Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling’s Peta Mullens took a battling third place in the Subaru Noosa Open Criterium in Noosa, Queensland, to maintain her personal podium consistency in the race. The 26-year-old Victorian – who won the 2010 edition, and took second place last year in her debut in the black and orange jersey – was just beaten to the line in the race for second place by Sarah Roy (Roxsolt), after 2013 winner Kimberley Wells (Specialized-Securitor) had escaped to victory on the penultimate lap.
“We knew we were going into the race outnumbered, we had three versus teams of six but it certainly didn’t discourage the girls,” Mullens said afterwards. “We love racing in Noosa and we love the atmosphere, it just lifts you to another level that you didn’t know you had off the back of an off season.”
With just New Zealand Criterium Champion Emily Collins and South Australian Jess Mundy riding in support of Mullens, Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling nevertheless managed to be part of most of the major moves throughout the 30 minutes plus three laps race. Unfortunately, however, Wells’ attack – which was identical to the one that had seen her and Mullens escaped last year – was too strong to follow this time.
“Em was amazing considering she’s only been back on the bike a few days after five weeks off, and although Jess is new to the team she’s a savvy and strong rider and didn’t miss a move all day,” said Mullens.
“In the end ‘Kimbers’ replayed our tactics from last year and hit out on the second to last lap; she was just too strong to follow. “Jess pulled for the final lap and got close but we were left sprinting for minor positions.”
Despite just missing out on the sprint for second, Mullens retains something of a personal record at the race, which is part of a weekend-long multisport festival in the Queensland coastal town.
“I have two statistics that still remain,” Mullens laughed. “I’ve never won with the number 1 plate [she wore it in today’s race] and I’ve never finished off the podium in Noosa. We’ll be back next year to keep that theme going!”
Result
1. Kimberley Wells (Specialized-Securitor)
2. Sarah Roy (Roxsolt)
3. Peta Mullens (Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling)
