What's happened to Pegasus Racing?
28/10/2010
Chris White, the head honcho of Australia's Pegasus Racing, has approached his pro tour licence application with admirable confidence. While he has been the key spruiker to what some may say are ambitious goals, his enthusiasm and excitement at the very real chance of creating Australia's first ProTour team have been contagious leaving a large segment of the Aussie cycling community eagerly awaiting the outcome.
Despite being one of many fighting for a limited number of licences, things seemed to be travelling smoothly for the fledging team. Regular announcements were being made with regards to the team roster and the signing of Robbie McEwen added credibility to the bid. Team management intimated that a major sponsor had come aboard and that all would be revealed, along with more rider signings, in Geelong during the world championships.
But fans of the new squad were left disappointed as no announcements were forthcoming. Not wanting their news to be swamped by the publicity surrounding the Alberto Contador drugs/contaminated meat scandal was one reason given as to why Pegasus decided to delay their information release. Behind the scenes however, the team had hit an unexpected speed hump.
The UCI released a provisional list of teams being considered for ProTour status and Pegasus were not on it. This 'glitch' caused by incomplete paperwork has since been rectified but the effect it might have had on potential recruits and sponsors can't be underestimated and may be further linked to the lack of information coming out of the Pegasus camp.
While the UCI's love affair with Australia has blossomed over the past couple of years with the granting of ProTour status to the Tour Down Under and the hosting of the world championships in Geelong, it remains to be seen whether the consummation of this affair will result in a ProTour team.
Financially Pegasus appears sound and has indicated that they will announce their sponsorship set up within the next two weeks which should satisfy UCI requirements on that front, however their roster remains a concern. Early on, names such as Haussler, Hushovd and even Cancellara were being bandied about and coupled with grandiose statements of money being no object, fans were being whipped into a frenzy about what this upstart new team was going to unveil. But the wish list seemed to dwindle daily and while things haven't gone sour, the excitement generated earlier in the project has waned.
While they have signed some solid riders, they appear to lack depth and a genuine GC contender. With only Robbie McEwen and perhaps Robbie Hunter as instantly recognisable names, Pegasus probably need another two or three big name signings to give it the sting it needs to compete at the highest level.
The team will race out of Europe regardless of the UCI's decision and will chase wild cards should they not gain automatic selection to the big races. Even so, they will still need to do some heavy duty recruiting before the start of next season to be an attractive proposition for race organisers.
November 20 will be D-day for Pegasus. The UCI will grant their final round of licences and the Australian squad will know where they stand in the eyes of the sports' controlling body. While the team is facing an uphill battle for a 2011 licence, all of Australia is hoping that Chris White still has a few tricks left to play. If he has, now is the time to play them.
Sean Q Lee 28/10/2010
Comment on this article [email protected]
Despite being one of many fighting for a limited number of licences, things seemed to be travelling smoothly for the fledging team. Regular announcements were being made with regards to the team roster and the signing of Robbie McEwen added credibility to the bid. Team management intimated that a major sponsor had come aboard and that all would be revealed, along with more rider signings, in Geelong during the world championships.
But fans of the new squad were left disappointed as no announcements were forthcoming. Not wanting their news to be swamped by the publicity surrounding the Alberto Contador drugs/contaminated meat scandal was one reason given as to why Pegasus decided to delay their information release. Behind the scenes however, the team had hit an unexpected speed hump.
The UCI released a provisional list of teams being considered for ProTour status and Pegasus were not on it. This 'glitch' caused by incomplete paperwork has since been rectified but the effect it might have had on potential recruits and sponsors can't be underestimated and may be further linked to the lack of information coming out of the Pegasus camp.
While the UCI's love affair with Australia has blossomed over the past couple of years with the granting of ProTour status to the Tour Down Under and the hosting of the world championships in Geelong, it remains to be seen whether the consummation of this affair will result in a ProTour team.
Financially Pegasus appears sound and has indicated that they will announce their sponsorship set up within the next two weeks which should satisfy UCI requirements on that front, however their roster remains a concern. Early on, names such as Haussler, Hushovd and even Cancellara were being bandied about and coupled with grandiose statements of money being no object, fans were being whipped into a frenzy about what this upstart new team was going to unveil. But the wish list seemed to dwindle daily and while things haven't gone sour, the excitement generated earlier in the project has waned.
While they have signed some solid riders, they appear to lack depth and a genuine GC contender. With only Robbie McEwen and perhaps Robbie Hunter as instantly recognisable names, Pegasus probably need another two or three big name signings to give it the sting it needs to compete at the highest level.
The team will race out of Europe regardless of the UCI's decision and will chase wild cards should they not gain automatic selection to the big races. Even so, they will still need to do some heavy duty recruiting before the start of next season to be an attractive proposition for race organisers.
November 20 will be D-day for Pegasus. The UCI will grant their final round of licences and the Australian squad will know where they stand in the eyes of the sports' controlling body. While the team is facing an uphill battle for a 2011 licence, all of Australia is hoping that Chris White still has a few tricks left to play. If he has, now is the time to play them.
Sean Q Lee 28/10/2010
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Yates takes stage win in Brazil
22/10/2010
While the big road races of the season are all over, there are still riders out there sweating their way through smaller, lesser known events. And, as usual, our intrepid cyclists from Downunder are in the mix. Over in Brazil, at the Tour do Brasil Volta Ciclistica de Sao Paulo-International (phew!), New Zealander Jeremy Yates has taken out stage six of the nine stage race.
The peloton fractured as it approached the finishing town of Atibaia, with Yates managing to get away and claim a 17 second victory over Germen rider Bjorn Thurau, with Brazil's Flavio Reblin 22 seconds back in third position.
Yates also claimed maximum points over the two climbs of the day and leads the mountain's classification. He currently sits in 19th place on GC, 2' 14'' behind local rider and race leader, Flavio Santos.
Sean Q Lee 22/10/2010
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The peloton fractured as it approached the finishing town of Atibaia, with Yates managing to get away and claim a 17 second victory over Germen rider Bjorn Thurau, with Brazil's Flavio Reblin 22 seconds back in third position.
Yates also claimed maximum points over the two climbs of the day and leads the mountain's classification. He currently sits in 19th place on GC, 2' 14'' behind local rider and race leader, Flavio Santos.
Sean Q Lee 22/10/2010
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Final UCI rankings for 2010
22/10/2010
The final UCI world rankings for 2010 have been released. Of the 278 riders who scored ranking points this season, Cadel Evans led the way for the antipodes finishing in fifth place with 390. The highest ranked Kiwi was Greg Henderson who finished in 53rd position with 103 points.
In the country ratings, Australia reinforced its high standing in the cycling world by finishing fourth behind only Spain (3 riders in the top 4!), Italy and Belgium. New Zealand was a credible 21st out of the 34 nations that gained ranking points.
Check the list below to see where your favourite Downunder cyclist ranked.
Top 5 riders
1st – Joaquin Rodriguez (Spain) 551 points
2nd – Alberto Contador (Spain) 482
3rd – Phillipe Gilbert (Belgium) 437
4th – Luis Leon Sanchez (Spain) 403
5th – Cadel Evans (Australia) 390
Other riders from Downunder
34th – Richie Porte (A) 133
43rd – Michael Rogers (A) 113
46th – Matthew Goss (A) 109
51st – Robbie McEwen (A) 105
53rd – Greg Henderson (NZ) 103
84th – Luke Roberts (A) 56
89th – Allan Davis (A) 48
103rd – Julian Dean (NZ) 38
141st – Matthew Lloyd (A) 16
149th – Graeme Brown (A) 13
168th – Mark Renshaw (A) 10
184th – Chris Sutton (A) 7
198th – Jack Bobridge (A) 6
199th – Heinrich Haussler (A) 6
207th – Hayden Roulston (NZ) 4
Comment on these rankings [email protected]
In the country ratings, Australia reinforced its high standing in the cycling world by finishing fourth behind only Spain (3 riders in the top 4!), Italy and Belgium. New Zealand was a credible 21st out of the 34 nations that gained ranking points.
Check the list below to see where your favourite Downunder cyclist ranked.
Top 5 riders
1st – Joaquin Rodriguez (Spain) 551 points
2nd – Alberto Contador (Spain) 482
3rd – Phillipe Gilbert (Belgium) 437
4th – Luis Leon Sanchez (Spain) 403
5th – Cadel Evans (Australia) 390
Other riders from Downunder
34th – Richie Porte (A) 133
43rd – Michael Rogers (A) 113
46th – Matthew Goss (A) 109
51st – Robbie McEwen (A) 105
53rd – Greg Henderson (NZ) 103
84th – Luke Roberts (A) 56
89th – Allan Davis (A) 48
103rd – Julian Dean (NZ) 38
141st – Matthew Lloyd (A) 16
149th – Graeme Brown (A) 13
168th – Mark Renshaw (A) 10
184th – Chris Sutton (A) 7
198th – Jack Bobridge (A) 6
199th – Heinrich Haussler (A) 6
207th – Hayden Roulston (NZ) 4
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Tour of Hainen: Johnnie Walker 2nd in GC
20/10/2010
Congratulations to Johhnie Walker who finished second overall in the nine stage Tour of Hainen. As stated in yesterday's article (below), Walker had to battle inclement weather and shortened and cancelled stages to achieve his podium finish. For more see article below.
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New Talent - Johnnie Walker blitzes China
19/10/2010
Australian cycling is not just about Cadel or Robbie. As proved by Richie Porte's break out ride in this year's Giro, there is a wealth of talent lying just below the top level waiting for its time to shine.
Johnnie Walker is one such rider, and as sometimes happens, he is more famous away from our shores than upon them. He has developed somewhat of a cult following in Europe and although he is a non-drinker, it is because of the whiskey that people remember his name.
But one senses that his cycling exploits will soon overtake the novelty of his name and that a big win is not too far away. He animated stage 13 of this year's Vuelta a Espana with an impressive breakaway that, much to the annoyance of all watching, gave the ugly skin coloured jersey of Team Footon-Servetto Fuji way too much TV time. Yet, despite the handicap of having to wear the worst jersey in the history of world cycling, the young Aussie held on to finish a credible tenth, winning over more fans in the process.
While seeing himself as more of a one day Classics rider, Walker is currently sitting in second place overall in the nine stage Tour of Hainen which also boasts riders of the calibre of Astana's Alexandre Vinokourov. While the Chinese race is not quite a highlight of the international cycling calender, it still needs to be ridden and won, and this year it has become more difficult than usual thanks to some seriously inclement weather.
Hit by storms and flash flooding the riders have had to contend with terrible conditions and the added uncertainty created by cancelled and shortened stages. These difficulties have had little effect on Walker who finished third in stage two and, with only one stage remaining, sits just 19 seconds behind overall leader Valentin Iglinskiy on the general classification.
The younger brother of former national champion Will Walker (who was sadly forced to retire from the sport because of heart problems), is no doubt set for glory of his own. At 23 years of age his best years are ahead of him, and with his good showing in the Vuelta and an almost certain podium finish in China tomorrow, 2010 has provided a firm base for him to launch the rest of his career.
Sean Q Lee 19/10/10
Comment on this article [email protected]
Johnnie Walker is one such rider, and as sometimes happens, he is more famous away from our shores than upon them. He has developed somewhat of a cult following in Europe and although he is a non-drinker, it is because of the whiskey that people remember his name.
But one senses that his cycling exploits will soon overtake the novelty of his name and that a big win is not too far away. He animated stage 13 of this year's Vuelta a Espana with an impressive breakaway that, much to the annoyance of all watching, gave the ugly skin coloured jersey of Team Footon-Servetto Fuji way too much TV time. Yet, despite the handicap of having to wear the worst jersey in the history of world cycling, the young Aussie held on to finish a credible tenth, winning over more fans in the process.
While seeing himself as more of a one day Classics rider, Walker is currently sitting in second place overall in the nine stage Tour of Hainen which also boasts riders of the calibre of Astana's Alexandre Vinokourov. While the Chinese race is not quite a highlight of the international cycling calender, it still needs to be ridden and won, and this year it has become more difficult than usual thanks to some seriously inclement weather.
Hit by storms and flash flooding the riders have had to contend with terrible conditions and the added uncertainty created by cancelled and shortened stages. These difficulties have had little effect on Walker who finished third in stage two and, with only one stage remaining, sits just 19 seconds behind overall leader Valentin Iglinskiy on the general classification.
The younger brother of former national champion Will Walker (who was sadly forced to retire from the sport because of heart problems), is no doubt set for glory of his own. At 23 years of age his best years are ahead of him, and with his good showing in the Vuelta and an almost certain podium finish in China tomorrow, 2010 has provided a firm base for him to launch the rest of his career.
Sean Q Lee 19/10/10
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The Michael Rogers rumour mill runs rife
14/10/2010
Speculation continues to grow regarding the future team of Michael Rogers. While Rogers has stated that he is leaving HTC-Columbia and rumours are rife that he will be joining Team Sky, the 'silly season' of trade time seems to be clouding the facts.
Cyclingnews.com is reporting that Team Sky head honcho Dave Brailsford is now refusing to confirm if Rogers has been signed despite being quoted to the contrary last week. Meanwhile across on the Cycling Weekly website they are definite that Rogers' signature has been secured by the British team.
Rogers, who burst to prominence winning three world time trial championships, has become an experienced and extremely talented stage racer. While efforts to master the three week grand tours were marred by injury and illness, Rogers has bounced back strongly this year picking up wins in shorter stage races such as the Tour of California and the Vuelta a Andulucia and other podium finishes at the Criterium International and the Tour of Romandie.
He admits that the Tour de France is now beyond him and that from now on he intends to concentrate on the week long stages races, knowing that his endurance and his time trialling ability will more often than not place him at the pointy end of the GC field.
Which ever team signs him next year can rest assured that they will get a highly motivated and competitive cyclist. His hunger for success and craving for more stage race victories makes him a valuable commodity. His attitude and work rate will no doubt appeal to Team Sky, and in return, their professionalism will appeal to him. They seem to be a good fit.
So despite the 'silly season' shenanigans, it will come as no surprise to anyone when the British outfit name their roster for 2011 and it contains the name Michael Rogers.
Sean Q Lee 14/10/2010
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Cyclingnews.com is reporting that Team Sky head honcho Dave Brailsford is now refusing to confirm if Rogers has been signed despite being quoted to the contrary last week. Meanwhile across on the Cycling Weekly website they are definite that Rogers' signature has been secured by the British team.
Rogers, who burst to prominence winning three world time trial championships, has become an experienced and extremely talented stage racer. While efforts to master the three week grand tours were marred by injury and illness, Rogers has bounced back strongly this year picking up wins in shorter stage races such as the Tour of California and the Vuelta a Andulucia and other podium finishes at the Criterium International and the Tour of Romandie.
He admits that the Tour de France is now beyond him and that from now on he intends to concentrate on the week long stages races, knowing that his endurance and his time trialling ability will more often than not place him at the pointy end of the GC field.
Which ever team signs him next year can rest assured that they will get a highly motivated and competitive cyclist. His hunger for success and craving for more stage race victories makes him a valuable commodity. His attitude and work rate will no doubt appeal to Team Sky, and in return, their professionalism will appeal to him. They seem to be a good fit.
So despite the 'silly season' shenanigans, it will come as no surprise to anyone when the British outfit name their roster for 2011 and it contains the name Michael Rogers.
Sean Q Lee 14/10/2010
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More success for Durbridge and Villumsen
13/10/2010
Australian rider Luke Durbridge has continued the good form he showed at the World Championships by picking up a bronze medal in the Commonwealth games time trial event this afternoon. While Scotland's David Millar melted the tarmac, relishing the opportunity to race without having to contend with nemesis Fabian Cancellara, the young Aussie was locked in a titanic struggle with England's Alex Dowsett for silver.
The future of cycling was on full display as Dowsett, the European U23 time trial champion managed to hold off Durbridge, the Worlds U23 time trial runner up, by just six seconds to take the silver medal. Millar finished 55 seconds ahead of Dowsett to take gold averaging a scorching 51 kph over the 40 km course.
Australia's Rohan Dennis and New Zealand's Jack Bauer and Jesse Sergent also finished within the top ten.
1st – David Millar 47'19''
2nd – Alex Dowsett 55''
3rd – Luke Durbridge 1'01''
6th – Rohan Dennis (Aus) 3'03''
8th- Jack Bauer (NZ) 3'30''
9th- Jesse Sergent (NZ) 4'15''
13th – Gordon McCauley (NZ) 5'14''
In the women's event, New Zealander rider Linda Villumsen also added to her Worlds bronze medal by going one better and picking up silver this time around, missing out on gold to Canada's Tara Whitten by a mere five seconds. In what was a tightly contested race, 45 year old English rider, Julia Shaw, finished third a further five seconds back.
Other riders from Down Under - 4th - Alexis Rhodes (Aust), 5th - Melissa Holt (NZ), 7th - Victoria Whitelaw (Aust), 10th - Alison Shanks (NZ), 12 - Ruth Corset (A).
Sean Q Lee (13/10/2010)
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The future of cycling was on full display as Dowsett, the European U23 time trial champion managed to hold off Durbridge, the Worlds U23 time trial runner up, by just six seconds to take the silver medal. Millar finished 55 seconds ahead of Dowsett to take gold averaging a scorching 51 kph over the 40 km course.
Australia's Rohan Dennis and New Zealand's Jack Bauer and Jesse Sergent also finished within the top ten.
1st – David Millar 47'19''
2nd – Alex Dowsett 55''
3rd – Luke Durbridge 1'01''
6th – Rohan Dennis (Aus) 3'03''
8th- Jack Bauer (NZ) 3'30''
9th- Jesse Sergent (NZ) 4'15''
13th – Gordon McCauley (NZ) 5'14''
In the women's event, New Zealander rider Linda Villumsen also added to her Worlds bronze medal by going one better and picking up silver this time around, missing out on gold to Canada's Tara Whitten by a mere five seconds. In what was a tightly contested race, 45 year old English rider, Julia Shaw, finished third a further five seconds back.
Other riders from Down Under - 4th - Alexis Rhodes (Aust), 5th - Melissa Holt (NZ), 7th - Victoria Whitelaw (Aust), 10th - Alison Shanks (NZ), 12 - Ruth Corset (A).
Sean Q Lee (13/10/2010)
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Commonwealth games road races -
Aussies win but Kiwis exciting!
10/10/2010
Australia's cycling dominance on the track at the Delhi Commonwealth Games has carried over to the road with Rochelle Gilmore sprinting to victory in the 112 km women's road race. Battling heat and dust, Gilmore outpointed Elizabeth Armitstead and her English lead out train to earn a hard fought and much deserved win. Her gold medal now takes pride of place alongside the two silver medals she won on the track at previous games. Fellow Aussie Chloe Hosking iced the cake for the team from Downunder by finishing third.
The men's race, held later in the afternoon, was contested in even more stifling conditions and it was Australian Allan Davis, fresh from his bronze medal at the Worlds in Geelong, who rode a brilliant race to cross the line ahead of New Zealand's Hayden Roulston.
With the temperature nudging 41 degrees Celsius and the peloton showing little interest in chasing down breakaways, Ireland's David McCann and New Zealand's Gordon McCauley found themselves with a substantial advantage over the main field earlier in the race.
New Zealand, sensing an opportunity to drive home an advantage, animated the race with Hayden Roulston and Jack Bauer bridging the gap to aid the brave McCauley who was beginning to show signs of fatigue. Australia, not wanting to be shown up by their Kiwi counterparts quickly followed with Chris Sutton and Allan Davis also getting in on the action.
But it was Kiwi Bauer who made the first decisive move for victory, riding away from the newly formed group with still more than 20km to go in a brave but short lived bid for glory. Eventually, in the final kilometres, Allan Davis broke clear of his group of four riders which included the dangerous Mark Cavendish to join team mate Chris Sutton, Brit David Millar, Kiwi Hayden Roulston and Ireland's indefatigable David McCann in the final selection.
Working in tandem, the Australians took turns at attacking, attempting to take the sting out of their opponents. Their tactics paid off with McCann the first to crack and Millar and Roulston unable to go with Davis in the sprint.
A jubilant Davis crossed the line, hands held high in a victory salute, with Roulston a close second and Millar third.
Sean Q Lee 10/10/10
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The men's race, held later in the afternoon, was contested in even more stifling conditions and it was Australian Allan Davis, fresh from his bronze medal at the Worlds in Geelong, who rode a brilliant race to cross the line ahead of New Zealand's Hayden Roulston.
With the temperature nudging 41 degrees Celsius and the peloton showing little interest in chasing down breakaways, Ireland's David McCann and New Zealand's Gordon McCauley found themselves with a substantial advantage over the main field earlier in the race.
New Zealand, sensing an opportunity to drive home an advantage, animated the race with Hayden Roulston and Jack Bauer bridging the gap to aid the brave McCauley who was beginning to show signs of fatigue. Australia, not wanting to be shown up by their Kiwi counterparts quickly followed with Chris Sutton and Allan Davis also getting in on the action.
But it was Kiwi Bauer who made the first decisive move for victory, riding away from the newly formed group with still more than 20km to go in a brave but short lived bid for glory. Eventually, in the final kilometres, Allan Davis broke clear of his group of four riders which included the dangerous Mark Cavendish to join team mate Chris Sutton, Brit David Millar, Kiwi Hayden Roulston and Ireland's indefatigable David McCann in the final selection.
Working in tandem, the Australians took turns at attacking, attempting to take the sting out of their opponents. Their tactics paid off with McCann the first to crack and Millar and Roulston unable to go with Davis in the sprint.
A jubilant Davis crossed the line, hands held high in a victory salute, with Roulston a close second and Millar third.
Sean Q Lee 10/10/10
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Pegasus not on UCI ProTour list
6/10/10
Australia's bid for its own ProTour team has hit a snag with Pegasus Racing not being included on the UCI's list of candidates for next season. Pegasus CEO Chris White is baffled by the situation claiming that all documents had been submitted as required despite the UCI saying the application was non-compliant due to incomplete documentation. He is working furiously to rectify the situation and hopes for a quick resolution.
Pegasus Racing, whose biggest signing to date has been Robbie McEwen, were expected to announce a major sponsor and further key signings during the Geelong world championship event, but nothing has been forthcoming.
Sean Q Lee (6/10/10)
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Pegasus Racing, whose biggest signing to date has been Robbie McEwen, were expected to announce a major sponsor and further key signings during the Geelong world championship event, but nothing has been forthcoming.
Sean Q Lee (6/10/10)
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Men's road race in review
(from the top of a hill)
3/10/2010
I have driven the course, but it's not until I am pushing a pram, laden with baby and draped with bags containing baby accessories and enough food and drink to sustain myself and six others for seven hours, that I realise just how steep and nasty the hills around Challambra crescent really are. Pure evil.
Arriving red faced and breathless at Montpellier Park, I feel certain that with each passing lap, the peloton will lose riders and become completely shattered by the 11th and final time around. For awhile I am right, and then I am wrong.
Although we arrive early, the crowd is already three and four deep at the top end of Challambra crescent with many more watching the race unfold on the big screen set up in nearby Montpellier Park.
A five man breakaway has successfully escaped the peloton and are well on their way to establishing a twenty minute advantage that will be carried onto the Geelong circuit. They crest the summit of Challambra to the enthusiastic cheers of the patiently waiting crowd. Twenty minutes later the noise intensifies three fold as the peloton, including the Australians and other pre-race and crowd favourites follow suit.
While some of the crowd shuffle between the big screen and the road side, others set up more permanent bases up and down the hillside. A large screen TV plugged into a small generator has been set up on the tailgate of one van and, parked conveniently on the nature strip, attracts many viewers anxious to know the state of the race in between laps.
Picnic rugs dot the grass verge, fences are sat atop, banners are hung over barriers, children play, adults discuss the likely outcomes, and experts point out the more famous riders to their non-expert friends and family. And as each lap passes and the leading group withers in number, the cheering, shouting, cow bell ringing, clapping, photo clicking and barracking becomes more intense.
Look, there's Simon Gerrans at the front – cheer, cheer – and right behind him, it's Cadel – Go Cadel Go – hey and there's Cancellara, he won the time trial on Thursday – Good on ya Fabian – I think that was Mick Rogers, no, no it was Stuey, Stuey O'Grady – Keep going Stuey – Beauty, got a good photo of him then – Anyone seen Cavendish? What about Hushovd? Ah there he is – Go Thor Go. More cheering, more clapping, more cowbelling!
Little known Chilean rider Carlos Oyarzun Guinez is so shocked at hearing his name called out by enthusiastic fans that he turns to look back over his shoulder and wave while in the centre of a 170 rider strong peloton! Dropped riders who are continuing on solo received equal amounts of encouragement as the front runners. It doesn't matter to the crowd. They just appreciate the spectacle and admire the courage of the cyclists who are 'having a go'.
With a couple of laps to go the peloton appears shattered. The breakaway has been all but caught and the main bunch have split into numerous groups. The crowd on Challambra understand what is happening and barrack like never before when they see that local hero Cadel Evans is still looking strong near the front. Can he do it? Can he keep the rainbow jersey for another year?
A lap to go and miraculously they are all back together. The splits have joined up and the favourites have bunched. The Italian, Nibali has chanced his hand but can't stay away, and as they sweep up Challambra for the last time it is pre-race favourite Phillipe Gilbert who attacks, gaining precious seconds over the remains of the peloton. Evans looks around, sees no one is going to take up the chase, swerves to the opposite side of the road, jumps on the pedals and powers around the bend, an ear splitting wall of sound following him as what seems like the whole of Australia cheering him on up the slope.
The sound rolls up the hills and into the distance, following the riders as they make their desperate way towards the finish line. It is a spine tingling moment and one that will live long in the memories of those who are there.
As the riders move out of view, the crowds lining Challambra stream back towards the big screen in Montpellier Park, pausing only briefly to acknowledge a struggling and spent Cancellara. Slowly making his way onwards and upwards, Challambra has claimed its last victim for the day.
But the day is not yet over and a winner still needs to be crowned. Thousands sit on the sloping grounds of Montpellier Park, eyes glued to the big screen as it tells the story of the last five kilometres. The riders, legs like pistons, sustain a furious pace along the Geelong waterfront. Cadel flashes onto the screen. The crowd erupts. Gilbert is caught and Niki Terpstra makes a break. The ambitious Dutchman is never going to make it and the remains of the group are back together again as they round the last bend and sprint up Moorabool street to the finish.
Hushovd is there, finishing strongly. Breschel, the Dane, makes a brave attempt. A flash of green and gold – is it Cadel? No it's Allan Davis. Where did he come from? He's thereabouts. He's up there. He crosses the line in third. The Montpellier Park crowd applaud. Hushovd, the big Norwegian claims victory, with Breschel second.
The presentations are shown on the big screen while the massive crowd reluctantly disperse. They have had a taste of international pro cycling at its best and they want more.
Sean Q Lee
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Arriving red faced and breathless at Montpellier Park, I feel certain that with each passing lap, the peloton will lose riders and become completely shattered by the 11th and final time around. For awhile I am right, and then I am wrong.
Although we arrive early, the crowd is already three and four deep at the top end of Challambra crescent with many more watching the race unfold on the big screen set up in nearby Montpellier Park.
A five man breakaway has successfully escaped the peloton and are well on their way to establishing a twenty minute advantage that will be carried onto the Geelong circuit. They crest the summit of Challambra to the enthusiastic cheers of the patiently waiting crowd. Twenty minutes later the noise intensifies three fold as the peloton, including the Australians and other pre-race and crowd favourites follow suit.
While some of the crowd shuffle between the big screen and the road side, others set up more permanent bases up and down the hillside. A large screen TV plugged into a small generator has been set up on the tailgate of one van and, parked conveniently on the nature strip, attracts many viewers anxious to know the state of the race in between laps.
Picnic rugs dot the grass verge, fences are sat atop, banners are hung over barriers, children play, adults discuss the likely outcomes, and experts point out the more famous riders to their non-expert friends and family. And as each lap passes and the leading group withers in number, the cheering, shouting, cow bell ringing, clapping, photo clicking and barracking becomes more intense.
Look, there's Simon Gerrans at the front – cheer, cheer – and right behind him, it's Cadel – Go Cadel Go – hey and there's Cancellara, he won the time trial on Thursday – Good on ya Fabian – I think that was Mick Rogers, no, no it was Stuey, Stuey O'Grady – Keep going Stuey – Beauty, got a good photo of him then – Anyone seen Cavendish? What about Hushovd? Ah there he is – Go Thor Go. More cheering, more clapping, more cowbelling!
Little known Chilean rider Carlos Oyarzun Guinez is so shocked at hearing his name called out by enthusiastic fans that he turns to look back over his shoulder and wave while in the centre of a 170 rider strong peloton! Dropped riders who are continuing on solo received equal amounts of encouragement as the front runners. It doesn't matter to the crowd. They just appreciate the spectacle and admire the courage of the cyclists who are 'having a go'.
With a couple of laps to go the peloton appears shattered. The breakaway has been all but caught and the main bunch have split into numerous groups. The crowd on Challambra understand what is happening and barrack like never before when they see that local hero Cadel Evans is still looking strong near the front. Can he do it? Can he keep the rainbow jersey for another year?
A lap to go and miraculously they are all back together. The splits have joined up and the favourites have bunched. The Italian, Nibali has chanced his hand but can't stay away, and as they sweep up Challambra for the last time it is pre-race favourite Phillipe Gilbert who attacks, gaining precious seconds over the remains of the peloton. Evans looks around, sees no one is going to take up the chase, swerves to the opposite side of the road, jumps on the pedals and powers around the bend, an ear splitting wall of sound following him as what seems like the whole of Australia cheering him on up the slope.
The sound rolls up the hills and into the distance, following the riders as they make their desperate way towards the finish line. It is a spine tingling moment and one that will live long in the memories of those who are there.
As the riders move out of view, the crowds lining Challambra stream back towards the big screen in Montpellier Park, pausing only briefly to acknowledge a struggling and spent Cancellara. Slowly making his way onwards and upwards, Challambra has claimed its last victim for the day.
But the day is not yet over and a winner still needs to be crowned. Thousands sit on the sloping grounds of Montpellier Park, eyes glued to the big screen as it tells the story of the last five kilometres. The riders, legs like pistons, sustain a furious pace along the Geelong waterfront. Cadel flashes onto the screen. The crowd erupts. Gilbert is caught and Niki Terpstra makes a break. The ambitious Dutchman is never going to make it and the remains of the group are back together again as they round the last bend and sprint up Moorabool street to the finish.
Hushovd is there, finishing strongly. Breschel, the Dane, makes a brave attempt. A flash of green and gold – is it Cadel? No it's Allan Davis. Where did he come from? He's thereabouts. He's up there. He crosses the line in third. The Montpellier Park crowd applaud. Hushovd, the big Norwegian claims victory, with Breschel second.
The presentations are shown on the big screen while the massive crowd reluctantly disperse. They have had a taste of international pro cycling at its best and they want more.
Sean Q Lee
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Aussie Michael Matthews - Gold U23 RR
2/10/2010
Young Aussie cyclist Michael 'Bling' Matthews shone brighter than the jewellery that he has a penchant for collecting when he sprinted to victory in the U23 world title road race yesterday. It was a spectacular end to what has been a highly successful season for the up and coming star of the sport.
With stage victories in the Tours of Langkawi and Japan, and numerous podium finishes in Italy, the world championship victory was pure icing on the cake for Matthews who will ride with ProTour team Rabobank next season.
After receiving great support from his Australian team mates, Matthews swung into the finishing straight with a group that included the highly fancied American whiz kid Taylor Phinney. Slipstreaming Phinney for part of the sprint, Matthews pulled out from his wheel with about 300m to go and according to Phinney, became a 'white, yellow and green flash', eventually finishing five bike lengths clear of German second place getter John Degenkolb.
After the race Matthews paid tribute to his team mates who had selflessly sacrificed themselves in pursuit of an Australian victory.
Taylor Phinney crossed the line in third place in an historic dead heat with Canada's Guillaume Boivin.
Results
1st – Michael Matthews (Aust) 4h 01' 23''
2nd – John Degenkolb (Germ) ST
3rd – Taylor Phinney (USA) ST
3rd – Guillaume Boivin (Can) ST
27th – George Bennett (NZ) ST
52nd – Malcolm Rudolph (Aust) 1' 04''
63rd – Joseph Lewis (Aust) 2' 22''
65th – Shem Rodger (NZ) 2' 40''
76th – Rohan Dennis (Aust) 3' 13''
DNF – Luke Durbridge (Aust), Ben King (Aust), Michael Vink (NZ)
Sean Q Lee (2/10/2010)
Comment on this article [email protected]
With stage victories in the Tours of Langkawi and Japan, and numerous podium finishes in Italy, the world championship victory was pure icing on the cake for Matthews who will ride with ProTour team Rabobank next season.
After receiving great support from his Australian team mates, Matthews swung into the finishing straight with a group that included the highly fancied American whiz kid Taylor Phinney. Slipstreaming Phinney for part of the sprint, Matthews pulled out from his wheel with about 300m to go and according to Phinney, became a 'white, yellow and green flash', eventually finishing five bike lengths clear of German second place getter John Degenkolb.
After the race Matthews paid tribute to his team mates who had selflessly sacrificed themselves in pursuit of an Australian victory.
Taylor Phinney crossed the line in third place in an historic dead heat with Canada's Guillaume Boivin.
Results
1st – Michael Matthews (Aust) 4h 01' 23''
2nd – John Degenkolb (Germ) ST
3rd – Taylor Phinney (USA) ST
3rd – Guillaume Boivin (Can) ST
27th – George Bennett (NZ) ST
52nd – Malcolm Rudolph (Aust) 1' 04''
63rd – Joseph Lewis (Aust) 2' 22''
65th – Shem Rodger (NZ) 2' 40''
76th – Rohan Dennis (Aust) 3' 13''
DNF – Luke Durbridge (Aust), Ben King (Aust), Michael Vink (NZ)
Sean Q Lee (2/10/2010)
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