle Coleman beat team mate Kristie McKinnon finishing a credible 20th, with Kristie three places further back in 23nd.
Laia Sanz (Wild Honda/Montesa - Spain) again finished in the top spot. Becky Cook (UK) was able to maintain second place with a total of 11, while Iris Kramer has completed the podium with a total of 14
September 18
"Scary, Nasty, Gnarly $%^&" - Brooke's description of tomorrows sections, (minus a few profanities) after todays sighting lap.
Thankfully we were accompanied by Kev Zar who gave us some hot tips on line selection, and helped us through technical control. We can't thank him enough for his support, he has been unreal! We are praying the good weather holds, and the jury make some changes, there are 42 girls entered tomorrow and we will start mid pack......mmmmmm.
September 17
Xispa is good, but damn I have broken a rear mudguard..... and it's not from sitting on it, it's from PRACTICING! I promise. Boys are great, Trevor still doesn't have a bike! I think they can pick it up from the Beta truck today, so the 125 Sherco is getting a workout! Looking forward until Friday, now I am in the right timezone, settled, and really comfortable with the bike :) Shell and Brookie are amazing! and i sold my Hilux - Life's GOOD!
September 17
News flash - Bruise tally on Brooke reaches triple figures... Training again today with Fabio Lenzi. Men in the morning and Women in the arvo, at a man-made practice ground in Grumello, it rained all day but did not deter us... Expect it to clear for the weekend. tomorrow we prep bikes and have a sighting lap followed by technical control :)
September 16
Training today with Fabio was great! Men trained with him in the morning and girls in the evening... Brooke and Trev shared the Sherco 125, he must have taught it some tricks because Brooke out hopped us all afternoon :) Training again tomorrow at a new place with Fabio Lenzi. We are learning heaps and working towards a great TDN.
September 15
We drove to Darfo, Italy today and met up with Trevor and Dylan, both Mens and Womens teams are staying together at hotel Oasis Verde. It's nice and we should be able to ride from here to a good practice area, training with Fabio Lenzi Tuesday and Wednesday before the big weekend.
September 14
Women's French World Round at Isola 2000 Ski Resort.
Big day at the Office today, I was first away, and all the sections needed clearing. We all rode OK. I ended up 16th, Shell 17th , Brooke 20th. It rained for the second lap so all the scores were bigger.
September 11
Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything! The bike feels very nice, and I am much more confident now :) we're in France now on our way to Isola for some practice today and tomorrow, World round saturday!
September 10
Picked up my X280R from Xispa yesterday, they were sensational! Enrique was unreal - he took the team for coffee while I went riding with David Cobos! Bike is absolutely unreal, Cobos set it up 4 me :) the girls were jealous, they picked up the Sherco's 1st and I got to ride mine 1st .....and with David Cobos!
Kristie, (and Brook and Michelle). Australian Women's Trials des Nation Team 2009.