2017 Championnats de Bretagne sur Piste

Mega PB again at Brittany Championships for Sabine!

Racing her last competitive event at the Championnats de Bretagne sur piste Beaulieu student Sabine Minchinton-Gilley produced another personal best time reducing her previous best time by 10 seconds!

Having qualified for the championship she produced her best time to date to finish 5th in Brittany amongst the best pursuit riders in only her third pursuit competition this year. The winner, Marie Le Net, is the current French national championship in this discipline. Sabine is the only Jersey track rider to have competed at the Brittany Championships.

Known as a sprinter Sabine had qualified for the Brittany Sprint Championship in June but unfortunately it coincided with exams at school; she had a real opportunity for first place but was unable to compete. She once again received positive encouragement from French coaches & organisers who respect her achievements especially as she cannot train like her peers due to the lack of facilities in Jersey. They complimented her on her rapid progression in track riding & are supportive of her reaching the potential, the same potential UK Sport saw in her last July at Discover Your Gold organised by UK Sport.

However this was Sabine's final competitive race as she has decided to take a break from the sport. The constant travel & lack of a velodrome has been the major factor in this decision although this has been one of her best seasons since she started competing in France back in 2012. Sabine began cycling locally in 2008 aged seven but has now decided to no longer participate in the sport at a competitive level.

This season began with a direction to road racing but the decision was made to change back to track in early Spring as this is where Sabine's strength is. Thankfully the motivation, determination and desire was there for her to produce a rewarding season. Good luck with the surfing, and the future Sabine!