Australians just miss podium in world TT
30/09/2010
A massive crowd turned out in Geelong this afternoon to witness the elite men compete in the world individual time trial championships. Standing three and four deep along the barriers in some places, fans gave riders of all nations a generous reception, but saved their full throated roars for the Australian duo of Michael Rogers and Richie Porte.
Along the waterfront and up Moorabool Street, the pair rode through what seemed like a wall of sound as excited spectators urged them on with a football grand final type intensity. And for awhile it seemed as if their barracking had indeed paid dividends when Michael Rogers crossed the line after his two laps and found himself in top position.
David Millar (Britain) and Tony Martin (Germany) soon relegated Rogers to third position but with Porte still on the course and flying on the wave of Aussie crowd support, an Australian victory was still within the realms of possibility.
But the young Tasmanian faded at the last and crossed the line in third position, knocking team mate Rogers off the podium, before Fabian Cancellara, after nearly wiping himself out against the barriers during a vicious descent, blew everyone away and claimed his record fourth time trial championship win, relegating Porte to fourth place.
Results
1st – Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland) 58' 09''
2nd – David Millar (Britain) 1' 02''
3rd – Tony Martin (Germany) 1' 12''
4th – Richie Porte (Australia) 1' 19''
5th – Michael Rogers (Australia) 2' 25''
Other riders from Downunder -
23rd – Jack Bauer (New Zealand) 4' 17''
39th – Gordon McCauley (New Zealand) 7' 46''
Sean Q Lee(30/09/2010)
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Along the waterfront and up Moorabool Street, the pair rode through what seemed like a wall of sound as excited spectators urged them on with a football grand final type intensity. And for awhile it seemed as if their barracking had indeed paid dividends when Michael Rogers crossed the line after his two laps and found himself in top position.
David Millar (Britain) and Tony Martin (Germany) soon relegated Rogers to third position but with Porte still on the course and flying on the wave of Aussie crowd support, an Australian victory was still within the realms of possibility.
But the young Tasmanian faded at the last and crossed the line in third position, knocking team mate Rogers off the podium, before Fabian Cancellara, after nearly wiping himself out against the barriers during a vicious descent, blew everyone away and claimed his record fourth time trial championship win, relegating Porte to fourth place.
Results
1st – Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland) 58' 09''
2nd – David Millar (Britain) 1' 02''
3rd – Tony Martin (Germany) 1' 12''
4th – Richie Porte (Australia) 1' 19''
5th – Michael Rogers (Australia) 2' 25''
Other riders from Downunder -
23rd – Jack Bauer (New Zealand) 4' 17''
39th – Gordon McCauley (New Zealand) 7' 46''
Sean Q Lee(30/09/2010)
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Luke Durbridge claims silver for Australia Villumsen claims bronze for the Kiwis
29/09/2009
Australia's Luke Durbridge and the USA's Taylor Phinney have dominated the U23 world time trial championship in Geelong today. The two rising stars staged a battle royale at the top of the table to finish just 1.9 seconds apart after completing the 31.8 km course more than 20 seconds ahead of their nearest rivals.
It was to be Phinney, blessed with the best of the conditions, who took the gold in 42'50". Durbridge, who rolled off the starting ramp two hours before Phinney, had to deal with 'patchy' conditions, making his time even more exceptional. Germany's Marcel Kittel finished third, 24 seconds behind the gold medallist.
Other riders from Downunder - 5th Rohan Dennis (Aust), 23rd Shem Rodger (NZ), 28th Michael Vink (NZ),
In the women's event New Zealand rider Linda Villumsen narrowly missed out on grabbing a silver medal finishing 15 seconds behind Britain's Emma Pooley who took gold and less than seven tenths of a second behind Germany's Judith Arndt who claimed silver. Villumsen also finished third in last year's event while wearing the colours of Denmark. This was her first ride representing her new nation.
Other riders from Downunder - 8th Shara Gillow (Aust), 16th Melissa Holt (NZ), 18th Vicki Whitelaw (Aust), 19th Alexis Rhodes (Aust).
Sean Q Lee (29/09/2010)
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It was to be Phinney, blessed with the best of the conditions, who took the gold in 42'50". Durbridge, who rolled off the starting ramp two hours before Phinney, had to deal with 'patchy' conditions, making his time even more exceptional. Germany's Marcel Kittel finished third, 24 seconds behind the gold medallist.
Other riders from Downunder - 5th Rohan Dennis (Aust), 23rd Shem Rodger (NZ), 28th Michael Vink (NZ),
In the women's event New Zealand rider Linda Villumsen narrowly missed out on grabbing a silver medal finishing 15 seconds behind Britain's Emma Pooley who took gold and less than seven tenths of a second behind Germany's Judith Arndt who claimed silver. Villumsen also finished third in last year's event while wearing the colours of Denmark. This was her first ride representing her new nation.
Other riders from Downunder - 8th Shara Gillow (Aust), 16th Melissa Holt (NZ), 18th Vicki Whitelaw (Aust), 19th Alexis Rhodes (Aust).
Sean Q Lee (29/09/2010)
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Pre-worlds event at Buninyong
28/09/2010
The disappointment caused by the late withdrawal of Thor Hushovd and Phillipe Gilbert for Sunday's world championship warm up event at Buninyong was offset by the late entry of Fabian Cancellara. Perhaps the most powerful cyclist of the current era, 'Spartacus' proved his popularity by being mobbed by media and fans both before and after the race. A fourth place finish while barely raising a sweat shows that he is in good condition for the start of this week's big events in Geelong, although the man himself played down his chances. “The worlds are unpredictable,” he said after the race, “no, I am not one of the favourites.”
But the race belonged to the Italians. Under perfect spring conditions Filippo Pozzato made the most of the bright sunshine and stamped himself firmly among the favourites for the worlds with a superb win after being a part of a decisive four man breakaway late in the race. Aided in the sprint by the second place getter (Poland's Maciej Bodnar) slipping a chain, Pozzato crossed the line with little fanfare. In third place was South American rider Carlos Guinez (Chile). Local rider, Patrick Shaw was the first Australian to finish.
While not quite the Alpe d'Huez, local fans lined the route to the top of Mt. Buninyong and thoroughly enjoyed their taste of international cycling. Another enjoyable feature was the accessibility of the riders after the race. Both Pozzato and Cancellara mingled with the crowd while third place getter Carlos Guinez endeared himself to all by signing autographs and posing for photographs with the fans. “It is a very nice trophy,” he said of the inscribed gold pan he received for his efforts.
Go to the gallery to see our exclusive photographs of this event
Sean Q Lee 28/09/2010
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But the race belonged to the Italians. Under perfect spring conditions Filippo Pozzato made the most of the bright sunshine and stamped himself firmly among the favourites for the worlds with a superb win after being a part of a decisive four man breakaway late in the race. Aided in the sprint by the second place getter (Poland's Maciej Bodnar) slipping a chain, Pozzato crossed the line with little fanfare. In third place was South American rider Carlos Guinez (Chile). Local rider, Patrick Shaw was the first Australian to finish.
While not quite the Alpe d'Huez, local fans lined the route to the top of Mt. Buninyong and thoroughly enjoyed their taste of international cycling. Another enjoyable feature was the accessibility of the riders after the race. Both Pozzato and Cancellara mingled with the crowd while third place getter Carlos Guinez endeared himself to all by signing autographs and posing for photographs with the fans. “It is a very nice trophy,” he said of the inscribed gold pan he received for his efforts.
Go to the gallery to see our exclusive photographs of this event
Sean Q Lee 28/09/2010
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Championship Preview: Aussie elite men
24/09/2010
Selecting national squads from a group of sportsman spread across the globe chasing different goals for different teams is not an easy task. Bringing them together, often for the first time, and getting them to work together can also have its pitfalls. Cycling is no different.
Throw into the mix a road race circuit that no one can quite quantify and the task becomes infinitely more difficult. Do we select sprinters? Climbers? Good classics riders? Do we have an each way bet?
The upcoming world championships have thrown up these questions and more, and while Australia have selected a solid, hard working squad, they seem to have hedged their bets somewhat.
The protected riders, Cadel Evans and Simon Gerrans, pick themselves. Evans of course is the reigning world champion and Australia's most successful stage racer while Gerrans has won stages in all three grand tours. Both are proven performers in big events and deserve their leadership status.
Stuart O'Grady, teamed with Michael Rogers, Matthew Hayman and Wesley Sulzberger, will provide the grunt, with Rogers capable of stepping into a leadership role if required. This talented group of domestiques will bust their collective gut protecting Evans and Gerrans in their quest of retaining the cherished rainbow jersey for Australia.
It is with the next group of riders that the selectors start hedging their bets. While justifying the omission of Robbie McEwen by stating the course doesn't suit sprinters, they then included Matthew Goss, Baden Cooke and Allan Davis. While all are accomplished riders and worthy of wearing the Australian colours, questions must be asked as to why McEwen, and indeed acclaimed Mark Cavendish lead out man, Mark Renshaw, were not included in the squad.
If the selectors truly believe that the course doesn't suit sprinters, but decides to include some anyway, just in case, then surely our very best fast men should be included. If so, then McEwen and Renshaw definitely deserve a place on the squad, perhaps at the expense of Cooke and Davis.
And again, if the course doesn't suit sprinters, why select three of them? Why not go with two and add another all rounder such as Tasmanian revelation Richie Porte? Porte, who will ride the time trial along with Michael Rogers, must consider himself very unlucky not to have been included in the squad after coming off a sensational first year as a pro.
Heinrich Haussler is another unlucky and disappointed rider, although injury played its part in his non-selection. A walk up start if fit, and probably one of the rare riders who might have actually been suited to this course, he was overlooked due to concerns about his readiness after spending time off the bike recuperating from a troublesome injury.
Yet despite the uncertainty caused by the course and the curious selections, the Australian men's team remains a force. The truth remains that such is the depth of talent in Australian cycling that 15 riders, possibly more, would have been more than worthy of donning the green and gold colours this time around.
Can they win? The answer to that is a resounding yes, but it will be difficult. Other nations have set themselves to the task also and the race promises to be a battle royale.
See you on Challambra Crescent next weekend!
Sean Q Lee (24/09/2010)
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Coming soon: Preview of the New Zealand championship squad.
Throw into the mix a road race circuit that no one can quite quantify and the task becomes infinitely more difficult. Do we select sprinters? Climbers? Good classics riders? Do we have an each way bet?
The upcoming world championships have thrown up these questions and more, and while Australia have selected a solid, hard working squad, they seem to have hedged their bets somewhat.
The protected riders, Cadel Evans and Simon Gerrans, pick themselves. Evans of course is the reigning world champion and Australia's most successful stage racer while Gerrans has won stages in all three grand tours. Both are proven performers in big events and deserve their leadership status.
Stuart O'Grady, teamed with Michael Rogers, Matthew Hayman and Wesley Sulzberger, will provide the grunt, with Rogers capable of stepping into a leadership role if required. This talented group of domestiques will bust their collective gut protecting Evans and Gerrans in their quest of retaining the cherished rainbow jersey for Australia.
It is with the next group of riders that the selectors start hedging their bets. While justifying the omission of Robbie McEwen by stating the course doesn't suit sprinters, they then included Matthew Goss, Baden Cooke and Allan Davis. While all are accomplished riders and worthy of wearing the Australian colours, questions must be asked as to why McEwen, and indeed acclaimed Mark Cavendish lead out man, Mark Renshaw, were not included in the squad.
If the selectors truly believe that the course doesn't suit sprinters, but decides to include some anyway, just in case, then surely our very best fast men should be included. If so, then McEwen and Renshaw definitely deserve a place on the squad, perhaps at the expense of Cooke and Davis.
And again, if the course doesn't suit sprinters, why select three of them? Why not go with two and add another all rounder such as Tasmanian revelation Richie Porte? Porte, who will ride the time trial along with Michael Rogers, must consider himself very unlucky not to have been included in the squad after coming off a sensational first year as a pro.
Heinrich Haussler is another unlucky and disappointed rider, although injury played its part in his non-selection. A walk up start if fit, and probably one of the rare riders who might have actually been suited to this course, he was overlooked due to concerns about his readiness after spending time off the bike recuperating from a troublesome injury.
Yet despite the uncertainty caused by the course and the curious selections, the Australian men's team remains a force. The truth remains that such is the depth of talent in Australian cycling that 15 riders, possibly more, would have been more than worthy of donning the green and gold colours this time around.
Can they win? The answer to that is a resounding yes, but it will be difficult. Other nations have set themselves to the task also and the race promises to be a battle royale.
See you on Challambra Crescent next weekend!
Sean Q Lee (24/09/2010)
Comment on this article [email protected]
Coming soon: Preview of the New Zealand championship squad.
Where to for Richie Porte?
23/09/2010
While versatile Australian rider Adam Hanson has his 2011 season sorted out with a transfer from HTC Columbia to Omega Pharma-Lotto, the surprise packet of the Giro d'Italia, Richie Porte is said to be considering a number of options. The Tasmanian's superb season has not gone unnoticed by talent scouts looking to strengthen their own teams, and while Porte's current boss Bjarne Riis denies that his star rider is looking elsewhere, the possibility of a move from Saxo Bank is looking more than likely.
Despite gaining the services of multiple grand tour winner Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank are looking at an exodus of riders including Andy and Frank Schleck, Fabian Cancellara and Stuart O'Grady. While this allows Riis to entice Porte with promises of being the team's number two GC rider behind Contador, the young neo pro has no need to rush his decision.
With British Team Sky and the new Australian team showing interest, Porte is in the enviable position of being able to sit back and assess what is best for him. He expects to make a decision on his future after the Tour of Lombardy in October.
Sean Q Lee 23/09/2010
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Despite gaining the services of multiple grand tour winner Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank are looking at an exodus of riders including Andy and Frank Schleck, Fabian Cancellara and Stuart O'Grady. While this allows Riis to entice Porte with promises of being the team's number two GC rider behind Contador, the young neo pro has no need to rush his decision.
With British Team Sky and the new Australian team showing interest, Porte is in the enviable position of being able to sit back and assess what is best for him. He expects to make a decision on his future after the Tour of Lombardy in October.
Sean Q Lee 23/09/2010
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News Flash - Two more sign with Pegasus
21/09/2010
The list of riders signing with Australia's Pegasus Racing is growing daily with two more set to join the roster in 2011. German national road race champion Christian Knees and time trialist Sergey Klimov from Team Katusha are the latest confirmed signings.
Fabian Cancellara also remains on the team's radar with money being no object in its bid to entice him Downunder. Pegasus CEO Chris White knows that snaring someone of Cancellara's ability would almost ensure that his team would be granted its dream of a ProTour licence.
Sean Q Lee (21/09/2010)
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Fabian Cancellara also remains on the team's radar with money being no object in its bid to entice him Downunder. Pegasus CEO Chris White knows that snaring someone of Cancellara's ability would almost ensure that his team would be granted its dream of a ProTour licence.
Sean Q Lee (21/09/2010)
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Michael Rogers leaving HTC Columbia
20/09/2010
Triple time trial world champion Michael Rogers will leave HTC Columbia at the end of the season. British Team Sky are rumoured to be the front runners to sign the hard working Australian, although it is believed several teams have shown interest in the 2010 Tour of California winner.
Among them would surely be Pegasus Racing, the potential Australian ProTour team who are desperate for another high profile rider to join Robbie McEwen at their fledging squad.
Rogers will make a welcome return to Australia next week to compete in the world championships in Geelong. He will be the only Australian male rider to compete in both the time trial and road race.
Sean Q Lee (20/09/2010)
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Coming soon - Preview of the Australian world championship squad.
Among them would surely be Pegasus Racing, the potential Australian ProTour team who are desperate for another high profile rider to join Robbie McEwen at their fledging squad.
Rogers will make a welcome return to Australia next week to compete in the world championships in Geelong. He will be the only Australian male rider to compete in both the time trial and road race.
Sean Q Lee (20/09/2010)
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Coming soon - Preview of the Australian world championship squad.
Tour of Britain final GC - Henderson 3rd
19/09/2010
Kiwi Greg Henderson claimed a podium position with third place overall in the Tour of Britain. Australia's Giro d'Italia hero Richie Porte finished fourth. In a race that was often dominated by riders from Downunder, Henderson also claimed first in the points classification and third in the sprint classification while Porte was second in both the sprint and mountains classifications.
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News Flash - Pegasus talk to Cancellara
17/09/2010
Australia's Pegasus Racing has contacted Swiss time trial machine Fabian Cancellara about his prospects for next year. While Cancellara has a year to run on his Saxo Bank contract, rumours continue to persist about his future next year. His name had been strongly linked to the new Luxembourg outfit being put together by the Schleck brothers as well as BMC Racing, the current team of Australia's Cadel Evans.
But with Robbie McEwen already on board, Pegasus Racing are looking for at least two or three more high profile signings to increase their chances of snaring a coverted ProTour licence. Convincing someone of Cancellara's calibre increase those chances immeasurably and they are to be applauded for their ambition.
Sean Q Lee 17/09/2010
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But with Robbie McEwen already on board, Pegasus Racing are looking for at least two or three more high profile signings to increase their chances of snaring a coverted ProTour licence. Convincing someone of Cancellara's calibre increase those chances immeasurably and they are to be applauded for their ambition.
Sean Q Lee 17/09/2010
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News Flash: Luke Roberts to Pegasus
17/09/2010
Luke Roberts becomes the fourth official rider to join Pegasus Sports, the company behind Australia's potential ProTour team. He joins Trent Lowe, Robbie McEwen and Canadian Svein Tuft at the fledging squad.
Preview of world championship course
17/09/2010
With the world championships fast approaching, we here at Downunder Cycling decided it was high time that we checked out the course. We had heard all the stories about what type of rider the route would or wouldn't suit and we were confused. Apparently it wasn't a climber's course, or a sprinter's course, it wouldn't suit Cadel, it wouldn't suit Robbie, it wouldn't suit Lance and it wouldn't suit Alberto. If it didn't suit any of those riders then just who in the pro-peloton would the confounded course suit? Could this be the first world championship event in history that no one will win?
So to put all the speculation to rest we took a drive down to the bayside city of Geelong and got familiar with the race route. Of course the race starts in Melbourne and makes its windswept way to Geelong over a fairly flat and uninteresting section of road. Apart from crossing the Westgate bridge and the possibility of echelons forming due to wind sweeping off the bay, this should be a fairly uneventful warm up for the riders who should hit Geelong together in a spectacular display of colour and flashing pedals.
Once in Geelong they will begin 11 laps of a circuit that also starts off benignly enough. A pleasant roll along the waterfront in front of thousands of cheering onlookers should have the riders smiling and happy. They'll then swing through the city itself, up Moorabool St, past Kardinia Park (the home of the Geelong Cats who may or may not have won the AFL premiership the week before) and across the Barwon river, which after a few tense moments with flooding a week back, has now returned to normal levels and re-revealed what was for a few days at least a submerged race route.
After a sharp right turn, the riders will follow the pleasantly meandering river with its teams of rowers training and its grassy banks full of picnicking families (weather permitting). How nice and serene it will all seem.
And then.....POW. The poor buggers won't know what hit them. Challambra Crescent will rise, kicking and twisting before them, steepening with each pedal stroke until the lactic acid stabs at the riders' legs and their lungs scorch hot with burning breath. On and on the road rises, 10 percent...15 percent...20 percent...surely its end is around the next bend...or the next...or the next. This is a vicious incline that seems to have no end, and worst of all, it needs to be conquered 11 times. This is where the race will be won. Whoever tames Challambra will claim the rainbow jersey.
Next comes a hair raising descent that will see the peloton warping past at breakneck speeds close to 100 kph. A left hand turn at the bottom of the hill onto a narrow one lane bridge looks to be a disaster waiting to happen and so agreed the UCI. A wider and safer temporary bridge has been built slightly up river and will hopefully circumvent the carnage that could have been.
Another nasty climb out of the river valley will have the riders cursing once again, but after that things flatten out and they will find themselves cruising through the popular Pakington St. shopping strip before looping back to the waterfront to do it all again.
So our verdict?
The course is anything but easy. It probably doesn't suit the sprinters and I'd be very surprised if we saw a bunched sprint finish. Challambra Crescent will throw riders out the back of the peloton with each lap and will eventually shatter the main group. Cadel Evans talks down his chances but I'm not so sure. If he has completely recovered from his elbow injury and has enough training in his legs, there is no reason why he can't successful retain the rainbow stripes. While the course is tough, he has won on tougher, and it will take a rider with good all round ability to beat him.
It will be a war of attrition thanks mainly to the evil Challambra Crescent and if you are sadistic and want to see riders in absolute agony then position yourself somewhere along its dreaded slopes. Chances are the defining move of the race will happen right before your eyes.
I know where I'll be.
Sean Q Lee (17/09/2010)
Comment on this article [email protected]
So to put all the speculation to rest we took a drive down to the bayside city of Geelong and got familiar with the race route. Of course the race starts in Melbourne and makes its windswept way to Geelong over a fairly flat and uninteresting section of road. Apart from crossing the Westgate bridge and the possibility of echelons forming due to wind sweeping off the bay, this should be a fairly uneventful warm up for the riders who should hit Geelong together in a spectacular display of colour and flashing pedals.
Once in Geelong they will begin 11 laps of a circuit that also starts off benignly enough. A pleasant roll along the waterfront in front of thousands of cheering onlookers should have the riders smiling and happy. They'll then swing through the city itself, up Moorabool St, past Kardinia Park (the home of the Geelong Cats who may or may not have won the AFL premiership the week before) and across the Barwon river, which after a few tense moments with flooding a week back, has now returned to normal levels and re-revealed what was for a few days at least a submerged race route.
After a sharp right turn, the riders will follow the pleasantly meandering river with its teams of rowers training and its grassy banks full of picnicking families (weather permitting). How nice and serene it will all seem.
And then.....POW. The poor buggers won't know what hit them. Challambra Crescent will rise, kicking and twisting before them, steepening with each pedal stroke until the lactic acid stabs at the riders' legs and their lungs scorch hot with burning breath. On and on the road rises, 10 percent...15 percent...20 percent...surely its end is around the next bend...or the next...or the next. This is a vicious incline that seems to have no end, and worst of all, it needs to be conquered 11 times. This is where the race will be won. Whoever tames Challambra will claim the rainbow jersey.
Next comes a hair raising descent that will see the peloton warping past at breakneck speeds close to 100 kph. A left hand turn at the bottom of the hill onto a narrow one lane bridge looks to be a disaster waiting to happen and so agreed the UCI. A wider and safer temporary bridge has been built slightly up river and will hopefully circumvent the carnage that could have been.
Another nasty climb out of the river valley will have the riders cursing once again, but after that things flatten out and they will find themselves cruising through the popular Pakington St. shopping strip before looping back to the waterfront to do it all again.
So our verdict?
The course is anything but easy. It probably doesn't suit the sprinters and I'd be very surprised if we saw a bunched sprint finish. Challambra Crescent will throw riders out the back of the peloton with each lap and will eventually shatter the main group. Cadel Evans talks down his chances but I'm not so sure. If he has completely recovered from his elbow injury and has enough training in his legs, there is no reason why he can't successful retain the rainbow stripes. While the course is tough, he has won on tougher, and it will take a rider with good all round ability to beat him.
It will be a war of attrition thanks mainly to the evil Challambra Crescent and if you are sadistic and want to see riders in absolute agony then position yourself somewhere along its dreaded slopes. Chances are the defining move of the race will happen right before your eyes.
I know where I'll be.
Sean Q Lee (17/09/2010)
Comment on this article [email protected]
The importance of McEwen to Pegasus
15/09/2010
Fly V Australia, which will hopefully morph into Australia's first ProTour team, will focus on racing in Europe next year, regardless of its status.
To this point, the Pro Continental squad has been based in North America, dominating the racing scene there and gaining enormous respect as both a professional and successful unit. The shift to Europe signifies their ambitions, leaving in no doubt their seriousness in pursuing the elusive UCI licence that will allow them to compete with the big boys in the biggest races. If not next year, then in 2012.
While it won't be the end of the world if a ProTour licence is not awarded for next season, it is of vital importance to the team that they continue to sign quality riders to their roster. Hence, the importance of Robbie McEwen's signing cannot be understated. Despite being in the twilight of his career, his name brings credibility to a squad that will more than likely be a fairly inexperienced one.
So far only two other signings have been announced - Australian Trent Lowe and Canadian Svein Tuft. While Lowe is a good, honest bike rider and Tuft a handy time triallist, neither are marque signings or the type of rider that you can build a team around. This only emphasises the importance of McEwen, an instantly recognisable name with a string of successes easily remembered.
From here on in, Pegasus Sports (the company behind the ProTour bid) could do no worse than take note of the example set by BMC Racing. BMC were a small team, hardly heard of, but with big ambitions. Wanting to mix it in the ProTour ranks, they went out and convinced current world champion Cadel Evans, former world champion Alessandro Ballan and Lance Armstrong's right hand man, George Hincapie to join them.
While not gaining ProTour status, the immense talent on their list ensured that they received 'wildcard' invitations to all of the big races they wished to compete in, achieving a fair amount of success along the way. As a result they remain a good chance of picking up a ProTour licence for 2011.
Pegasus Sports will need to follow a similar path and in McEwen they have taken positive steps in that direction. But the journey is far from complete. While the Fly V Australia team has been a success and some of its riders will make the transition to the new incarnation, none of them are the names that will launch Pegasus into ProTour ranks.
At least two or three more big name cyclists need to be signed to the fledgling squad. Names that will make the UCI sit up and take notice, names that race organisers will want competing in their races. Only then will Pegasus Sports realise their dream.
Australia waits with baited breath.
Sean Q Lee (15/09/2010)
Comment on this article [email protected]
Coming soon: Preview of the world championship course
To this point, the Pro Continental squad has been based in North America, dominating the racing scene there and gaining enormous respect as both a professional and successful unit. The shift to Europe signifies their ambitions, leaving in no doubt their seriousness in pursuing the elusive UCI licence that will allow them to compete with the big boys in the biggest races. If not next year, then in 2012.
While it won't be the end of the world if a ProTour licence is not awarded for next season, it is of vital importance to the team that they continue to sign quality riders to their roster. Hence, the importance of Robbie McEwen's signing cannot be understated. Despite being in the twilight of his career, his name brings credibility to a squad that will more than likely be a fairly inexperienced one.
So far only two other signings have been announced - Australian Trent Lowe and Canadian Svein Tuft. While Lowe is a good, honest bike rider and Tuft a handy time triallist, neither are marque signings or the type of rider that you can build a team around. This only emphasises the importance of McEwen, an instantly recognisable name with a string of successes easily remembered.
From here on in, Pegasus Sports (the company behind the ProTour bid) could do no worse than take note of the example set by BMC Racing. BMC were a small team, hardly heard of, but with big ambitions. Wanting to mix it in the ProTour ranks, they went out and convinced current world champion Cadel Evans, former world champion Alessandro Ballan and Lance Armstrong's right hand man, George Hincapie to join them.
While not gaining ProTour status, the immense talent on their list ensured that they received 'wildcard' invitations to all of the big races they wished to compete in, achieving a fair amount of success along the way. As a result they remain a good chance of picking up a ProTour licence for 2011.
Pegasus Sports will need to follow a similar path and in McEwen they have taken positive steps in that direction. But the journey is far from complete. While the Fly V Australia team has been a success and some of its riders will make the transition to the new incarnation, none of them are the names that will launch Pegasus into ProTour ranks.
At least two or three more big name cyclists need to be signed to the fledgling squad. Names that will make the UCI sit up and take notice, names that race organisers will want competing in their races. Only then will Pegasus Sports realise their dream.
Australia waits with baited breath.
Sean Q Lee (15/09/2010)
Comment on this article [email protected]
Coming soon: Preview of the world championship course
Why Cavendish likes Australians
13/09/2010
Undisputed sprint king Mark Cavendish owes a huge debt to Captain Cook. The Manx man must be blessing the day that the good Captain first set ashore on 'Terra Firma', planted the Union Jack, and declared the newest English prison open for business.
You see, if it hadn't been for the legendary mariner's efforts, Mr. Cavendish may not have won half of the sprints that he has. For if the English had not colonised Australia, the forebears of key lead out men Mark Renshaw and Matthew Goss may have emigrated elsewhere, Mongolia for instance, and the boys would have been lost to cycling forever.
Cavendish should be ever grateful to Australia. A common sight over the past couple of years has been Aussie Mark Renshaw, himself no slouch in the speed stakes, launching Cavendish to victory in numerous stages of the Tour de France. The image of Renshaw towing Cavendish at outrageous speed around the last twisty bend on the Champs Elysees of Paris, before Cav used the slingshot effect to break the sound barrier and claim victory in the last stage of the 2009 Tour de France, remains one of the most spectacular lead out rides in the history of the sport.
An ill timed head butt by Renshaw in this year's Tour robbed us of a repeat performance, but the fact remains that as a lead out man, he has few peers and Cavendish is lucky to have him.
So what does Cav do when Renshaw is not available? Why he turns to another Australian, Matt Goss, and it is business as usual.
Over the weekend just past Cavendish won two successive stages of the Vuelta a Espana, becoming one of the rare breed of British cyclists to have achieved wins in all three grand tours. Helping him every step of the way was Goss. In fact Cavendish was so impressed with his lead out man that he wanted to gift him the first of the stages, but ever the team player, Goss pulled away at the designated time and allowed Cavendish to add to his ever increasing collection of sprint victories.
A day later and Cavendish was once again full of praise for Goss, highlighting to the media how fast, strong and full of daring his lead out man was. Negotiating a final corner at speed while those around them were hitting the brakes, Goss guided Cavendish to his second stage win in two days.
Now firmly entrenched as points classification leader of the Vuelta, Cavendish should spare a thought for the man who made it all happen. Captain James Cook.
Sean Q Lee (13/09/2010)
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Coming soon - What the McEwen signing really means for Pegasus Sports!
You see, if it hadn't been for the legendary mariner's efforts, Mr. Cavendish may not have won half of the sprints that he has. For if the English had not colonised Australia, the forebears of key lead out men Mark Renshaw and Matthew Goss may have emigrated elsewhere, Mongolia for instance, and the boys would have been lost to cycling forever.
Cavendish should be ever grateful to Australia. A common sight over the past couple of years has been Aussie Mark Renshaw, himself no slouch in the speed stakes, launching Cavendish to victory in numerous stages of the Tour de France. The image of Renshaw towing Cavendish at outrageous speed around the last twisty bend on the Champs Elysees of Paris, before Cav used the slingshot effect to break the sound barrier and claim victory in the last stage of the 2009 Tour de France, remains one of the most spectacular lead out rides in the history of the sport.
An ill timed head butt by Renshaw in this year's Tour robbed us of a repeat performance, but the fact remains that as a lead out man, he has few peers and Cavendish is lucky to have him.
So what does Cav do when Renshaw is not available? Why he turns to another Australian, Matt Goss, and it is business as usual.
Over the weekend just past Cavendish won two successive stages of the Vuelta a Espana, becoming one of the rare breed of British cyclists to have achieved wins in all three grand tours. Helping him every step of the way was Goss. In fact Cavendish was so impressed with his lead out man that he wanted to gift him the first of the stages, but ever the team player, Goss pulled away at the designated time and allowed Cavendish to add to his ever increasing collection of sprint victories.
A day later and Cavendish was once again full of praise for Goss, highlighting to the media how fast, strong and full of daring his lead out man was. Negotiating a final corner at speed while those around them were hitting the brakes, Goss guided Cavendish to his second stage win in two days.
Now firmly entrenched as points classification leader of the Vuelta, Cavendish should spare a thought for the man who made it all happen. Captain James Cook.
Sean Q Lee (13/09/2010)
Comment on this article [email protected]
Coming soon - What the McEwen signing really means for Pegasus Sports!
Greg Henderson takes stage and overall!
13/09/2010
Kiwi rider Greg Henderson has taken the overall lead in the Tour of Britain after a gutsy win in stage two. After being a part of an 18 rider breakaway that broke free of the peloton after 16kms, Henderson out sprinted his rivals to take first place and elevate himself to the top of the general classification. Popular Australian rider Heinrich Haussler finished third.
In fact the British race is being dominated by its former colonies. The antipodes, it seems, after decades of proving their cricket superiority over the 'Mother Country' are now turning to cycling. A quick glance at the results sheet shows four of the top ten riders are from Down Under. Behind Henderson in first place are: Heinrich Haussler (3rd), Giro wonderkid Richie Porte (4th), and Travis Meyer (9th). Porte also leads the mountain and sprint classifications.
Sean Q Lee (13/09/2010)
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In fact the British race is being dominated by its former colonies. The antipodes, it seems, after decades of proving their cricket superiority over the 'Mother Country' are now turning to cycling. A quick glance at the results sheet shows four of the top ten riders are from Down Under. Behind Henderson in first place are: Heinrich Haussler (3rd), Giro wonderkid Richie Porte (4th), and Travis Meyer (9th). Porte also leads the mountain and sprint classifications.
Sean Q Lee (13/09/2010)
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News Flash - McEwen signs with Pegasus
10/09/2010
Australian cycling legend Robbie McEwen has become the star signing of new Australian team Pegasus Racing. McEwen's signing will provide a major boost to the fledging team's bid for a ProTour licence. More to follow soon.
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Comment on this news [email protected]
Cameron Wurf to join Liquigas-Doimo
10/09/2010
Australia is soon to have yet another rider join the ProTour ranks. Tasmanian Cameron Wurf has signed a one year contract to ride for Ivan Basso's liquigas-Doimo team.
Wurf is a former rower who represented Australia at the 2004 Athen's Olympics. He switched to cycling in 2006.
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Wurf is a former rower who represented Australia at the 2004 Athen's Olympics. He switched to cycling in 2006.
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News Flash - Adam Stewart banned
09/09/2010
New Zealand track cyclist Adam Stewart will miss the Commonwealth Games after receiving a two year ban for the attempted use of prohibited substances.
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Comment on this news [email protected]
Disrupted preparation: O'Grady & Gerrans
09/09/2010
The preparation of two of Australia's key world championship riders has been thrown into disarray thanks to early exits from the Vuelta a Espana. Stuart O'Grady and Simon Gerrans will now have to simulate race riding during intensive training sessions in order to be at their peak for the worlds which will be held in Melbourne and Geelong at the end of this month.
O'Grady, who was sent home in disgrace after apparently drinking with team mate Andy Schleck until 5am before stage 10 of the Spanish race, believes that the penalty was harsh and that the accusations are not entirely accurate. Two beers at 10pm at a local piazza is his version of events. It is expected that he has ridden his last race for Saxo Bank and will join Andy Schleck's new Luxembourg team. Pegasus racing will no doubt also show interest in the former Paris-Roubaix winner.
Simon Gerrans had his pre-worlds preparation taken out from under him when his entire team was pulled from the race after the death of soigneur Txema Gonzalez. The popular Team Sky worker contracted a virus which developed into a sepsis blood infection, the team withdrawing from the race as a show of respect.
Gerrans, who with Cadel Evans will be a protected rider during the world championships, will play an integral role in Australia's attempt at keeping the rainbow jersey downunder.
Sean Q Lee (09/09/2010)
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O'Grady, who was sent home in disgrace after apparently drinking with team mate Andy Schleck until 5am before stage 10 of the Spanish race, believes that the penalty was harsh and that the accusations are not entirely accurate. Two beers at 10pm at a local piazza is his version of events. It is expected that he has ridden his last race for Saxo Bank and will join Andy Schleck's new Luxembourg team. Pegasus racing will no doubt also show interest in the former Paris-Roubaix winner.
Simon Gerrans had his pre-worlds preparation taken out from under him when his entire team was pulled from the race after the death of soigneur Txema Gonzalez. The popular Team Sky worker contracted a virus which developed into a sepsis blood infection, the team withdrawing from the race as a show of respect.
Gerrans, who with Cadel Evans will be a protected rider during the world championships, will play an integral role in Australia's attempt at keeping the rainbow jersey downunder.
Sean Q Lee (09/09/2010)
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News flash - O'Grady out of Vuelta
08/09/2010
Stuart O'Grady's Vuelta a Espana campaign has come to a controversial end. Saxo Bank manager Bjarne Riis confirmed that O'Grady and team mate Andy Schleck have been withdrawn from the Spanish race after an all night drinking session.
As stage 10 of the famous race got under way, O'Grady and Schleck were packing their bags for home.
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As stage 10 of the famous race got under way, O'Grady and Schleck were packing their bags for home.
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Latest News - McEwen to join Pegasus?
6/09/2010
With the transfer season upon us deals between teams and riders are happening at a dizzying pace. While existing ProTour teams use the period to bolster their stocks or strengthen their weaknesses, new outfits such as Pegasus Racing (the company behind Australia's ProTour team bid) need to secure big names in order to convince UCI officials of their worthiness for a ProTour licence.
Competitiveness is the key ingredient to success and Pegasus Racing is busily working behind the scenes to secure it's future. With bold plans of competing in all three grand tours next year, their recruitment suffered somewhat of a setback when the Cervelo TestTeam trio of Heinrich Haussler, Brett Lancaster and Norwegian Thor Hushovd announced last week that they have signed on with the new Garmin-Cervelo merger.
Pegasus were hoping that with the demise of the Cervelo TestTeam, the trio might be coerced into joining the fledging Australian squad. The versatility of Haussler in particular would have strengthened its bid for a ProTour licence.
But it was not to be and a new wish list needs to be drawn up quickly. At the top of that list should be sprint star Robbie McEwen. The 38yo who rides with Russian outfit Katusha comes out of contract at the end of this year, and despite his age, would still be a valuable pick up for Pegasus where he could act as a mentor to their young riders.
While his blistering finishing speed from year's past may have gone, his knowledge of sprinting and his ability to read a race is still apparent as his six top five finishes in this year's Tour de France clearly indicates.
Others seem to agree. Cyclingnews.com reports that at least three teams are chasing Robbie's signature, including his current team Katusha, who wish to re-sign him. While being coy about who had approached him, McEwen expressed his enthusiasm for an Australian team stating that there would be enough good Aussie riders to fill two ProTour squads.
Sean Q Lee (06/09/2010)
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1 reader's comment -
From Doonaman - "Yes its time Robbie came home"
Competitiveness is the key ingredient to success and Pegasus Racing is busily working behind the scenes to secure it's future. With bold plans of competing in all three grand tours next year, their recruitment suffered somewhat of a setback when the Cervelo TestTeam trio of Heinrich Haussler, Brett Lancaster and Norwegian Thor Hushovd announced last week that they have signed on with the new Garmin-Cervelo merger.
Pegasus were hoping that with the demise of the Cervelo TestTeam, the trio might be coerced into joining the fledging Australian squad. The versatility of Haussler in particular would have strengthened its bid for a ProTour licence.
But it was not to be and a new wish list needs to be drawn up quickly. At the top of that list should be sprint star Robbie McEwen. The 38yo who rides with Russian outfit Katusha comes out of contract at the end of this year, and despite his age, would still be a valuable pick up for Pegasus where he could act as a mentor to their young riders.
While his blistering finishing speed from year's past may have gone, his knowledge of sprinting and his ability to read a race is still apparent as his six top five finishes in this year's Tour de France clearly indicates.
Others seem to agree. Cyclingnews.com reports that at least three teams are chasing Robbie's signature, including his current team Katusha, who wish to re-sign him. While being coy about who had approached him, McEwen expressed his enthusiasm for an Australian team stating that there would be enough good Aussie riders to fill two ProTour squads.
Sean Q Lee (06/09/2010)
Comment on this article [email protected]
1 reader's comment -
From Doonaman - "Yes its time Robbie came home"
Australian ProTour team a step closer
31/08/2010
The reality of an Australian ProTour cycling team competing in the Tour de France and other top tier UCI events creeps ever closer. While efforts have been made in the past to launch an Australian squad, financial constraints have always brought the best of plans undone. Until now. Chris White, the managing director of the Continental road cycling squad Fly V Australia, has applied to the UCI for a ProTour licence, claiming that he has a major US sponsor on board and an operating budget of around $12.5 million.
Hoping to put together a competitive squad of predominantly Australian riders he is well on the way to achieving his vision with 10 riders already signing on including current Garmin-Transitions rider, Australian Trent Lowe.
Other riders rumoured to be on the squad's wish list are the Cervelo TestTeam trio of Heinrich Haussler, Brett Lancaster and Thor Hushovd. Haussler and Hushovd in particular would be stellar signings if the fledgling team can convince them to join up. Haussler is a brilliant one day classics rider who also has the strength and endurance to compete successfully in major stage races while the Norwegian Hushovd is a proven sprinter who has twice won the Tour de France's green points jersey.
While White may be doing everything right building up Australia's first ever ProTour team, he faces some stiff competition. Of the 18 licences that are issued by the UCI, only eight are available for next year. And fighting for those eight licences are fourteen teams, including current ProTour squads Astana, Liquigas-Domo, HTC Columbia, Caisse d'Epargne, Milram, Euskaltel-Euskadi, Footoon Servetto and FDJ.
Add to that list Cadel Evans's BMC Racing (a Continental teamed that raced ProTour events this year under a 'wildcard'), former ProTour teams Cofidis and Bbox Bouyges Telecom (who want their ProTour status back) and the new Luxemburg outfit that has been formed by the Schleck brothers, and it appears that Australia's ProTour dream is a long shot.
But the UCI is keen on breaking free of Europe and taking cycling to the world. They are particularly keen on Australia and have encouraged us to think big by bestowing ProTour status on our own Tour Down Under, the first time a race outside of Europe had been so crowned. Those who doubted the wisdom of bringing the ProTour to our distant shores were soon silenced by the massive crowds that lined the hills and roadsides throughout the race.
Any further doubts about our legitimacy in world cycling are extinguished by a quick glance at the world rankings where we sit neatly in fourth place behind Spain, Italy and Belgium.
We have the current world champion, have riders who have won stages and jerseys in all three grand tours and have juniors coming through who are the envy of the world. But they are scattered around Europe and America competing for foreign teams.
It's time to bring them home.
Sean Q Lee (31/08/2010)
Comment on this article [email protected]
Hoping to put together a competitive squad of predominantly Australian riders he is well on the way to achieving his vision with 10 riders already signing on including current Garmin-Transitions rider, Australian Trent Lowe.
Other riders rumoured to be on the squad's wish list are the Cervelo TestTeam trio of Heinrich Haussler, Brett Lancaster and Thor Hushovd. Haussler and Hushovd in particular would be stellar signings if the fledgling team can convince them to join up. Haussler is a brilliant one day classics rider who also has the strength and endurance to compete successfully in major stage races while the Norwegian Hushovd is a proven sprinter who has twice won the Tour de France's green points jersey.
While White may be doing everything right building up Australia's first ever ProTour team, he faces some stiff competition. Of the 18 licences that are issued by the UCI, only eight are available for next year. And fighting for those eight licences are fourteen teams, including current ProTour squads Astana, Liquigas-Domo, HTC Columbia, Caisse d'Epargne, Milram, Euskaltel-Euskadi, Footoon Servetto and FDJ.
Add to that list Cadel Evans's BMC Racing (a Continental teamed that raced ProTour events this year under a 'wildcard'), former ProTour teams Cofidis and Bbox Bouyges Telecom (who want their ProTour status back) and the new Luxemburg outfit that has been formed by the Schleck brothers, and it appears that Australia's ProTour dream is a long shot.
But the UCI is keen on breaking free of Europe and taking cycling to the world. They are particularly keen on Australia and have encouraged us to think big by bestowing ProTour status on our own Tour Down Under, the first time a race outside of Europe had been so crowned. Those who doubted the wisdom of bringing the ProTour to our distant shores were soon silenced by the massive crowds that lined the hills and roadsides throughout the race.
Any further doubts about our legitimacy in world cycling are extinguished by a quick glance at the world rankings where we sit neatly in fourth place behind Spain, Italy and Belgium.
We have the current world champion, have riders who have won stages and jerseys in all three grand tours and have juniors coming through who are the envy of the world. But they are scattered around Europe and America competing for foreign teams.
It's time to bring them home.
Sean Q Lee (31/08/2010)
Comment on this article [email protected]
No sentiment in McEwen omission
26/08/2010
Sentiment is something that is often forgotten when it comes to elite sport. The omission of Robbie McEwen from the Australian team selected to compete in next month's world championships is yet another example.
Arguably Australia's most successful road cyclist, McEwen is believed to have been left bitterly disappointed by the decision, as are his legion of fans who, for the first time, would have had the chance to watch their hero compete at the highest level on home soil.
Unfortunately for McEwen, the cold hard facts point to his non-selection being the correct call. He is 38 years old and a painful rehabilitation from a horrific leg injury suffered last year seems to have robbed him of the powerful kick that became his trademark at the end of each finishing sprint. That pure speed is gone and his best days in the saddle are behind him. Add to that a championship course that doesn't suit him and it seems that the selectors got it right.
But the course doesn't suit a number of riders. Neither a sprinter's circuit nor a climber's paradise, no one quite knows which sort of rider will come to the fore. If, though, the race does come down to a sprint finish, then Robbie McEwen deserves to be there. On merit.
A stage victory in the recently completed Eneco Tour and six top five placings in the sprint stages of this year's Tour de France suggest that McEwen is finally returning to form and shrugging off the lasting effects of his leg injury. Despite his age he remains Australia's best sprinter and has the ability to read a race like no other.
But regardless of current form it could be argued that Robbie deserves a place on the team anyway. A legend of the Tour de France with 12 stage victories and three sprinters jerseys to his name, McEwen has done more to promote cycling in Australia than any other of our international riders. Granted, the success of Cadel Evans, and Phil Anderson before him, helped raise cycling's profile in this country, but McEwen has always been happy to return and actually compete in local races, giving local cycling fans and riders unprecedented access to one of the sport's superstars.
The Tour Down Under aside, how many of our high profile cyclists compete locally on a regular basis? The Jayco Bay City Cycling event usually features in McEwen's schedule and after these races he can be seen mingling with the crowd, signing autographs and shaking hands with ordinary punters like me and you.
Earlier this year in Ballarat, McEwen invited local riders to join him on a leisurely early morning ride, impressing everyone with his easy going manner. Cycling Australia cannot buy publicity like that and for that reason alone, Robbie McEwen should have been included in the national team. He owes Cycling Australia nothing. Cycling Australia owes him and a spot on the national team would have been just reward.
Sean Q Lee 26/08/2010
Arguably Australia's most successful road cyclist, McEwen is believed to have been left bitterly disappointed by the decision, as are his legion of fans who, for the first time, would have had the chance to watch their hero compete at the highest level on home soil.
Unfortunately for McEwen, the cold hard facts point to his non-selection being the correct call. He is 38 years old and a painful rehabilitation from a horrific leg injury suffered last year seems to have robbed him of the powerful kick that became his trademark at the end of each finishing sprint. That pure speed is gone and his best days in the saddle are behind him. Add to that a championship course that doesn't suit him and it seems that the selectors got it right.
But the course doesn't suit a number of riders. Neither a sprinter's circuit nor a climber's paradise, no one quite knows which sort of rider will come to the fore. If, though, the race does come down to a sprint finish, then Robbie McEwen deserves to be there. On merit.
A stage victory in the recently completed Eneco Tour and six top five placings in the sprint stages of this year's Tour de France suggest that McEwen is finally returning to form and shrugging off the lasting effects of his leg injury. Despite his age he remains Australia's best sprinter and has the ability to read a race like no other.
But regardless of current form it could be argued that Robbie deserves a place on the team anyway. A legend of the Tour de France with 12 stage victories and three sprinters jerseys to his name, McEwen has done more to promote cycling in Australia than any other of our international riders. Granted, the success of Cadel Evans, and Phil Anderson before him, helped raise cycling's profile in this country, but McEwen has always been happy to return and actually compete in local races, giving local cycling fans and riders unprecedented access to one of the sport's superstars.
The Tour Down Under aside, how many of our high profile cyclists compete locally on a regular basis? The Jayco Bay City Cycling event usually features in McEwen's schedule and after these races he can be seen mingling with the crowd, signing autographs and shaking hands with ordinary punters like me and you.
Earlier this year in Ballarat, McEwen invited local riders to join him on a leisurely early morning ride, impressing everyone with his easy going manner. Cycling Australia cannot buy publicity like that and for that reason alone, Robbie McEwen should have been included in the national team. He owes Cycling Australia nothing. Cycling Australia owes him and a spot on the national team would have been just reward.
Sean Q Lee 26/08/2010
