Ida Krickau danced to the chorus of Jason Derulo’s ‘Ridin’ Solo’ as she walked onto the team presentation podium on the final day of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women.
She waved to the fans, who clapped harder for her than anyone else, and laughed at the DJ’s song choice. The previous day, when the Dane still had one team-mate by her side, she did the same when the speakers played ‘Just the Two of Us’.
But after all five of her O’Shea Red Chilli Bikes companions abandoned, Krickau was left to fend for herself on Sunday in Leamington Spa.
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“It’s weird, but I’ve got plenty of staff now to look after me,” the 20-year-old told Cycling Weekly ahead of the final stage. “All of my team-mates are supporting me. Even though I’m standing here alone, I’ve got plenty of people behind me.”
Krickau set out on stage five with the aim to “represent the jersey in the best possible way”.
She went on to finish the race 69th overall, almost 32 minutes down on the winner Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance-Soudal).
“I was really looking forward to being here with my team, and the whole experience. But in the end, it’s been a good race, and I take it as it is,” Krickau smiled.
O’Shea Red Chilli Bikes were one of four British Continental teams competing at last week’s Tour of Britain Women, alongside DAS-Hutchinson, Handsling Alba Development and Smurfit Westrock.
Last autumn, all four outfits feared they would no longer be allowed to take part in their home race, after the UCI revised its rules to limit WorldTour events to WorldTour and ProTour squads. They were later invited to start due to unfulfilled team slots.
“We’re making the most out of it,” said Krickau, who was racing her first multi-day WorldTour event.
Half of the 24 riders on British Continental teams that began the race in Cockermouth on Wednesday went on to finish Sunday’s stage in Leamington Spa.
One team manager put the abandons down to the gulf between the WorldTour and Continental teams, which continues to swell as budgets at the top of the sport grow.
Still, marquee races like the Tour of Britain Women provide a crucial platform for third-tier riders to gain race experience, and for teams to show off their sponsors.
That’s why, when Krickau took the start line alone in Leamington Spa, she did so with the determination to prove that teams like hers “belong in this race”.
Her solo ride may not have won her any medals, but it showed heart and tenacity, and gained her a host of new fans.
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