The confidence building ninth in the final stage of the event which kicked off on New Year’s Day has put Kitchen in good stead for the all-important Cycling Australia Road National Championships next weekend.

Kitchen said she was happy with the finish, considering conditions were against the cyclists throughout the event.

“It was such an intense race,” she said. “The heat and conditions made the going tough.”

Kitchen said it was so tough many competitors ended up pulling out of the race.

“I’m happy with the form I’m hitting at the moment,” she said. “Hopefully it’s come at the right time for the championships, which are more important.”

Kitchen won’t be holding back either, with an eager aim of making the top five. But she has a heavy schedule ahead of her to contend with, too. 

Before she attempts the National Road Race Championships Kitchen is planning a tilt at the National Criterium Championships on Thursday. After all the racing action in Victoria Kitchen, will head off to Europe for the start of its racing season.

“It will probably be a few months before I’m back home again,” she said.