By Gem Atkinson • 17th May 2013 • Posted in Women

Last Sunday saw a Rapha Women's 100 training ride in the UK's hilly Peak District, a tough 65km in preparation for the forthcoming ride in July. Nonnas Italian restaurant in Chesterfield acted as a suitably Giro-inspired rider HQ, welcoming the ladies who enjoyed traditional Italian coffees and pastries before rolling out with a Jaguar support car, containing both soigneur and mechanic.
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By Jeremy Dunn • 9th May 2013 • Posted in Women
Photos by - Jason Perry
In the days leading up to a big ride such as the Rapha Women's Prestige you try to make sure that everything has been accounted for: the bicycle has been properly tuned; new tires have been installed (maybe a little wider than normal to take into account those notorious gravel sections); the derailleurs have been fine tuned; and the bike is nice and clean. Then there is your body: requisite training time in the saddle logged; stretching program followed; and the diet has been focused. It all culminates now, the starting time that sends you and your team into the wilds together. To stay together, to finish together, everything has to be just right.
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