Cycling: Ulmer says she'll decide in a month

Sarah Ulmer

Halberg Supreme Award winner Sarah Ulmer's "will I, won't I" attitude towards next year's Commonwealth Games will become something more definite in the next few weeks.

Continuing to enjoy the break she has had since her stunning Olympic triumph in Athens, Ulmer has given herself until "April at the latest" to decide whether she will get back on the bike and set her sights on the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in March next year.

"The body can handle anything but the mind might find it more difficult," said Ulmer. "I won't know until I get back on the bike what will happen.

"A year sounds a long time but I still have to make the decision. Since the Olympics I have done a little riding, nothing more than once or twice a week."

Ulmer has come back before.

After the 1996 Atlanta Olympics she took a six-month break, but came back strongly to the point where she is now the world, Olympic and Commonwealth champion, holding the records for all.

To reach the same level, Ulmer says if she decides "to go again" she will need to hit 300km a week quickly and build that to 600km-700km over a couple of months and complement that with some gym work.

In the more immediate future, Ulmer is putting her energies into promoting a fun ride for women and children.

The ride, first held last year, is expected to attract around 1000 who will have the choice of riding 35km or 65km on a course from the Clevedon Showgrounds on April 24.

"I put the idea to myself initially as I wanted to see people get out and enjoy a sport I love," said Ulmer. "It has to be a safe and enjoyable ride. There is no competitive element."

Just under 1000 took part last year. Ulmer says there are likely to be even more this time.

"It is open to anyone. You don't need a flash bike. We ride over gentle rolling roads. There is no time limit."

* 1 or 2

Times a week Sarah Ulmer's been on the bike since the Olympics

* 300

The weekly kilometres she needs to hit quickly if she competes again

* 700

Kilometres a week to reach peak