Matt white Manager Garmin-Cervelo

“Raaaaabobank! Raaaaaaaaaaaaabobank! Where are you?”

                                                                                Graeme Brown Rabobank attempting to find his team van

‘Standing at the finish line I look down the straight.

The crowd were cheering and along came a figure running; Phil Liggett. He strode across the line and deftly leapt the barrier. The race was nearing its end. This was stage 4, the end of which would be absolutely pivotal to the final outcome of the 2011 Santos Tour Down Under.’

The stage 6 90.5km Adelaide City Council Street Circuit was completed with an average speed of 47.7kph.

When the smoke had cleared, 23 yr old Cam Meyer Garmin-Cervelo would win the overall classification by a margin of just 2 sec to Matt Goss HTC. Ben Swift would catapult into 3^rd place overall.

The day would have 2 intermediate sprints (lap 8 and 12) as well as 2 KOM points’ opportunities (lap 10 and 15); each would play an important role.

For the first time a stage started in the afternoon and I for one was glad of the sleep in. Riders casually biked down from the hotel to the start line for sign on: Less than 1km from your bed to your team village to the start line; only at the Tour Down Under.

Mathematically it was possible for all 5 jerseys to change hands today and that along with the desire to not leave the TDU without results meant that all teams were highly motivated. It showed in the riders faces. What also showed was the drain from the week. Yesterday Rabobank and Uni SA had ridden back from Willunga following the stage hoping to gain some much needed recovery. Recovery was something everyone needed, but for the moment would have to wait.

In the first 5 laps a break formed. Matt Wilson from Garmin-Cervelo set off; a small group of 5 forming.  Stuey O’Grady Leopard-Trek was there as well providing a local feel and it wasn’t long before Luke Durbridge Uni SA bridged the gap.

By lap 7 Stuey realized that HTC presence on the front meant the group would be caught just before the 1^st intermediate sprint so the pedal went to the metal and he went solo over Montefiore Hill.

No avail, he was swept up.

Immediately a counter-attack; Travis Meyer Garmin-Cervelo leapt off the front. HTC pulled him back.

Another counter; Brett Lancaster Garmin-Cervelo – are you detecting a pattern? Again, pulled back at the last moment.

The sprint: Michael Matthews Rabobank wearing the Young Riders Jersey for Cam Meyer crosses first with Goss HTC 2^nd and Andre Greipel OPL 3^rd.  Precious sec, and Goss (now at 6 sec) and Matthews (now at 9 sec) move closer.

The peloton have been lapping at 5:40, now they slow to 5:50 but the next attack comes immediately. Points are up for the KOM in 2 lap’s time on lap 10.

Attacking on the climb Luke Roberts Uni SA takes the 1^st offering, 16 points in the bag taking him to 60. All he has to do is finish the race and the KOM jersey, resting on his shoulders the past 5 days, stays with him. Bruno Pires Leopard-Trek 2^nd, Juan Horrach Katusha 3^rd, Alfredo Balloni Lampre 4^th (nice of them to put in an appearance) and David Tanner Saxobank Sungard 5^th.

Once again things came back together for the 2^nd intermediate sprint on lap 12, but not as quickly as one might think with Rabobank and HTC both working hard; HTC so hard in fact that their train didn’t appear to quite have it and Matt finished 4^th behind a fast finishing Allan Davis Astana 3^rd and Rabobank’s Tom Leezer 2^nd and Jos van Emdem 1^st.

One more KOM to go on lap 15, being a dead rubber really, although that didn’t stop 7 guys attacking, O’Grady again amongst it. Mitch Docker Uni SA led them over the top, Francesco Reda Quickstep 2^nd (nice of them to show up too), Juan Horrach appeared again – strong effort Juan for 3^rd, David Tanner 4^th improved on prior by one place and 5^th was the Danish Road champion Nikki Sorenson Saxobank Sungard (I like this guy and did I mention his favourite Kit in the peloton is that of the Danish national champion?)

Time for the HTC and Rabobank boys to reappear, and reappear they do one last time to chase down these guys and hopefully set up the finish.

This is bike racing. These guys are exhausted but are giving it their all.

4 laps to go 23 sec gap.

3 laps to go 14 sec gap.  Stuey attacks again; Nikki Sorenson with him; Simon Zahner BMC too.

2 laps to go 7 sec gap.

All back together.

Everyone who can, wants the win. Robbie, Andre, Alby they’re all there and the jostling begins.

And as it was in the Cancer Council Classic, Sky appear from no-where with Greg Henderson, the man who fell on the last bend 7 days ago, bringing Ben Swift to a 2^nd stage win. Henderson holds for 2^nd and Goss crosses in 3^rd. He gains 4 sec to put him overall 2 sec behind Cam Meyer. So close.

Ben Swift Sky is ecstatic, praising his teammates. “Throughout the race they supported me. They made sure I was not on the outside or in the wind the whole day. It really was just unbelievable.”

Cam Meyer Garmin-Cervelo is ecstatic but in an understated way, praising his teammates.

“Right from the word go, Matt Wilson was incredible. Then Jack, Travis they all rode so strong and well. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them.” He turned 23 last week? This kid’s got some great parents, speaking of which, “I brought them here this year, its’ their first TDU.” Nice. And when he gets to the podium he breaks protocol and brings his team with him. The crowd love it.

At the podium Ben Swift wins the stage. Cam Meyer takes overall and Best Young Rider. Matt Goss is the Sprint King and Luke Roberts has held on for the KOM. Movistar is the best team.

There are a lot of different perspectives provided at the end.

The HTC team area is full of tired people; disappointed expressions with frustration thrown in. They look like they don’t want to be interrupted. I can understand.

(I confess I’m partial to this team having spoken with riders and management this week. In the dictionary under TEAM you’ll find a picture of them.)

Matt Goss HTC holder of the Jayco Sprinters Jersey "Two seconds off it ... Renshaw was doing the perfect job, he has all week, I just went on the opposite side, I didn't want to take the risk of getting shut on the barrier again, it didn't work out unfortunately.”...” The team did everything for me, they were awesome. I can't thank those guys enough.”

"Unfortunately a couple of days of bad luck - a puncture at a bad time, getting caught up in a crash in stage two, maybe it was never meant to happen. It just didn't really work out this year, but I will come back next year, I have a few years left here.” He’s only 24yrs old, a few years left?

"I'm obviously frustrated, I felt really good all week, and I felt really good again today. I tried everything and the team did everything for me, but I just missed it in the end.”

Bernard Eisel HTC lies down on a conveniently provided esky. Horizontal definitely feeling good, but then fans in the crowd want some photos and an autograph. Even exhausted he’s obliging.

Andre Greipel OPL last year’s winner, got taken out by some ‘jostling’. He’s “not a judge so no more comment from him”...“Besides now it’s all over.” A smile gracing his face he walks away.

Matt White Manager Garmin-Cervelo is a happy man and off to the studio for a TV interview. “It was a nail biter!” (For the record my nails are intact but I am sunburnt)

Luke Roberts Uni SA holder of Skoda King of the Mountains “This is my favourite race. I was pretty happy with the whole week” He has ridden smart all week with a team to match; his grin could be the new ambassador of the TDU. He looks younger than Cam, well maybe not Cam, he looks pretty young.

And finally, Hayden Roulsten HTC after riding his heart out “How the F*&k am I going to find my mum in this crowd.”

The race has been great. Not since 2001 have we seen this many stage winners, the first 5 all being different teams, the last day having all jerseys up for grabs. The first UCI Pro Tour race has come and gone, the season has started, and the year is unfolding.

Oh, and along the way someone called Lance left the building.

To quote “SBS 6 billion stories and counting...”

“All stories, even the ones we love, must eventually come to an end and when they do, it's only an opportunity for another story to begin.”

Eric Applebaum Hat Collector Mr Magoriums’ Wonder Emporium

Amongst all the buzz of the Australian Cyclones 2010 media call at Stromlo Forrest Park, CyclingTribe blogger Rebecca Wiasak and myself had the pleasure of catching up with Canberra cyclist Michael Rogers ahead of his World Cycling Championships campaign which kicks off on the 30^th September with the 45.8km Individual TimeTrial. Although 2010 will mark Rogers’ 14th start donning the green and gold jersey at a World Championships, the prospect of riding for his country in his own backyard has seen him more motivated then ever and I have no doubt that we can expect big things from Rogers over the course of the next week. Somehow between talking to news stations and posing for photos, he managed to have a quick chat to us about racing, partying and his real job!

MG Yet again we are seeing more Canberrans represent Australia at Worlds, why do you think Canberra seems to have a knack at producing champions? Is it the terrain? The training?

MR I just think it is the environment you know here and it’s always had quite a strong cycling presence and obviously we have the Australian Institute of sport, a bunch of experienced people... and a lot of good coffee shops!

MG (laughs) yeah – always helps!

MR Yeah

MG And i’ve noticed that you’ve competed in every World Championship since 1997, first of all congratulations – that’s no mean feat! - Including junior World Championships, sorry! Have any been stand out? Or how does this one compare competing on home soil; is it extra special for you?

MR Yeah obviously when I won my World Championships in 2004 and 2005, I also got one in 2003 – they were obviously highlights so far! And I’m kind of looking for something special in the next week; I’m pretty excited about that.

MG Is your whole family coming to support you? Your brothers Deane and Pete are obviously champions in their own right– both very successful cyclists (Deane competed in the 1995 World Championships, and 1994 Junior World Championships, whilst Pete represented Australia in the 1999 World Championships and 1998 Commonwealth Games), how was it growing up in such a strong cycling family?

MR Yeah I mean we are a pretty cycling rich family, you know, it was kind of bred into our generation, like for instance my kids and my brothers kids, so it’s going to be pretty cool and it doesn’t happen all the time you have a World Championships in Australia so it’s certainly something not to be taken for granted.

MG So have you got your girls on bikes yet?

MR O they’ve got bikes yeah, they’re pretty good yeah, and they’re only little ones of course.

MG Champions in the making?

MR Yeah, I suppose that’s a decision they’re going to have to make, I’d actually prefer them to play tennis but...

MG (laughing) Don’t do this to yourself!!

MR (laughing) yeah, it’s a hard road but, nah its good fun.

MG And you’re living in Italy, why did you choose Italy as a base? Because obviously the Australians have got a base there, Cadel lives around there.. What makes Italy so great?

MR It just so happens that the first team I rode for was Mapei and they were based there, and then I met my wife Alessia and... Now I’m in deep, yeah!

RW I know the Quon boys always love it when you come home, there’s a few going down there next week, do you expect them to be pretty rowdy?

MR Yeah, they’ll be making fools of themselves no doubt, it’s going to be fun

MG You’re going to have a big cheer squad that’s for sure

MR Yeah everyone is pretty excited

RW Have you got a leave pass for the after party?

MR Yeahhh, for sure!

MG Are you going to come back to Canberra for a bit after Worlds?

MR Yeah, just for a couple of days, got to go back and be a farther (laughs)

MG (laughing) Yeah, go back to your real job!!

MR Yeah, we stay enough on the road as it is, I mean I’d really like to stay but...

All Photos credited to Myffy Galloway - Visit her site @ http://myfanwygalloway.com/site/

--- GO DODGER!!!!!!!!!

 Q. Jo, first of all a huge congratulations as you just took out the women's section of the CreswickHandicap on the weekend! Conditions out there were brutal with freezing temperatures and then rain just for fun. How did you manage to hold off the Scratch group as well as all the other girls to get the win?

Yes, the conditions were a bit average to say the least, but I had been warned that this race never has good weather and it didn't disappoint! Our bunch worked pretty well together and we managed to catch the two other groups in front of us, that contained other girls in contention for the win on the 2nd lap. As the race unfolded I lost my teammates Stephanie Hanson & Kendelle Hodges and the other girls that we had caught in front of us. I was feeling pretty good and was mixing it with the guys, who I don't think weren't entirely impressed! I managed to finish in the lead bunch and came 9th over the line. The scratch bunch finished about 5 minutes behind our group. I think the conditions played a big part in scratch not getting up for the win. The Icke family donated prizes for the race in memory of Fred Icke who started the race in 1959, I would like to thank them for their continued support of the event and also the Bob Farley (VIS mechanic) who braved the condition all day as team support.

Q. You also recently won the Tour of Canberra as well. For those of us not lucky enough to be at the race, can you explain to us how it all unfolded?

Thank you! I knew the course was a climber’s course, so my plan for the Tour was just to be at the front of the race. My Prime Estate teammate Jenny Macpherson had a solid ride on Stage 1, breaking away from the main group solo for 30kms of the race. We only caught Jenny with about 10kms to go, all of which was uphill. Lisa Jacobs (VIS), and my now teammate, was very strong on Stage 1 and managed to put a minute into Bron Ryan (ACT) and myself on a very testing uphill finish. Having five of my Prime Estate teammates start the Tour with me was a great support on the road and I knew that as a team, we had a big advantage on the field with some really strong experienced riders.

After Stage 1 I knew that if we were going to make up the minute time gap, I was going to have to make an aggressive move without the other contenders of the race. I started Stage 2 in the pink polka dot QOM Jersey, after having claimed some of the hill sprint points the day before. Stage 2 was slow to start and again the climbs sorted out the field. Coming over the crest of one of the climbs, with 30 kms to go of the 91km stage, I found myself thinking that this could be an opportunity to have a go. I clicked up a gear, put my head down and went. I had a fleeting thought that this could be a bit ambitious with 30kms of the race still to go, but I knew my teammates would support me and I was feeling good. There was a turn around about 10kms up the road and as I rounded the corner and saw how far the gap had blown out to, it gave be confidence to keep up my speed and not look back.

After going over the last two QOM climbs of the day and with 5 kms of the race go I started to feel like the dream of a solo victory was getting closer. I came into the criterium circuit finish a winner and more importantly I put a minute and half into Lisa and Bron, who had broken away from the main field to claim 2^nd & 3^rd. My teammates Jenny Macpherson and Nicole Whitburn had been great support in Stage 2, to help me claim both the leader of the QOM Jersey and Tour leader. 

Stage 3 saw my teammate Jenny break away again with 2 other girls 3 kms into the 81km stage. They managed to stay away for the whole of the race with Jenny claiming the victory and finishing the Tour 4^th overall by 30 seconds. I followed a move from Lisa 15kms from the finish and we came into the finish together and I managed to hold onto my lead and claim the Tour. One of the special moments of the Tour for me was seeing my parents standing on climbs on Stage 3. They had driven from Melbourne overnight on the Saturday to see me race on Sunday, after they had got word that I was leading the Tour. They are a great support in my cycling and I would like to thank them.

 
Q. You seem to be in great form lately as adding to the Tour of Canberra win you also won the A Grade women's event at the Teschner Grand Prix Criterium a couple of weeks ago! It seemed all the girls wanted to avoid a bunch sprint with Belinda Goss. Can you give us your thoughts on the race?

Yes, I wasn’t to keen to get into a sprint finish with a few of the girls in the race and Belinda was definitely one them! She is a very strong sprinter and I had been training with her recently as she prepares for her next World Cup Track meet. The race was slow to start and then a few attacks started to come, one being from Jenny Macpherson, just has I had a mechanical. I had to jump off the bike and sort it out and go to the pit area at the start finish. Jenny flew past with a few hundred meters on the field, I then jumped on the back of the field and made my way to the front at the bottom end of the course. The adrenaline was pumping and I put in an effort at the front of the main field with my teammate Kendelle Hodges (VIS) to bring Jenny back. We caught her and then I attacked out of the next corner, as the girls slowed. I managed to get the gap and could see at each corner that Belinda was chasing me. My coach Stuart McKenzie, friends and family encouraged me to keep going and I managed to pull off the win. 

Q. Would you say that was a dream result for your first race in Victorian Institute of Sport colours?

Yes, definitely! I have found the support of the Institute overwhelming and it is definitely reflecting in my training and performance.

Q. Have you found it a big step up to race & train with the VIS girls and renowned coach Dave Sanders?

No not really, I have definitely stepped up my training this year under the guidance and support of my coach Stuart McKenzie. Training sessions with Dave Sanders and the other VIS team squad are great and it is invaluable being pushed by others to places you didn’t think you could go! One of my teammates Lisa Jacobs is currently overseas racing with the Australian National Team, which is very exciting. My other female teammates Stephen Hanson and Kendell Hodges are very talented riders and I am really excited for Stephanie, who has recently made the Australian Junior Worlds Team. 

Q. For the young girls out there who want to one day get to your level, can you give us an insight into how much training & preparation goes into a big event such as the Tour of Canberra?

I am excited to see over the last year and half how many more girls are getting into cycling and racing. I think developing a good base of consistent training and getting race experience is definitely the key. I would really recommend to just get out there and having a go! I am currently training around 450-650kms a week, depending on what block of training I am doing. Preparing for Tours like Canberra involves consistency, lots of hill training and putting yourself in the right position at the right time.

Q. You already have a couple of big wins under your belt this season, what are your goals for theremainder of the year?

My goals this year are to win the National Road Series and continue to improve on areas of my performance that need work. I really want to be in good form for the National Road Championship next yearand be in contention for the Australian National Road Team 2011.

Q. How do you find the time to juggle working, training & down time socialising?

I sometimes find it very challenging, there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day! I am only working three days a week at the moment as nurse at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Aged Care Community. Reducing my hours at work has definitely improved my training and recovery. I have a very supportive manager at work, which definitely helps with the flexibility needed to attend training camps and races. My coach, friends and family are a massive support in my life and without them I definitely wouldn’t be in the position I am in at the moment. It is all about finding the right balance.

And finally...

Q. Would you rather have the power to be invisible or the power to read minds?

Definitely the power to read minds, I would love to know what people are thinking at times.

Thanks for your time Jo!

Jo would also like to thank her amazing sponsor St Mel’s and suggests that everyone who like her likes to look cool in their own unique cycling inspired design should check out their websitehttp://www.stmeldesign.com/

By Jarrod Patridge

Q. Now in it's fifth year, Melburn-Roobaix is becoming a cult classic. Can you tell is how the idea was born and what makes it such a great success?

The idea was born from a lack of what I believe were fun/cool events in Melbourne.  Something that had broader appeal than alleycats and club racing, less extreme and with a good sense of humour.  I think of lot of club racers and commuters haven't been exposed to the type of event where riding for 'fun' is the primary objective.  The theme was developed by Ugly and I modelled on Paris Roobaix, and each year it has evolved slightly to continue the appeal for those who have ridden in the past. It has become a cult ride that people email me through the year wanting details of, preparing special bikes for and travelling from interstate and overseas to participate.  Crazy!  

Q. We need to stress to people thinking of coming along that it's not a race. What can people expect on the ride?To see new parts of Melbourne, to see bikes and cyclists of all types,  have a laugh from start to finish, and hopefully be inspired to ride more often.  The course isn't long.  Less than 30km and you have a 4 hours to complete it.  Which is plenty of time to allow for mechanical issues, coffee stops, making new friends, getting lost, and still making it to the pub for the raffle on time.

Q. Despite stating that it's not a race, people can't help themselves when they get on a bike. Is there anything for the 'winner'?While it is true that it only takes two people to have a race - absolutely nothing is given to anyone for finishing first, second or otherwise.  In fact, you don't have to complete the course to win prizes. You could ride straight to the pub!  It really is a 'fun' ride. The trophy and champagne is raffled to a random winner.  I'm hoping a girl wins this year.  Over 50 females have registered which is great.  

Q. For first time riders, are there any do's or dont's such as do turn up in circa 1930's kit don't ride without brakes?

Melburn - Roobaix 2009 from cycling tips on Vimeo.

SG: Well thanks. I am currently in Holland, Belgium. I am racing here tomorrow. I have a few other Spring Classics planned before another training phase.

CT: Are you going to a training camp after the Spring Classics?

SG: Yeah, I will be spending most of May in Boulder, Colorado, training at altitude. It will be a vital step in the process of getting as ready as possible for Le Tour.

CT: Do you have some training partners to help you?

SG: I will train a bit with fellow Aussie Chris Legh, a good mate. There are always other Aussies in Boulder too, which makes it a fun place to live and train. Last year I trained in Colorado too and I was lucky enough to be able to spend some time with Lance Armstrong, Chris Horner and Levi Leipheimer.

CT: Did you learn much from them?

SG: Yeah for sure. They are three statesmen of the sport and I learned a lot.

CT: Let’s talk more about the training camp in Boulder. Do you train once or twice a day?

SG: Just once but they are long rides, anywhere from 3 ½ to 5 ½ hours per day I spend on the bike.

CT: Does the altitude take much time to get used to?

SG: Yeah I take it quite easy the first week. The intensity is low. After this initial week is over I train harder for a few weeks, that is when the main training is done.

CT: What sort of training will you be focusing on during the camp?

SG: Mainly just strength work with minimal amounts of higher intensity stuff. I tend to do 2-3 days of hard training followed by a day of easier riding for recovery.

CT: Talk us through a typical day on camp.

SG: Since I am only doing the one ride per day I don’t get up all that early or go to bed all that early either. I wake up at a reasonable hour, have some breakfast, then hit the roads around 9:30am. I ride for 3 ½ to 5 ½ hours. During the afternoon I might get a massage. On the easy recovery days I often go to the gym, but the gym workouts are quite light.

CT: What do the gym sessions consist of?

SG: Mainly just core work consisting of glutes, lower abdominal and stabilisation exercises. I don’t lift heavy weights, especially at this time of the year.

CT: What are your thoughts on Le Tour? You are no doubt expecting a start for Team Sky?

SG: The final team won’t be announced for quite some time. But I am confident that I will be on the team.

CT: What is your form like at the moment compared to previous years?

SG:   In training the past few months I have been doing a lot more longer threshold rides and longer climbs than previous years. I haven’t done much high intensity explosive work. I think that this could disadvantage me in the Spring Classics, but in terms of my preparations for the Tour de France, I think that I am without a doubt fitter and stronger than ever, and that this year will hopefully be my best tour to date.

CT: Do you ever sleep in an altitude tent?

SG: Yes, I sleep in an altitude tent on and off. I think they work well and are obviously the best substitution for when I can’t be physically at altitude.

CT: How is life on the road treating you?

SG: Not too bad. I am still really enjoying living out of suitcases and spending most of the year travelling.

CT: There seems to be some very talented young Australian’s on the rise, what are your views as the reasons behind this?

SG: Cycling in Australia is indeed looking strong. It is a credit to the system as a whole. From the grassroots levels to the state institutes. It is great to see.

CT: Thanks for your time, good luck for the remaining Spring Classics. Hope to see a big Tour.