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Matt Lloyd Interview - Stage 6 & the Copacabana
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Q. Matt, Stage 6 of the Giro from Fidenza to to Marina di Carrara was breathtaking. You had thousands of Australian's screaming at their TV's in the early hours of the morning! Can you share your thoughts on the stage and your feelings as you crossed the line?
A: It was a similar feeling to that you receive finishing a great day out, fortunately on this occasion I was surrounded and supported by people who love cycling and the giro Ditalia.
Q. You have a lot of wins in your career, how does this one rate as far as favourites go?
A: It was special
Q. The Australian contingent are having a fantastic Giro, do you all speak much and encourage each other?
A: The giro provided a great group of Australian riders, all fantastic in many different ways.. As we know, we have a relaxed culture, enabling us to confide in one and other, and help each other out both mentally and physically.
Q. Now that you have a Giro win under your belt, does this give you even greater confidence for the Tour de France?
A: Yes
Q. The Stage 16 time trial up to Plan de Corones looked epic, it had those at Cycling Tribe's legs burning just watching! How did you find those 24% gradient climbs?
A: It is a simple equation.. You have to push- because if you dont- you stop.
Q. When you're racing in Australia you have loads of support, do you see your name painted on the road at the Tour Down Under and can you hear people cheering you on, or are all your efforts taken up with racing? 
A: We have a beautiful cycling community in Australia, which in every regard throws huge support to our riders, and the entire group of athletes. While there is a certain amount of concentration involved with racing, it is mega-motivating to see such amazing support and provides extra motivation and an amazing atosphere..
Q. Cadel Evans has said that you're the ultimate team mate as you're always so cool in a crisis. Is this coolness something that comes to you naturally and how do you manage high pressure situations so well?
A: A crisis is a deep situation that needs attention. I seem to view situations rather slowly in order to obtain the totallity of everything, hence if attention is needed- it is given.. If you try or think too hard constantly it it devides the mind and body, and becomes ugly...
Q. With the World Championships being held on home soil this year, is this a target race for you? How do you rate the Australian riders chances?
A: It will be fast and I havent been thinking deeply about it, honestly.And finally...
Q. Would you rather live the rest of your life only smelling onions, or having the song 'copacabana' playing directly to your brain forever? And why!?
A: Copacabana. Yes.. why? You cannot dance correctly only smelling onions- with copacabana you can!
Photos courtesy of Bob Cullinan. To see more
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