Hello Friends of the Foundation,

Last time I updated on you on my travels and experiences I was in the United States training with my friend Emma Mackie, preparing for my return to Europe and on the verge of commencing the Cascade Cycling Classic.

Before beginning my exciting journey I attended a presentation night at the foundation. I was presented with my AGF kit, $1000 spending money, handed my new shiny Bianchi Sempre Veloce, Rudy Project Helmet and Sunglasses and my tickets for the trip from the Cadence Tours team. On the night I was fortunate enough to meet all the Amy Gillett Foundation staff, some of the Foundations patrons and sponsors of the scholarship. Tracey Gaudry opened the evening with an overview of what the Foundation does, the role of the scholarship holder and key projects that the Foundation were working on, one of these being the National Bike Safety Campaign. Tracey also took some time during the evening to tell me about her experiences racing in Europe, the 'ups' and 'downs' and how important your support network is in sharing all these times. It is only being here that I really understand what she meant.

So as I mentioned before, my last race in the United States was Cascade Cycling Classic. I organised a guest ride with small cycling team, Herbalife LaGrange and travelled nine hours down to Bend, Oregon. Bend is a lovely part of the world, snow capped mountains and lots of green forests. Unfortunately, I was unable to transfer the good form that I had been building on in training into a good performance in that tour. During the week of the tour I learnt of the death of a friend, John Cornish, who was killed in Melbourne while out riding. This is one of the 'down' times that Tracey had spoken of. As the Amy Gillett Foundation Scholarship holder and ambassador, I am lucky to be in a position to promote the great work of the Foundation. The Foundation is working tirelessly to promote safer conditions for cyclist on our roads and bridge the gap in the community between cyclist and other road users. The news of Johnny's death certainly was very difficult to deal with, especially after the recent death of Australian cyclist Carly Hibberd.

Now I am back in Castronno, Italy at the Australian Institute of Sport base with the Australian Women's Cycling Team. After spending two days in Italy I flew over to meet the team in Belgium. We spent the week training and raced in two events, the Ronde van Maastricht and Erpe - Mere (my race report can be seen here.....http://jojohogan.posterous.com/). I have been really happy with my form since my return to Europe and the next adventure begins on Thursday, when the team heads to Stelvio to commence altitude training in preparation for the World Championships in September.

Ciao,
Jo