Cycling
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GRIFFITH cyclist Jenni Massey isn't going to let an untimely dose of the flu prevent her defending her crown at the Yellowtail Visy NSW Masters Road Championships this weekend.
More than 500 cyclists from across the state will flock to Griffith for the three-day titles, which start on Saturday with a road race.
Massey, who competes in the women's masters six (55-59 years) category, is also the defending national road race champion and would love to claim another major title on her home course.
While a virus has seen her take it easy on the bike the past week, Massey hopes to be back to full health for the weekend.
"Unfortunately, there's not a lot you can really do (about getting sick)," Massey said.
"We'll see how I'm feeling, but I should be right to race.
"We'll just see how I go."
Massey has ridden the 51km course, which consists of three 17km circuits around Griffith Airport and Scenic Drive, hundreds of times while training with Griffith Cycle Club.
She believes that knowledge will give her an edge over her rivals.
"I think it will be advantageous. I certainly hope it is anyway," Massey said.
"It does come down to the legs and the heart at the end of the day.
"But we do a lot of our training there, so it should be a big help."
Massey has won nearly 20 medals at past state championships, but that success doesn't make her immune to nerves.
When she's beside the other riders on the startline on Saturday, Massey expects to feel a few butterflies.
"I do get nervous, but I've learnt to channel it into my riding. That's the best thing you can do," she said.
"I'm always conscious of my position in the pack and where people are and whether they're attacking.
"I do wear a heart-rate monitor, but usually I can just feel how I'm going."
Regardless of where she finishes, Massey is proud Griffith is hosting such a large cycling event.
"It's a really big thing," she said.
"It's great everyone has worked together to bring it here."
As well as Saturday's road race, the championships will feature a criterium on Sunday and time trial on Monday.
Course maps are available at www.griffithcycleclub.com.