Inside The Bunch - Hayley Simmonds

10-mile record holder on rising to the challenge Down Under

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On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your last race?

Ten. At the Commonwealths in Australia, the time trial went perfectly to plan and I was really pleased with the result. I was only 20 seconds off Linda [Villumsen], so I am really proud of the time gaps, it shows I’ve got the ability to be there in the World Championships and hopefully Tokyo. The road race I was able to enjoy, but also felt like I had a really good race, I got into a break that unfortunately didn’t stick.

What’s your plan for the rest of the season?

My major targets are Emakumeen Bira and Thüringen [stage races]. Last year I came sixth in the Queen stage at Bira and 10th on GC. In Thüringen I won a stage, was seventh in the TT and third on GC, so those are races I would like to do well in. I also want my TT title back. Then I want to target the Europeans at the start of August and obviously the Worlds, both the time trial and the road race.