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Cyclassic champion all set to defend title in 2023

Neale HarveyKalgoorlie Miner
Richelle Gamble is the 2022 Goldfields Cyclassic women's champion.
Camera IconRichelle Gamble is the 2022 Goldfields Cyclassic women's champion. Credit: Neil Watkinson/Kalgoorlie Miner

Perth rider Richelle Gamble is already making plans to defend the Goldfields Cyclassic title she grabbed this month — and with her father again by her side.

Gamble claimed women’s honours over the June long weekend on her third try in the time-honoured event.

The 41-year-old’s success was made even sweeter because her father, 63-year-old Nick Rudd, was along for the ride on the gruelling two-stage journey from Kalgoorlie-Boulder to Menzies and on to Leonora.

Gamble’s victory, however, nearly didn’t happen after COVID-19 played havoc with her preparations.

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“The race itself is relentless (because) you’re in one position, you’re going fast at one speed and you literally have no time to even look around,” she said.

“It’s hard and fast and probably up there among the toughest (road races) as it’s both mentally and physically draining because there’s just no time to switch off.

“It’s such a great event because it’s not just about the race itself, but also the overall community spirit and atmosphere.

“But I got COVID, along with the entire family, in April and was a bit worried how I was going to go.

“My preparations weren’t the best and I was a bit concerned if I’d be fit enough.

“Luckily, I felt really fit on the actual race weekend.”

Gamble’s entry into competitive cycling more than 25 years ago stemmed from triathlon events through her primary school years.

“I found I was quite good on the bike leg but it was my dad who really got me into cycling when I was about 15,” she said.

“I’ve always been on a bike, so having dad race (in the 2022 Cyclassic) was exciting because we train together.

“‘The fun thing was that he was in B-grade and I did C-grade, so he had to try and catch me.

“He got me on the second day and didn’t say hello because he was in race mode.

“The plan is that he’ll come back with me next year.”

Among Gamble’s Cyclassic prizes was a boomerang hand-painted by renowned artist Danielle Champion.

Her next major event is the annual Tour of Margaret River in November.

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