Gilmore tuned up for GP Series

Gilmore, recognised as the 2010 Australian Elite Road Cyclist of the Year is looking forward to the series and expects her Honda squad to be competitive.

“The Honda Insight Women’s International Grand Prix will be tough, it’s the start of the summer and we are taking it very seriously,” Gilmore said.

“After taking home first and second place at the Noosa Grand Prix last month, the Honda Dream Team is ready to take on what is sure to be a strong field of challengers.”

“Honda’s ongoing commitment to women’s cycling is helping raise the profile of the sport domestically and creating opportunities for Australia’s young cyclists to grow and develop their talent,” she said.

The five race series will be staged at Bathurst, Parramatta, Gosford, Coogee and Cronulla, with each event run over circuits of 20 to 24 kilometres.

The Coogee and Cronulla races will be televised live around Australia on the Nine Network.

Stephen Collins, Honda Australia’s General Manager Sales and Marketing, said Honda is delighted to be the naming rights sponsor for the new event.

“Sponsoring this exciting event is part of the increasing support Honda is providing to women’s cycling both here and overseas.

“We are looking forward to the start of the series in Bathurst tomorrow. We are delighted to be supporting both the series and the Honda Dream Team led by Rochelle and we see this as an ideal opportunity to celebrate the launch of the all-new Insight hybrid vehicle,” Collins said.

Other members of the Honda Dream Team include Tiffany Cromwell, Peta Mullens, Melissa Hoskins and Josephine Tomic.

High-profile rider who will be competing include Russian pro Evgenia Romanuta, New Zealand trio Emily Collins, Courtney Lowe and Kate Chilcott as well as 2008 Cronulla Grand Prix winner, Kirsty Broun, Emma Mackie and World Champions, Sarah Kent, Ashlee Ankudinoff and Megan Dunn.

Honda Insight Women’s International Grand Prix Series:

Race 1 Bathurst : Wednesday, 8 December 6:15 PM, Federation Square, City Centre

Race 2 Parramatta: Thursday, 9 December 6:40 PM, Parramatta Park

Race 3 Gosford: Friday, 10 December 8:10 PM, Central Coast Highway

Race 4 Coogee: Saturday, 11 December 2 PM, Arden Street, Coogee Beach

Race 5 Cronulla: Sunday, 12 December 12 PM, Mitchell Road, Cronulla