After two years in the green and gold jersey of the Australian national champions jersey, Gracie Elvin is racing in the trade team kit of Orica-AIS but that isn't the only change in 2015 for the 26-year-old. This season has seen Elvin focus on success in the spring classics more then ever before as she pursued her personal ambitions, while simultaneously taking on a leadership role in the team. Currently enjoying a mid-season break back home in Canberra after 13 race days in Europe, plus the Ladies Tour of Qatar after the Australian summer of cycling, Elvin told Cyclingnews that her first half of the season didn't quite go to plan
"From a personal point of view, I am pretty hard on myself, I'd be lying if I didn't say I was disappointed," Elvin said. "I really was aiming for some podium results in the spring. It's a good time of year with the races that suit my strengths. I cracked into the top-ten a couple of times but I really wanted to podium and win but that didn't happen. Looking at everything I did and my preparation, I am still pretty happy so I am positive that I can keep going for results in the second half of the season."
Disappointed not be challenging for the wins, Elvin explained that her data backs up her belief that she is improving year-on-year. Adding that the increased level of competition in the women's peloton means the top-ten is increasingly harder to crack.
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"Even just looking at my data files, I'm going stronger than I've ever gone before so it just goes to show that women's cycling is just getting stronger and stronger and the level is getting pretty high," she said. "It's cool to be a part of that even though it's frustrating I haven't been able to get the results I wanted.
"All my numbers are really good and just my general feeling as well on my bike in the races. I always put myself in the best position possible to go for a result and support teammates for a result so I have confidence in my racing ability and my form is defiantly getting stronger so it's a pretty cool feeling knowing that I am still improving and have heaps to work on. I can definitely take confidence from that and know I haven't plateaued as an athlete. So I'm excited to keep pushing work and myself on those things."
While Orica-AIS is yet to win in Europe this season, Elvin explained that an outsider might jump to conclusions without considering that 2015 is a year of change and transition for the team with several new faces on board. Not to mention the broken collarbone that derailed Emma Johansson's classics campaign.
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