Australian Worlds team Named
Well, here it is. After much speculation (see the "Embarrassment of Riches" post), the team is: Evans, Rogers, Gerrans, Cooke, Davis, Goss, Hayman, O'Grady, Sulzberger.
Porte and Rogers for the TT.
almost 2 years ago
slowK
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Comments
So they're riding this for Evens or Rogers?
Anyone who has every thought a working Photojournalist has a glam job needs to rethink...
by Christopher See on Aug 24, 2010 1:15 AM EDT reply actions
Evans or Goss...maybe Gerrans if he manages to get into shape
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
by Vlaanderen90 on Aug 24, 2010 1:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Haussler didn't make the cut...interesting.
But the most curious inclusion is Baden Cooke, whose early season was excellent….on the other hand, he’s been invisible since he had to pull out of the Giro.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
And the Dauphine...And Poland...And Limousin...And Plouay
hmm…
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
by Vlaanderen90 on Aug 24, 2010 3:04 AM EDT up reply actions
That's a weird selection.
No Robbie Mac but you do take Baden Cooke? And gah Alan Davis? An out of shape Gerrans?
Gerrans was showing signs of life at Limousin so if he has a good Vuelta build up then the rest of the season shouldn't be what he is judged on
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
by Vlaanderen90 on Aug 24, 2010 3:05 AM EDT up reply actions
If. IF he has a good Vuelta build up. They're banking on if?
Still, I find the inclusion of Gerrans much less weird than that of Cookie. The only way I understand that one is if they got him confused with Nicole.
My suspicion is that they're training a 'hard man' to take over from O'Grady eventually.
Other than that, I’m a bit bemused over Cooke’s selection. I wonder if GHH is the reserve?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Just realised Renshaw didn't make the cut either... must be those pesky hills..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Not as puzzled by Renshaw's and McEwen's exclusions as by Cooke's inclusion.
I have nothing at all against him, but I’m scratching my head. I bet it’s one of the reasons McEwen’s still twittering..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Cooke must have very
good connections back home. Selecting him urges a famous quote from another sport: “You can’t be serious”.
Very surprising that Haussler didn't make the cut.
Despite his disappointing season, I would have tought of him as one of the favorites to win this race
It's sad. I assume he just isn't in good enough shape yet,
but really this course is so great for him I thought they might take the chance.
Official Basque Editor (anointed by Chris, 13/8/10)
Not only has Haussler not got race fitness, selecting him while he wasn't fit would have created bad feeling in the team I think...
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
McEwen is not taking this well...it's time to suck it up..
like i said, i don’t think there are 9 aussies better suited to geelong course than myself. proving to be a bitter pill this one
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Only one way to get this out of body and mind:
Win some more races, McEwen.
True Uphill
McEwen has worked so hard to get back on form, and his recent success in races just makes his non-selection really hard to take.
Fabian Cancellara walks into a bar. "I'd like Tom Boonen on the rocks...make it a double."
On a less controversial note
Porte and Rogers looks just right for the TT, allowing Evans to focus on the Road Race. Good chance for Porte to learn some more.
Haussler is very gracious about not being chosen... fingers crossed for next year..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
It might not have been a very god start for him in Aus either?
If he were selected, didn’t do too well while others were sidelined there would have been an uproar. Could have made it hard for him to get support in the coming years. Probably a bad gamble to take for him.
I couldn't agree more...that scenario had disaster written all over it.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
interesting...
I wouldn’t have thought of it that way.
"Good thing I never said out loud that I was pulling for France, before this all started." -Mark Blacknell
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 24, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes... but you'd hardly leave the world champion off the team... and the lack of sprinters suggests sandbagging anyway...
don’t you think?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Stop grumbling... Evans would be there no matter what ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
nah
This guy turns himself inside out on a wide variety of terrain. All he’s saying is that he probably can’t win, but he can be a fantastic teammate. ALthough I agree w/ SH, the rainbow on his back had already settled the matter.
"Good thing I never said out loud that I was pulling for France, before this all started." -Mark Blacknell
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 24, 2010 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Inresting nobody thinks . . .
. . . O’Grady shouldn’t be there.
That guy hasn’t done much on anything with a hill in years.
Sacrilege Ryan! Utter, utter sacrilege...in Oz anyway.
But he’ll be there as long as he has to be, and in the meantime he’ll marshall the troops. In Oz McEwen is loved, O’Grady is revered. Truly there was never any doubt about Stuey being there.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
He's got the tactical skills though...
by Sarah Connolly on Aug 24, 2010 7:20 AM EDT up reply actions
And the trust of the entire team... hills...pffft...
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Gee; and I thought they’d put up the best team thay could in order to win the race.
Was the team picked with an IPhone app?
Ha! I think that after Evans, O'Grady was the only certainty... and I believe it's in the team's best interests
to have him there. Who knows whether we’ll win… Evans will be heavily marked and Haussler’s not fit. Talk to me about Cooke and I’ll listen ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I'm pretty amazed at all these type of comments
We always assume trade teams will go to races with a set of roleplayers but when it’s time to pick a 9 man national squad a lot of people seem to think it’s a better idea to pick the nine riders with the best chance to win the race?
B/c O'Grady is the most overrated cyclist on Podiumcafe....
You have to have cyclists how can get to the finale.. For supporting their GC’s??.. So you can better have 9 riders how can win at the line… Than some riders who can merely hang in until round 4
So you missed seeing the Worlds last year did you Frinky... or do you need new glasses?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
i thought that was Amorison;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
oh
he’s still very useful. And with this kind of incentive I would expect him to help a lot.
I think Jens’ comment is especially true for the host nation. Italy travel the world and have nine guys doing their thing, but when you’re home victory for the team is more crucial than your own aspirations.
"Good thing I never said out loud that I was pulling for France, before this all started." -Mark Blacknell
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 24, 2010 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions
But Age and Treachery coupled with youth, exuberance and rat cunning just might work..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
right
I think two-term vice president is the upper limit.
"Good thing I never said out loud that I was pulling for France, before this all started." -Mark Blacknell
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 24, 2010 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't need 9 winners
you need some guys who can deliver the riders and control the roads, O’Grady’s prescence is probably gonna be useful to their causes.
"You know if there's any contact at all Cristiano Ronaldo's gonna go down...maybe even just a puff of wind"
The most important domestique we have aside from O'Grady.
Watch last year’s WC… he’s the man Cuddles and CO. attribute Evans’ win to.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I'll have to go back
don’t remember. But if Cuddles says so, that’s a pretty key endorsement.
"Good thing I never said out loud that I was pulling for France, before this all started." -Mark Blacknell
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 24, 2010 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
He was phenomenal... he and O'Grady rode the second half like machines.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
So just for shits and giggles
Let’s assume that a nation could “rent a rider” for the day, adopt them, slap a new national jersey on them and include them in their team.
Of those riders who did not get selected, who would get picked up and by which nation?
Would Robbie?
Who is the USA sending (for example)…..
"Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill" - Fausto Coppi
Sounds like fun...I'd say Cance would be happy to see Stuey in a Swiss kit for a day..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
So just for shits and giggles
Let’s assume that a nation could “rent a rider” for the day, adopt them, slap a new national jersey on them and include them in their team.
Of those riders who did not get selected, who would get picked up and by which nation?
Would Robbie?
Who is the USA sending (for example)…..
"Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill" - Fausto Coppi
USA
Farrar, Tyler. That is all.
"Good thing I never said out loud that I was pulling for France, before this all started." -Mark Blacknell
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 24, 2010 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Hincapie is 50-50 with the injuries he got from his crash at Utah...Levi, I'm not holding my breath
I’m going to guess my 9 +2 TT Farrar, Busche, Horner, Van Garderen, Bookwalter, McCartney, Reijnen, Pate and Cozza? There are so many spots that could be switched and whatnot…hard to say almost
2 for TT: Zabriskie and Van Garderen
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
by Vlaanderen90 on Aug 24, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
He should but the Americans love to skip world's...though it would make sense if he did the TT with Zman
because of no Vuelta
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
by Vlaanderen90 on Aug 24, 2010 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions
+1 If the world championships were held on the same course
that the US uses in South Carolina and just one week later they would probably skip it.
bunch of unpatriotic SOBs if ya asked me...bugs me that we can't seem to get people interested in WC stripes.
Go Tyler!
Course, most Americans only think of Yellow with cycling…so there is that…
Yes, I will have an Ultra Liberal MoCo Latte please.
by JustJoshinYa on Aug 25, 2010 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions
They wouldn't choose him either at the moment... he's not fit... no-one's fault.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Well I was sort of kidding,
but TBH I would have kept Haussler if there was even a chance he could be fit by October, because his abilities are particularly well suited to the course.
See Jens' comment above..it would have been a bad move.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
O-kay.
So why doesn’t the same gamble apply to Haussler?
I really do not understand the truth.--Riccardo Ricco (per Google Translate)
because Haussler won't be racing the Vuelta with any form.
Gerrans actually showed life at Limousin and could be on the upswing finally so he is a safer bet than taking a guy who wouldn’t have the Vuelta as build-up and would race Paris-Brussels and a few others as his only actual race prep. Gerrans is easily a safer gamble
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
by Vlaanderen90 on Aug 24, 2010 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Gerrans
Gerrans – 49 racedays, 7468Km, latest race 22/08/2010 DNF 3 out of 6 stageraces
Haussler – 23 racedays, 2748Km, latest race 16/06/2010 DNF 4 out of 5 stageraces
I’d love to see HH race Worlds but if I were a selector there is no way in hell I’d pick him over anyone on their shortlist.
The way I see it, ain't nobody on the Aussie team going to win.
So it’s sad that, given that the course really suits HH and he’s supposedly healthy now, it will be a permanent fixture on his ‘Might Have Been’ list.
I really do not understand the truth.--Riccardo Ricco (per Google Translate)
And he's got a pretty long one of those already...
I wonder if they thought it’s better for him to not have the pressure, seeing as he feel off the rails this year? You know, have some space to get his head together.
(I mean assuming he was one of the people they weren’t sure about – the combination of injuries & lack of riding with the whole drink driving thing…)
by Sarah Connolly on Aug 24, 2010 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I suppose that's possible. Here's hoping he has a great year next year.
I really do not understand the truth.--Riccardo Ricco (per Google Translate)
Indeed
I am wondering if it wouldn’t be better for him to stop now and get his head together a bit more, rather than have another race where he might not be ready/hurt himself more
by Sarah Connolly on Aug 24, 2010 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Paris-Tours
The way I see it a few sprinter-y types are missing Worlds and should have quite a jet lag advantage on those that go down under: GHH, Boonen (if healthy) McEwen…
He can be healthy all he wants, he would have to race the Vuelta to be able to compete
and next year’s course can suit his needs too so he shouldn’t fret too much. Sure it is a home race but if he wins World’s next year, will it really matter that much to him? I’m sure many of these guys say what-if but hindsight in cycling isn’t 20-20…Might Have Been is far from being anything..would he rather take a spot from somebody and then be dropped in the last lap or 2..
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
by Vlaanderen90 on Aug 24, 2010 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Not sure what you mean about the Vuelta.
Yeah, a lot of guys use it for Worlds prep (and usually pull out early if they do), but not everyone.
Don’t know how he feels, but I’d sure rather he have, say, Davis’s or Cooke’s spot. (Note: I’ll be happy to eat my words in the unlikely event either one of them finishes on the podium.)
But you’re absolutely right that if he wins next year this will all be irrelevant. Now go off and make it happen!
I really do not understand the truth.--Riccardo Ricco (per Google Translate)
HH has had how many aborted comebacks this year?
I think it’s really asking for much for the selectors to assume he will be in any kind of form when he hasn’t even entered his first post-injury race, much less finished it. Who would do that?
On the other hand, who forced the Aussies to choose their team this early?
With such a number of possible starters, why not wait a little longer?
I really do not understand the truth.--Riccardo Ricco (per Google Translate)
Do we know who are on the long list?
(“14 of which 9 to start” or something like that)
Ceci n'est pas une signature.
Good question--I don't know.
Unless their earlier long list counts for that?
I really do not understand the truth.--Riccardo Ricco (per Google Translate)
Reserve for the RR is Porte.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Every Worlds RR winner dating back to '01 (Freire) has at least started the Vuelta and gone about half way through it
so yeah, maybe its coincidence but 9 times in a row speaks for itself…you get so much better form coming off a GT, at least an abbreviated one, than any one day races and short tours can provide. Haussler might be able to ride himself into shape butttt I doubt it would be any world beating form.
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
by Vlaanderen90 on Aug 24, 2010 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Kind of tells me
that they want a team where everyone is going to work for Cadel- options be damned. Being able to win, it would seem, is not a consideration.
"It was getting colder and colder as we went up. About halfway up, I started to go a little backwards and as I passed Thor he looked at me and said, "If you lose my wheel I will smash you." I took his wheel and found an extra gear." João Correia
Because he's injured and won't be riding the vuelta.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
This picking a team for Australia has been an amusing affair.
It’s kind of like picking who you want to go to the prom with in the daily papers. High drama for sure but when it comes down to it Spain and Italy have the potential to put the big numbers in the final move of this dance. Personally I think the Italians have the emotion on their side and that Bettini will bring a highly motivated group. Franco Ballerini will be the tenth man on the Italian team and as the time approaches they will be reminded over and over. If they don’t win it for Ballerini they should probably seriously consider taking a slow boat home to Italy.
just think of it as indulging us... I'm surprised that more hasn't been said about Spain and Italy...
Oz have a ‘solid’ team with Evans who will be a marked man. I wouldn’t bet on a win, but it’s fun speculating.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I did indulge you in the "embarassment" thread.
I didn’t say anything. I’ll bet if Cadel does win (which would be cool with me) he’ll mention him too. Out of respect though, not as an inspiration, he’s classy like that.
Once again, I'm disappointed not to be chosen
I knew not being Australian, or being any good at bike riding, would hurt my chances. But I was still hoping.
:-) love it.
You could always try out for the Canadian team, we take anyone :)
'When playing a game, the goal is to win, but it is the goal that is important, not the winning' - Dr. Reiner Knizia
by bought with blood on Aug 24, 2010 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Rumour has it
That it was because of the tricycle. An Australian rider – who wants to remain anonymous – said:
It’s unfair competition, this aggression will not stand. It’s either Katiek or me. Fuck it, Molly, let’s go bowling.
Badger, badger, badger, badger, badger, badger...
by TheFigurehead on Aug 24, 2010 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
The cookie factor is terribly underrated by many teams.
I really do not understand the truth.--Riccardo Ricco (per Google Translate)
Luckily Heinrich is now dealing with professionals, right Andreas?
FAIL
"Until you shoot me off my bike I'll keep looking for a contract" - Jens!
Quitter's People United member # 42
From SBS Phil... and just to make you feel better:
“Heinrich Haussler’s omission is a mystery but his father Heinrich Haussler Senior says Heinrich Junior ‘made himself unavailable because of injury’.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I was a bit surprised at not HH, given the drama surrounding his passport and all.
Can’t wait to see the next Adventures of Barbie Barbie on this one…
I think it’s kinda shit not to put Robbie on the team – but it’s just my opinion.
Regardless, Fabulous has this one in the bag…
Yes, I will have an Ultra Liberal MoCo Latte please.
Because we don't have enough polemica over the Aussie selection...
CyclingWeekly has this to say about Renshaw:
Suggestions that he might have had split loyalties at the World Championship was perhaps a factor in his non selection.I wonder if they really think he’d have had the gall to try to lead out Mark Cavendish while wearing Aussie colors, or are just trying to stir things up?
I think the hills were probably enough to sink Renshaw’s chances of getting on the team, given the emphasis the selectors have been putting on them.
I really do not understand the truth.--Riccardo Ricco (per Google Translate)
If he never wanted to ride for Australia then, sure.
Knaven in ‘05 decided not to ride Worlds because he didn’t want to help Boogerd when he would have rather had Boonen or Bettini win though those two had about the worst relationship ever. If Renshaw was looking for a bonus though, Mark in the stripes would be a huge boost.
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
by Vlaanderen90 on Aug 24, 2010 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions
cyclists never make deals - never
preposterous!
Yes, I will have an Ultra Liberal MoCo Latte please.
by JustJoshinYa on Aug 24, 2010 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Renshaw's value
Is in the finishing strait. Unlike O’Grady or Sulzberger, it’s important that he be there at the end. I think the feeling must have been that the course meant that this was unlikely.
by Drongo on Aug 24, 2010 7:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yah`
I didnt’ know they could type.
This is beyond stupid of CW. Who made these suggestions? The writer? Brailsford? Somehow I don’t see an Aussie sprinter stabbing his country in the back. In Australia.
"Good thing I never said out loud that I was pulling for France, before this all started." -Mark Blacknell
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 24, 2010 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Dude, you're supposed to put what your are looking for in the google search bar...not just in any old empty entry field...
Yes, I will have an Ultra Liberal MoCo Latte please.
by JustJoshinYa on Aug 24, 2010 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Did they pick me???
I’ve been out of it for a while and getting some winter miles in so I reckon I’m fit enough. I think they should leave a place open in the Aussie team until the week before for the best performer at the Australian Masters…young pups!!!
IMHO you’re all talking shit and sense.
Cuddles…World Champ, home turf and the dog needs exercise. We’re hoping it’s warm so the Missus gets some skin out too :-)
Dodger..Multiple WC, not a bad 1Km to go man…comes from Canberra, could be handy in a hung Parliament.
Gerro…Likes this time of the year, espescially if there’s snow on Buller.
Stuey…OAM, King of HTFU, He could ride it with a certain Belgian cobblestone in the back pocket and still spend more time with his freckled face in front of Cam1….plus he knows where the best pubs are.
Alfy…sole Queensland representative just in case it’s a North Easterly on the day and we need a goofy footer.
Matty Goss…surprised that McEwan lost the toss as he can be a real tosser sometimes :-)…a true sprinter (Huh??)
Buster Hayman…taking notes from Stuey on the day for future reference. I’m a bit worried that he’s a New South Welshman so might have trouble understanding the rules or type of beer to order.
Wes…He got a free pass on last years effort and also has sexy g/f who likes tasteful clothing…was the token Tasmanian in case Robbie won the toss.
And finally Cookie….you stupid fools!! While everyone else has been enjoying the Northern Summer, Cookie has been doing ‘secret’ reconnaisance training…plus Gerro needs a ski buddy.
Renshaw missed out to avoid the shit fight to get on his wheel plus he’s a cheap Royal look-a-like ring-in to present the medals and Haussler just isn’t hard enough yet.
If you think picking the Men’s team was hard I think there’s around 15 World Champions missed out on the kiddies teams.
next time....don't forget the gravy!!
by Flatbagger on Aug 24, 2010 7:38 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
clap clap clap
Entertaining and informative analysis. Not sure what some things are (Buller, goofy footer, and who is “Dodger”?). Regardless, you had me at:
IMHO you’re all talking shit and sense.
That was either ironic or completely accurate. Love that Stuey gets the nod cause he knows where the best pubs are. That’s a good call…can’t argue that logic.
Yes, I will have an Ultra Liberal MoCo Latte please.
by JustJoshinYa on Aug 24, 2010 8:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Translation
Buller…Mt. Buller, a snow covered hill that makes a nice backdrop to Gerro’s Mum and Dad’s place at Jamieson
Goofy footer…someone who rides with their right foot forward (handy for getting thru gaps when everyone else is going left.)
Dodger..Mick Rogers nicknom.
We don’t choose teams in Australia on form, fame or flash…we choose ‘Teams’ .
next time....don't forget the gravy!!
Your last comment is gold :)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
More please
Although I had to bust out my Australian to English dictionary a few times.
"Good thing I never said out loud that I was pulling for France, before this all started." -Mark Blacknell
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 25, 2010 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Love it, love it, love it!
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Bannan again
At CN – this time on why Baden Cooke was selected. Includes the following:
“He’s more than likely not going to finish the race – we’re going to have to sacrifice him early, but his abilities to protect the leaders, to keep them out of the wind, to make sure they’re in good position, to assist in some of the decision making during the race is going to be quite valuable to this team.”
Porte reckons that Cooke is the ultimate enforcer... makes Renshaw look like a sook..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
















