Lauren Kitchen's blog

Im currently on my way home from the Aussie Nationals for 2012. It was an interesting and exciting week in Ballarat, in country Victoria. For me it was my first race in the Rabobank colours and also my first series of races for 2012. On Thursday the 5th of January, I competed in the National Crit in the main street of Ballarat, as the defending champion. The new women's Greenedge(AIS) squad of riders proved too strong for the remaining peleton and took top honors in both the Elite and U23 categories.

On the 27^th or November I headed back to Europe bound for Holland for my next adventure, this time to meet with my new team mates and staff of the 2012 Rabobank Women’s team. I was nervous and excited on the trip over as I wasn’t sure what to expect of my first Pro team encounter. The girls were all so welcoming and we had such a great time getting to know each other. We had a few rides through the week including some recon for the Worlds next year in Valkenburg.

On the 29th of October the Noosa Women's Grand Prix took place as a support event for the annual Noosa Triathlon. The event seems to be growing each year and this year I decided to be part of it! The crit was a great opportunity to catch up with alot of the girls and guys that I only briefly see during the racing season. The crit was very well organised and was raced full on, which wasn't surprising with the prize money on offer, including $2200 for the win!

Over the last weekend I travelled to Inverell with two of my best mates; Carlee Taylor(SA) and Miffy Galloway(ACT), to compete in the Celtic Classic de Femme. This race is held in conjunction with the famous NSW Grafton to Inverell which this year was run for the 51^st time!

Over the past month I have become very excited about what the 2012 season will hold for me! Next season I will be riding with the Rabobank’s Women’s Team and I can’t wait to experience and learn from some of the best cyclists in the World, including World’s number one; Marianne Vos and 2011 World cup series winner Annemiek  van Vleuten. For the season in 2012 I will be based in Holland where I will be close to the team and family that I have there.

Hi guys! I would like to welcome you to my new website that is set up and managed by my brother; Nick Kitchen. I will be updating it regularly with my events, exciting news as well as results and blogs to keep you up to date with my progress towards my ultimate goals including winning a World Road Championship Title and representing Australia at the Olympic Games. I hope you enjoy the site!