Kiwi News

False start doesn't falter Karen Fulton

Fulton held up at the race start ©RoadCycling.co.nz

Nov 26th, 11. Karen Fulton was almost left behind at the start of the women's criterium race in Taupo last night, but she made up for it by being in front when it mattered most - crossing the finish line.

When the commissaires blew their whistle for the start of the Elite Women's 20min + 3 lap criterium around the streets of Taupo, Fulton was still getting her race numbers checked by a race official.

Fortunately, her yell did the trick and and the race was halted to allow the final few riders time to get underway.

In front of crowds three deep, and in sunny but windy conditions, the Nelson rider and the other 15 starters then flew around the course with lap times of 1m16s.

Fulton had the support of her Team Orbea teammate Josie Giddens who kept close to the front of the race to help control the pace. Unlike the men's race, the women's field kept together albeit with a varied tempo, throughout the race.

Once the riders got the bell to indicate the final lap, Giddens jumped on the front a final time and ensured Fulton was first around the final corner into the finishing straight where they delighted Orbea NZ distributor Glenn Teraki by placing 1st and 2nd.

"The plan of attack was really to win it, and amazingly we came 1st and 2nd," said Fulton who crossed the line victorious and took the $1,000 prize.

"The course was cool, I love it, really fast."