Australian National Road Championships 2011
by Sarah Connolly on Jan 8, 2011 10:23 AM EST
Email
Print
This weekend it's the Aussie National RR Champs - a tad contentious, as it's one of the few National Champs that's open to international riders - and it's held on the same course every year, so suits 1 kind of rider - but it always seems like superb racing, on a hard course, in the sunshine. And road racing! We love road racing, and it's months 'til the Euro season starts!
No tv coverage as far as I can see, but following the twitter hashtag #aorcc gives great updates - and Rachel Neylan (who'll be riding for Diadora Pasta Zara for the 2011 season) gave great tweet updates throughout the women's race - and there's the official race website, of course.
More below - results so far, links to pics, fabulous quotes - and of course, especially dear Australian friends, if you see anything fun, please please add it to the comments!
The women's Road Race was won by brand-new Garvélo rider, Alexis Rhodes. I was going to say more about how Rhodes was very badly injured in the hideous accident that killed Amy Gillett... but then I read her quotes on the race press release:
"I'm not the poor girl who was injured," said Rhodes who has endured an emotional roller coaster since the accident. "It wasn't so much the sympathy ... I don't like making up the numbers, so to be known as 'aw, the poor girl who got by a car', it's not what I wanted to be.
I also liked this from her:
"I just don't like riding around half-arsed and running top-20 ... it's a hard sport and to not be competitive, it's not worth it."
Women's RR top 10 - and full results here
1. Alexis Rhodes, 3:00:18
2. Carla Ryan, s.t.
3. Joanne Hogan, s.t.
4. Judith Arndt, s.t.
5. Vicki Whitelaw, s.t.
6. Tiffany Cromwell, s.t.
7. Carlee Taylor + 0.55
8. Ruth Corset, s.t.
9. Bridie O'Donnell + 1.51
10. Amanda Spratt, s.t.
There are a lot of photos here and here (including the new Garvélo kit in action - looks a LOT more Cervélo than Garmin, out on the roads... and now we'll get to see what they'll do with the Aussie National jersey too!) - and more to come, I'm sure
Carlee Taylor is the u23 women's champ, given it was the same race for elites/u23 - the men's u23 raced first, and their results and photos of their race
1. Ben Dyball, 3:22:05
2. Nathan Haas, +0.15
3. Jospeh Lewis, s.t.
4. Rohan Dennis, s.t.
5. Thomas Palmer, s.t.
6. Adam Semple, s.t.
7. Stuart Smith, s.t.
8. Patrick Lane, s.t.
9. Luke Durbridge, s.t.
10. Paul Van Der Ploeg, +0:49
Today in Aus (ie the early hours of Sunday morning in Europe) it's the men's elite RR - and then on Australia's Tuesday it's all the Time Trials. Here's the programme
Anything you see about the race you think would be fun, add it in below!
221 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Ben Dyball, eh?
I wonder if he’s related to anyone we know
Is there a startlist somewhere for the RR?
I checked the official site and couldn’t find one.
It definitely got played into the ground. Even I was flinching after a while--Tyler Farrar, on that Transitions ad.
Thanks! Nice field.
So what happens if, say, Floris Goesinnen (Netherlands) or Ben Swift (UK) wins the RR? Is he champion of Australia, or does that go to the first Aussie over the line? I’m guessing the latter, but in that case wonder why it’s open in the first place.
It definitely got played into the ground. Even I was flinching after a while--Tyler Farrar, on that Transitions ad.
Its the later...they changed it a few years ago to an open race and I think McEwen was mad about it.
It makes no sense since it is a national championship. Like how the American RR champs used to be at Philly and how the crit championship still it
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
by Vlaanderen90 on Jan 8, 2011 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
I think it doesn't really happen in reality
I was talking to an Aussie last night on the twit, and he was saying that Judith Arndt would never win the race, as it’s not done – you know, “bad form” (in over-done English accent!) – but I know Robbie Mac was very annoyed about it being open last year, on the basis that some riders would have their non-Aussie-trade-team-mates out there, riding for them, giving them an unfair advantage – and also because Aussies can’t ride in other countries’ nationals, which are great training/prep for other races (esp TdF)
by Sarah Connolly on Jan 8, 2011 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
Arndt has been there before
and backed off at the crucial moment, so she wouldn’t get in the way of the championship race.
It's Australia's fault for being in the Southern Hemisphere
If they were in the Northern Hemisphere, they could have their champs in the summer like a normal cycling country.
"Oh man, it’s going to take days to kill all these people!"
Jeremy Hunt won the Mens RR
"the rest was over 30. And that doesn't mean old and useless, but experienced and with the stamina"
Jens! Voigt, Crit Intl Interview, 2009
by CycleGirl on Jan 9, 2011 3:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
oops forgot to put back in 2000.
"the rest was over 30. And that doesn't mean old and useless, but experienced and with the stamina"
Jens! Voigt, Crit Intl Interview, 2009
by CycleGirl on Jan 9, 2011 3:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
A few years ago a U23 rider won
Don’t rememeber his name, think it was the one who signed with Rabobank but got ill and almost quit. A hunch tells me it was Walker something. Anyway, he was first over the line but because he wasn’t elite he didn’t become the Australian champion.
Badger, badger, badger, badger, badger, badger...
by TheFigurehead on Jan 8, 2011 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
He did quit - works for a bike kit importer now ...
and coaches the Malaysian team, is engaged to Aldo Sassi’s daughter. His younger brothers still race.
But he moved to Fuji-Servetto first, I think
Is Johnnie Walker his brother?
Badger, badger, badger, badger, badger, badger...
by TheFigurehead on Jan 9, 2011 7:25 AM EST up reply actions
indeed Johnnie is the middle one, and he has another one Nick
they were both on the cq startlist for the road race today. There is a 4th according to an SBS interview but I don’t know if he races
Yes he did, he retired due to health issues related to his heart
His younger brothers are Johnnie and Nick.
You're correct and so is clashbrad.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Rachel Neylan
was not racing. The non starters on the CN startlists were
Men RR
22 David Kemp (Toowoomba Cycling Club Inc.)
78 Michael Bulters (Canberra Cycling Club)
80 Jason Cattonar (Norwood C.C.)
101 Michael Fitzgerald (Atomic Brooks Cycle Club)
Women RR
252 Victoria Luxton (Carnegie Caulfield CC)
260 Rachel Neylan (Norwood C.C.)
430 Monica Kelly (Horsham Cycling Club Inc)
431 Brittany Lindores (Gold Coast CATS Cycling Club)
http://www.cyclingfever.com/startlist.html
This one is from Mars!
They are the official sponsor Mars Cycling Australia
"I decided to sue. I presented the dog’s registration document with his real name on it,"
"The case is still open. There were some negotiations to see if we could reach an agreement… but I said no, that I had nothing to lose. In addition, it also showed an enormous lack of respect to my dog, whose name they changed." - Oscar Pereiro
However, I bet Garvelo are wishing they'd shipped a bike down there for her...
…unless that’s the new Cervelo S-Works SL3 she’s riding.
Wonder how JV can possibly explain that.
Didn’t someone say something about a cat fight between Vaughters and Vroomen? Why couldn’t anyone be bothered? They sell the bikes in Australia, surely someone knows how to fit bikes too.
Oh, nice catch.
"I decided to sue. I presented the dog’s registration document with his real name on it,"
"The case is still open. There were some negotiations to see if we could reach an agreement… but I said no, that I had nothing to lose. In addition, it also showed an enormous lack of respect to my dog, whose name they changed." - Oscar Pereiro
Think it could be because they havent had their team camp yet
so maybe they’re thinking no point to ship a bike, given that they’ll have a nice new one waiting at the team camp? Maybe?
by Sarah Connolly on Jan 8, 2011 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe they can photo shop the pictures.
First win by the new team and it’s on the competitors bike. Brilliant!!!
"I decided to sue. I presented the dog’s registration document with his real name on it,"
"The case is still open. There were some negotiations to see if we could reach an agreement… but I said no, that I had nothing to lose. In addition, it also showed an enormous lack of respect to my dog, whose name they changed." - Oscar Pereiro
Their team camp is next week.
So, they don’t have bikes yet – or any of their stuff. Hmm, from a practical perspective, shipping a bike to Aus., then turning it around and shipping it back to Europe? That’s a lot of cash. They can always do some cool pictures of her with her new jersey and bike during camp.
Thank you JJY
"I decided to sue. I presented the dog’s registration document with his real name on it,"
"The case is still open. There were some negotiations to see if we could reach an agreement… but I said no, that I had nothing to lose. In addition, it also showed an enormous lack of respect to my dog, whose name they changed." - Oscar Pereiro
I dunno
I don’t think it’s that lame. It’s 8 January, which is only about seven days after contracts go into effect, and she’s on the other side of the planet from the team camp, which starts, like, I dunno, in a week or so.
What are the Meyers riding?
She won on a competitors bike. What are the damages? It’s not like they didn’t know she was riding for them this year. They’ve been short changing the wimmen folk from the start. Who gets them the first win?
"I decided to sue. I presented the dog’s registration document with his real name on it,"
"The case is still open. There were some negotiations to see if we could reach an agreement… but I said no, that I had nothing to lose. In addition, it also showed an enormous lack of respect to my dog, whose name they changed." - Oscar Pereiro
The men have had a training camp...the women haven't. Calm down.
As you can see in the same photo, Carla Ryan is riding a bike from last year. No new helmet yet, just some new duds.
How is that short changing women? That they are going to spend like multiple thousands of dollars to get her a new bike AND be professionally fitted for that bike for one race.
Jack Bauer, last year at the New Zealand RR champs, was all ready signed with Endura racing but was riding a Giant bike because he hadn’t gotten the team issue look yet…hell he didn’t even have a up to date Endura jersey.
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
Is Endura trying to be the number one team in the world.
Is Garmin Cervelo a Mickey Mouse operation? I guess you want to believe that because they didn’t announce their roster until late in the year that they didn’t know who would be riding for the team? Maybe they could have at least sent a set of decals and a can of black spray paint.
"I decided to sue. I presented the dog’s registration document with his real name on it,"
"The case is still open. There were some negotiations to see if we could reach an agreement… but I said no, that I had nothing to lose. In addition, it also showed an enormous lack of respect to my dog, whose name they changed." - Oscar Pereiro
Just to support you in a roundabout sort of way, Mcewen was sent a new bike and kit immediately,
although the kit languished in a post office somewhere for a while.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Okay...I just don't see the big deal. Specialized has never used a women in a major ad to my knowledge
So she won on a specialized…would G-C rather race on an ill-fitting RS (because of the time constraints) that could give her problems that could give her some tendonitis?
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
exactly. Fit matters.
They could well have had McEwens measurements at laser precision on file / mailed to them, but not hers.
You are implying that Garmin Cervelo are incapable of finding a qualified fitter in all of Australia.
Last time I checked Australia was not a third world country.
"I decided to sue. I presented the dog’s registration document with his real name on it,"
"The case is still open. There were some negotiations to see if we could reach an agreement… but I said no, that I had nothing to lose. In addition, it also showed an enormous lack of respect to my dog, whose name they changed." - Oscar Pereiro
Yeah...the team probably only trusts their own personal fit people.
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
by Vlaanderen90 on Jan 8, 2011 10:39 PM EST up reply actions
It's a large one, and the time was limited.
Plus, look, it can take frigging two weeks for a package to clear customs between the US and Canada. Along a route that you could fly, yourself, in about 2 hours. Maybe it’s way more speedy to get things into Oz, but I’m not going to count on that if I’m a team needing to get a bike somewheres. Sure, I guess they could have put her on a bike of the right brand but wrong colors, if they had a suitable model ready to go, on hand. But how many people are gong to notice that it’s the right brand but wrong colors?
Team Garmin...
is a lot less functional on the inside than it appears from the outside. I wouldn’t imagine that would be magnified with the women’s team.
I think you should duck for cover now...
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Don't worry, it won't be from me, but I'm stoked about Bobridge..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
he should be fine
he didn’t directly insult Farrar, so when the west coasters and the rest get up they may spare his life
He'll be badly wounded though...
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
maimed at least, yeah
and to add insult to injury there will be at least a half dozen sideburns jokes
LOL..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
these jokes
aren’t as funny this week. Sorry. We had a bad weekend here in the States.
"Next year we will build a strong team around Tom. We don't need pseudo-stage racers any more in this team." -Patrick Lefevre, 2005
by Chris Fontecchio on Jan 10, 2011 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
Edit
I meant to say I would imagine that would be magnified with the women’s team. For no other reason than it’s all new to them and they’re trying to integrate a new team of riders into an existing structure.
That's better...I was wondering about that..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
The worst part is...
that it was an honest typo! I don’t follow women’s racing one way or another. I did meet Kate Bates many years ago if that saves me :P
yeah
the turnover in the staff from the cervelo team (ds and others) and Garmin themselves not having experience running an elite women’s team can’t help matters
i think you've saved yourself on this score...garmin in general...not so much ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I don't think they've done a terrible job
But nor have they done a great one, they needed to communicate more about the women’s team and not just the men.
I think it's the whole Southern Hemisphere thing...
the race year hasn’t started…haven’t you heard?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
So the Europeans tell us...is that really bike racing?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Go back to your cross thread!
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I want to like it
But it’s not on TV here, it’s not raced here so I find it hard to get too excited. Isn’t that what mountain biking is all about?
Same...and the thought of racing in the mud and cold appals me:(
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Listen when Stuey and Fabian start racing cross, I'll watch.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Paris-Roubaix
at least has bits of road sandwiched between all that mud.
Personally the only thing I find appalling about cross is the soundtrack though
And the bogans..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Victorian!
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
yeah in the past few months
Garmin have struggled to answer basic questions like 1. do you have a women’s team or not? and 2. who is on it?
It seems that every team is "less functional"
than they appear. Between all of the teams that can’t seem to fill out paper work correctly and get in trouble every time a uci license deadline comes or a grand tour roster needs submitting and all of the teams/riders (mostly French teams I suppose) that say they have no set training plan or peaks and don’t know how many miles they have ridden this year it is tough to surprise us anymore.
Not that I doubt your sources, just suggesting I have low expectations for what is “functional” or “normal” for a lot of teams.
True
But even comparing the American PT teams some run smoother than others, but that’s just based on anecdotal evidence.
I suspect that they're not too proud
to hire people specifically to shuffle paper.
I'm a fan of Garmin, that's why I'm agitated about this.
Your comment is probably far closer to the reality than any of the excuses I’ve heard. Thanks.
"I decided to sue. I presented the dog’s registration document with his real name on it,"
"The case is still open. There were some negotiations to see if we could reach an agreement… but I said no, that I had nothing to lose. In addition, it also showed an enormous lack of respect to my dog, whose name they changed." - Oscar Pereiro
I'd like to know
where this is coming from? I’m fine with the criticism of their inner workings, but what exactly are the facts? I’ll never be inside a team, I can promise that, so I go with the external appearance. It’s all I have.
"Next year we will build a strong team around Tom. We don't need pseudo-stage racers any more in this team." -Patrick Lefevre, 2005
by Chris Fontecchio on Jan 10, 2011 3:48 PM EST up reply actions
What clashbrad said made sense to me.
If Garmin Cervelo were a well oiled machine and this happened then it just seems to me that the only reason this could have happened is they didn’t try or didn’t care. Thats not acceptable.
If there is a degree to which they are currently dysfunctional, for whatever reason, then that makes more sense and is a lot more acceptable to me. I like my organizations to be more like like a real person with faults, but I tend to forget that from time to time.
Like I said I’m a fan of Garmin, and I hope that they do well and improve. If they ever get to the point that they stop trying and rely on excuses, I won’t be a fan. Hey, I’m only a fan and I don’t have the facts so I’m dealing the best way I can. :-]
Think of it like a big family
From the outside everyone is happy and gets along well but if you dig a little deeper you learn that your uncle and cousin hate each other, your grandparents don’t talk to the middle son and so on…
Tend to agree.
How many times have we heard rumors like this in cycling? Like a million.
What?! A cycling team isn’t all unicorns and rainbows and fairy dust? No waaaayyy….
Tough crowd :p
My original comment has been taken a bit out of context I think. In response to the criticism of the handling of the women’s team and a rider winning a race on a non-sponsor bike I said:
Team Garmin…
is a lot less functional on the inside than it appears from the outside.
Which was said in response to this:
You are implying that Garmin Cervelo are incapable of finding a qualified fitter in all of Australia.
… Last time I checked Australia was not a third world country.
The genesis for this comes from something a friend of mine (who works on staff for the team) told me, to paraphrase “I don’t know how it looks to everyone on the outside but we’re pretty disorganised here”.
For example in 2008 they didn’t have a great handle on the whereabouts of their equipment and I’m sure a lot of it ended up on ebay or otherwise unaccounted for. Another example, the riders at Paris-Nice 2008 weren’t supplied proper wet weather gear and I heard they bought some locally themselves. 2008 was the team’s first year at that high level, and in 2011 we’re adding a new bike supplier and women’s team (amongst other factors) which is why I wasn’t overly surprised that the women didn’t have all their kit yet.
I’ve tried to make it clear in other comments that this kind of thing is pretty standard in cycling/sport/life and hardly unique to this team – I’m sure most of our workplaces are the same. Mistakes happen more often than you might expect, which was my original point.
As to the “vague unsourced rumours” – I’m not alluding to typical workplace bickering, I’ve have been told there are some personnel tensions at a high level. Keep an eye on the press and see if anyone is moved on at a senior level in the next 12 months, or sooner.
When I joined this site I wrote that I hoped to be able to offer some insight from time to time due to my contacts in the business. I understand that people naturally want more specific details but as I’m not able to name names I will stop posting on this subject.
Anyway, off to read the second JV interview now which I’ve been enjoying :-)
Hey, my "bah" was just one opinion
Could well be that the majority of readers appreciates your insights. Don’t stop on my account!
No, you made a good point
Vague unsourced rumours are a dime a dozen…we probably don’t need anymore of those.
it's no stress
I’m always wary of becoming the world centre of cycling rumor ;)
please feel free to write what you know.
Thanks for the ’splanation.
Er, I’m feeling a little cramped over hear in the gutter. Like, did someone turn on the wind or something?
I appreciate your position
and encourage you to carry on. Insider whispers are easier to stomach when they pertain to on-road stuff or positive things, so it’s easy for you to use your insight in ways that only benefit us. But the kinds of tensions you’re talking about, I worry as the editor about being challenged to back up stuff like that, which I obviously can’t do, at the same time we’re reaching out to the team for interviews. That’s all.
"Next year we will build a strong team around Tom. We don't need pseudo-stage racers any more in this team." -Patrick Lefevre, 2005
by Chris Fontecchio on Jan 12, 2011 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
This comes from contacts within the team, who I won’t name for obvious reasons. It wasn’t meant as a criticism as of their inner workings, rather as a possible explanation for how the merging of the teams is progressing.
I’d go on to say that in general things always look smoother on the outside than on the inside, whatever we’re talking about and Garmin are probably a lot more competent and efficient than many teams out there.
So
if hidden chaos is normal and Garmin are probably more competent than most, what are we even talking about? I’m not kissing up to them, I’m just really curious where the story is.
"Next year we will build a strong team around Tom. We don't need pseudo-stage racers any more in this team." -Patrick Lefevre, 2005
by Chris Fontecchio on Jan 11, 2011 8:23 PM EST up reply actions
Eh
Not a matter of a qualified fitter.
Me, I wouldn’t want to switch to a brand new bike the week before my national race. No matter how carefully you measure it, there’s always going to be slight differences that you have to tinker with and get used to. And no way would I change my shoes and pedals. Dunno, maybe you can just jump on any bike that’s mostly set up for you and be fine. I can’t.
Haven't you said that you've never had a professionally fitted bike?
If I am to believe that they are as good as they say they are they could have dialed in a superior setup. They would have been able to study her specialized setup and reproduce the measurements and tweak and retweak. I firmly believe they could have done it if they wanted to. I highly suspect they didn’t bother to try.
Team Garmin…
is a lot less functional on the inside than it appears from the outside. I wouldn’t imagine that would be magnified with the women’s team.
That’s what Clashbrad said above.
Shoes? Pedals? I suppose if the company wanted them back that would have made it impossible to color/cover. Of course that’s assuming that they could actually have transferred them between bikes. Now I’m talking all crazy. <l:-p And then there is the requirement that Garmin Cervelo riders wear NewBalance socks, deal breaker.
"I decided to sue. I presented the dog’s registration document with his real name on it,"
"The case is still open. There were some negotiations to see if we could reach an agreement… but I said no, that I had nothing to lose. In addition, it also showed an enormous lack of respect to my dog, whose name they changed." - Oscar Pereiro
Specialized has never used a women in a major ad?
Here’s an intereresting thing for you. Of those team profiles posted by Specialised up on You Tube, right now the men’s one has been watched 11,000 times and the women’s one 3,700. That’s a ratio of about 3:1 which is a lot closer than I would have expected given the relative coverage the two sides get in most of the press.
But then look at the fitting video and 5,000 people have watched that against the 3,500 that watched Hayden. There’s a conclusion to be drawn there.
Please, the season hasn't even started yet.
"Oh man, it’s going to take days to kill all these people!"
Actually it has...you're just choosing to ignore it.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Yep.
More to the point, would you want to race a National Championship RR on a bike you’d only had for maybe a week, max? Personally, I’d be like, ‘thanks but no thanks I’ll ride what I’m used to.’
I did not mean to open up such a vitriolic can of worms. It’s a little awkward, but I’m pretty sure it’s not a sign of some grand conspiracy or some huge attempt to fuck over women, Australian riders, or anything else. From what I can see, Garmin-Cervelo are properly thrilled she did so well and quietly ignoring the issue of the bike, which is quite sane.
That's the best argument I've heard yet for a can of spray paint and decals.
"I decided to sue. I presented the dog’s registration document with his real name on it,"
"The case is still open. There were some negotiations to see if we could reach an agreement… but I said no, that I had nothing to lose. In addition, it also showed an enormous lack of respect to my dog, whose name they changed." - Oscar Pereiro
...because an SL3 looks SOOO much like a R3 or an S2.
Not to mention, “oh yeah, sure, you can spray paint my carbon road bike. Go right ahead.” Really?
The conversation would be more like
It’s been heavily used and I’’ll be ditching it soon, I’m working for a new team. If you won’t do it I’ll find someone else who will.
Would the bike in question have been spotted as easily if it were repainted?
"I decided to sue. I presented the dog’s registration document with his real name on it,"
"The case is still open. There were some negotiations to see if we could reach an agreement… but I said no, that I had nothing to lose. In addition, it also showed an enormous lack of respect to my dog, whose name they changed." - Oscar Pereiro
Short answer, yes.
Since we all know Tom B was riding a Specialized Tricross at his Xmas Race this year, despite the hasty paint job and Mercx decals on it.
Further, you’re making an awful lot of assumptions about what the poor woman is going to do with her own bike, in favor of a bike that a team is going to loan her for a year and maybe, or maybe not, make her give back at the end of the season. A bit of conveniently colored electrical tape is often a solution to these things, but the paint job thing seems a bit extreme.
rofl
No way. You just killed any resale value the bike might have. And, if it’s a team bike from her former team, she has to return it, or pay for it. Er, right.
They could turn it into a PR opportunity: "Just wait and see what she can do on a Cervelo!"
It definitely got played into the ground. Even I was flinching after a while--Tyler Farrar, on that Transitions ad.
Oh BTW, team camp starts Monday.
She’s skipping the TT so she can attend.
OK not lame
but those of us who have been dropping gentle and not so gentle hints about what happened to their womens’ team for the last three or so months are enjoying a few smug chortles. .
indeed
The answer to the “they haven’t had a team camp yet” point is, of course, why haven’t they had a team camp…
I’m sure they’ll get it right sooner or later.
"What happened in British Cycling, a lot of people doubted me. I've come back, got this victory, and done it my way." - Adam Blythe after his first pro win at Circuit Franco Belge
Well...
…men’s camp was awfully early in any event, and had the additional problem of merging two existing organizations. Not sure all the contracts were done. Plus, a non-trivial number of the riders were Australian, and there were these pesky national championships coming up—though why they had to make them miss the TT to get to camp is a bit baffling to me… they couldn’t have waited another day or two? THAT I wonder about.
In fact, given everything, I’d say the camp being too early is more likely something to worry about than too late (at least if the point were to be sure to include all the riders, including the Aussies).
No doubt...
…more saying that I’m fairly sure they now wished they’d shipped one than anything else. The practicalities, especially if she was a late signing, are totally understandable.
alright, a smidge lame
See, I’m really flexible…
by JustJoshinYa on Jan 10, 2011 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
Hey! I got an idea.
Local Cervelo dealer fixes up a bike with all the bells and whistles lets her ride it and if it pays off they can auction it off. If it doesn’t pay off then they can eat the expense. Sure beats winning a championship race on your competitors bike. It might also tell your rider you believe in her. On the other hand maybe Specialized might have a better bike and this was the better than they could have done on their equipment.
"I decided to sue. I presented the dog’s registration document with his real name on it,"
"The case is still open. There were some negotiations to see if we could reach an agreement… but I said no, that I had nothing to lose. In addition, it also showed an enormous lack of respect to my dog, whose name they changed." - Oscar Pereiro
HTC Riders..
Would not have been able to ride if not for a local dealer! Apparently its in there contract!
Judith Arndt’s frame was cracked in transit from team camp too Aus..she needed an emergency frame replacement in the 2 days shops where open between xmas & bay crits..
Chloe Hosking crashed in bay crits & her frame was cracked, she managed to have it replaced over night! With BIG thanks to Beasley’s Cycles in Footscray Im sure!!!
I like bikes!!!
Bec*
by Bec on Jan 8, 2011 7:11 PM EST up reply actions
& there you have it...
"What happened in British Cycling, a lot of people doubted me. I've come back, got this victory, and done it my way." - Adam Blythe after his first pro win at Circuit Franco Belge
it's not expensive to ship a bike
well for you and me maybe it’s a lot of cash (i’m a student!), but in the scheme of things for them it’s bugger all.
by a different ben on Jan 10, 2011 9:21 PM EST up reply actions
I like the way she won it.
She was dropped but kept on fighting and caught them when they started to play cat and mouse games.
"I decided to sue. I presented the dog’s registration document with his real name on it,"
"The case is still open. There were some negotiations to see if we could reach an agreement… but I said no, that I had nothing to lose. In addition, it also showed an enormous lack of respect to my dog, whose name they changed." - Oscar Pereiro
Yeah, etymologically that's probably likelier
(of the plough → farmerboy)
But not as funny :)
Death before decaf! :D
- gavia
He comes from a long line of cyclists
One of his brothers was a very good mountain biker and was unfortunately seriously injured and disabled in an accident a few years ago.
Update from the twit
2 laps to go: Bobridge by 1:00 over Baden Cooke and Leigh Howard – then group of 7
"I just want to say fuck you, and I mean that in the most professional way" -Brandon Llyod
Quitter's People United member # 42
Goss 2nd
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
by Vlaanderen90 on Jan 8, 2011 11:12 PM EST up reply actions
Gerrans 3rd
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
by Vlaanderen90 on Jan 8, 2011 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
sounds like the men's was a great race, hope video recaps become available
I wonder if Cam Meyer got dropped from the group of Goss and Gerrans or if he couldn’t get past them in the sprint even after they (I’d assume) did all the work in the chase group to try to bring back Bobridge. I thought Garvelo would go 1-2 again just like the women’s race.
I LOVE Ryan going bonkers with the fizz on the podium!
by Sarah Connolly on Jan 9, 2011 8:21 AM EST up reply actions
yeah, that pic upthread made me so happy
One of the things I love about cycling is how team-mates can be happier about a collegaue’s win than their own
by Sarah Connolly on Jan 9, 2011 8:35 AM EST up reply actions
Lovely Carla Ryan!
She always seems like a really sunny, happy person – great team-mate. I hope she gets some wins of her own this year
by Sarah Connolly on Jan 9, 2011 8:58 AM EST up reply actions
yeah, sbs said that Bernard Sulzberger was 4th
so either the twitter updates I was basing that off did not list the whole group or other riders caught on from behind/meyer dropped back. I thought Cam would have a chance if the others were shot from chasing all day (sky did a lot of work and I’d imagine Goss/HTC did as well) but apparently the Meyer brothers were trying to disrupt the chase and may well not have had much themselves.
And Hayden Roulston takes the NZ RR championship,
small story at HTC’s site. Greg Henderson 2nd, Jeremy Yates 3rd.
You wouldn't think a little rain would stop the God of Thunder. Although maybe he’s conflicted now that he has to wear a rainbow. -Majope
My club has both male and female Aussie Champs :-)
I was rooting for Chris Jongewaard and he rode a cracker of a race off the front…busted his ass trying to get the last TDU spot. It went to Sulzberger in the end, who’ll don the UniSA garb for a wee trip around the Adelaide hills for a week or so soon. Is it that time of year again already?
next time....don't forget the gravy!!
Bernard Sulzberger I assume?
I hope he lands a team soon, by all accounts he was strong in the break in that Bay Crits stage. The twitter updates certainly made it sound like Jongewaard was putting in a good ride, did you actually see the race?
I saw the race
Yep Bernie Sulzberger got the place on the UniSA team for TdU.
Jongewaard was strong but Bobridge was strong and smarter – both Adelaide/SA guys.
yeah, impressive win for Bobridge
especially the way he had the sense to bridge up to the break after it had gone and then the strength to go it alone the last 3 laps. Seems that many trackies have the advantage of already being in season this time of year and carrying good form
Yeah - just hope the dual road/track focus doesn't burn him out prematurely
Though opinion seems to be that he is like O’Grady, he has so much talent he can get through it all.
I noticed Richie Porte's twitter tonight said admiringly that Bobridge is a 'hard man'.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
He's got that open lived in face that will improve with age too...
I think the jersey will look good on the Lanterne Rouge of a GT…what do you think?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Hadn't thought of that, but the shoe...err face certainly fits!
Hard to believe he’s so young still. I just hope that Garmin/Cycling Aus don’t overdo him, it is a real worry.
I agree...he'll end up with Stuey I bet...
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
has he indicated how long/seriously he intends to focus on the track?
I know he will go strong until London 2012, but I’d imagine that he will become more focused on the road as the years go on. I’ve seen speculation that the changes made to the events program (the endurance events condensing) would limit his opportunities and he will eventually turn to the road almost exclusively but I’ve never heard anything from him.
He seems like a man of few words. I think 2012 is his aim for track now, but who knows?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
My guess is he will concentrate on the road one day, but obviously
2012 Olympics is a big target for him. Same goes for Cam Meyer.
I've heard recently that his aim eventually is the Classics?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
wasn't there an Aussie who just quit the track
because they weren’t being selection for the World Cup rounds and were frustrated? Was that Travis Meyer?
Yes, Trav
Apparently they’re both very good bike riders but according to some acquaintances Cam is the more talented of the two. But I don’t mean to sell Travis short as he’s obviously a more than capable bike racer and could teach me a lesson or three…
I don't see why riders need to quit track 100%
in the same way that I don’t agree with the British Cycling line that trackies should ease off road in 2012.
I like that riders can dip in an out of both – and really, to have a track career, you need to ride what, 1 World Cup and hopefully the World Champs every year? Add in the Euros for the Euros, so is that some Pan-Pacific Grand Prix for the Aussies? Maybe a Revolution or 2 for fun? It’s not like the Northern European 6-day culture – so apart from the insanity of track Worlds conflicting with the Spring Classics (put the trackWorlds back to the start of February, ffs!) I really don’t see why it’s that big a deal to ride both – after all, riders still train throughout winter……
by Sarah Connolly on Jan 9, 2011 8:13 AM EST up reply actions
I wouldn't say they "need" to quit track
Rather, I think many do as a natural career progression because
1. there is more money and fame on the road (some countries may have strong track followings, but in general)
2. from my limited exposure to track, it seems to be something of a young man’s game (I am not including the 6 day circuit in this point). Many of the medalists seem to be 19-25 and the events that I’ve seen older guys do well in are either not suitable to roadies (sprints) or were just taken off of the Olympic program (madison/points). Almost everyone who wins a monument or a grand tour is in their late 20s/early 30s, but most World Championships or Olympic Medalists on the track are younger than that.
Well not really
There are a couple of late-30s dudes in the Brit Olympic TP team – and Chris Hoy.Vikki Pendleton are later 20s if not 30s.
At the moment the Aussies all seem incredibly young, but that’s not the same all over
by Sarah Connolly on Jan 9, 2011 8:37 AM EST up reply actions
I considered Hoy,
hence the sprint disclaimer (which Pendleton is as well). Wiggins was 28 in Beijing and I am not sure he will ever ride another big event on the track with his GT focus and past issues with it (the expectations of Olympic years and the depression following them). Manning did well in his 30s but was never much of a roadie really. I didn’t look at the women; IMO because of more riders and money men’s cycling is far more specialized and therefore I think it is more difficult to be a top-level roadie and trackie as a man (not to say it is not hard as a woman). Although I would love to see a male version of Vos, I don’t think it is possible in this era.
I think with Wiggins there was also the "been there, done that" thing
You know – the post-Olympics blues, and how do you top that. And of course, the giant bag of cash!
It’s interesting, because I don’t know about other countries, but a lot of the British trackies had this huge depressive thing after 2008, because they’d been working to that for so long – so a lot of them pulled away from track for the last few years. It’ll be interesting to see which of them turn up at the Track Euros in the autumn. Wiggins and Thomas (and Romero on the women’s side) have an unfair advantage in that other riders can pound the boards all this year, gathering up the Olympics qualifying points for Team GB, and then if their numbers are still up for it, the missing stars can try for a place in the team and get to compete in London after 3 years off. The British Olympic-only focus is bloody annoying for fans like me – these riders who seem to feel they can swan back in whenever they want. They’ve whined about the lack of IP, but it gives them a chance to get into the TP gold without putting the work in in the missing years…..
by Sarah Connolly on Jan 9, 2011 8:57 AM EST up reply actions
(you probably need to bear in mind
that although I’m a huge track fan, some of them seem pretty bloody pampered to me! They need to HTFU! I look at riders on the women’s side (taking into account the fact their road programme is less heavy) and although I know there’s only 1 Vos, I do think that if Bronzini, Armitstead, Whitten, Olds, Sereikaite, hell, 70% of the track endurance women, can manage it, it can’t be TOO hard for the boys! Especially when I look at riders like Kirsten Wild and Vera Koedooder who ride hard all road season, then hit the track including 6-days. Actually, there are plenty of the men riding Rotterdam 6-day right now who are also on the roads all year – eg Mr Theo Bos – and that’s MUCH tougher than the Worlds circuit! Those riders who complained about not being able to ride the Commonwealths and the Track Euros? Bah!)
by Sarah Connolly on Jan 9, 2011 9:03 AM EST up reply actions
But you're right re money/fame
Stupid UCI timings/overlaps aside, it does seem like it’s no-win to do some track over winter – and an extra World Champs jersey will just make the road team have something else to show off about. It’s not like the madness of Cross, where they’re riding every weekend
by Sarah Connolly on Jan 9, 2011 8:38 AM EST up reply actions
yeah, shame there is not more of a way
for the money/fame to spread to other disciplines. Everyone seems to gravitate to the road the same way that all roadies as they get better seem to dream of the same few events. The focus and goals just narrow as they get better and older until their talent runs its course.
ha, will the glorry rub off onto your legs?
;-)
No, seriosuly, that is AWESOME!
by Sarah Connolly on Jan 9, 2011 8:09 AM EST up reply actions
You have it the wrong way round..Flatty's glory has rubbed off on them..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
facepalm
of course! It explains everything!
by Sarah Connolly on Jan 9, 2011 8:21 AM EST up reply actions
Brief race report
A nice cool day in the mid-20s was a nice welcome change in Ballarat/Buningyong for the 2011 Nationals, typically it’s a summer scorcher in the blazing sun. There was a massive field today, the strongest I can think of in recent years with strength in numbers for Sky, Garmin-Cervelo and Pegasus/Fly V Aus.
The break went very early on and stayed at around the 2 minute mark for most of the race, but blew out to 3 mins at one point before Sky reeled them back. The initial group of 7 was whittled down to 3 – Bobridge (SA), Chris Jongewaard (SA) and Jai Crawford (Tas), and then it was 2 as Jongewaard dropped off and went backwards through the field. His efforts were rewarded with the KOM jersey, breakaway companion Fabio Calabria took home the Sprinters equivalent. Finally, despite Crawford’s climbing nous the ex-mountain biker couldn’t stay with Bobridge and it looked like the field would swallow the remnants of the early break. Sky setup an attack for Gerrans which was marked in particular by Goss, Sulzberger and the Meyer brothers. Gerrans couldn’t shed his followers and nor could they eat into Jacko’s advantage in the absence of a concerted effort amongst themselves.
The last few laps were very exciting, Bobridge’s gap came down to under 30 secs but he pulled it out again. The sprint for 2nd between Goss, Gerrans and Bernie Sulzberger was vicious – they had to go to the photo finish to see that Goss edged out Gerro.
All in all it was a good day’s racing and a worthy champion was crowned, the second in as many years for Garmin. I should have some pics later in the week if anyone is interested.
Fantastic. Thank you!
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
good stuff
"What happened in British Cycling, a lot of people doubted me. I've come back, got this victory, and done it my way." - Adam Blythe after his first pro win at Circuit Franco Belge
Interesting article about the calls to change the RR course and the response
from the race organiser – from Sydney Morning Herald
The race organiser is adamant the course won’t change, and basically says the sprinters should HTFU – which completely ignores the different kinds of cyclists there are…
and the Brett Lancaster response
Buninyong is a really top of the range road circuit but a bit change would be great. Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide every second year?
Mind you, if a deal’s been made to have it there for 6 years, there’s nothing that can be done, right?
And at least the Aussies have hills… in 2009 the British Champs took out the one hill on the course for the women’s race – and in ‘10 limited it to about 40 minutes long, so it’s better than what we tend to get!
by Sarah Connolly on Jan 9, 2011 7:36 PM EST up reply actions
A Victorian rider (ie. a local) told me yesterday that he loved the convenience of being able to drive 2 hrs from Melbourne to race but he still thought it should be shared around a bit more often, perhaps on a fixed rotation. Due to logistics I it’s probably best to keep it to the east coast.
The climb is tough but Goss made it over so it’s more of a course for an all-round strong rider as opposed to an out and out climber, although Matt Lloyd won it solo a few years ago.
Regardless if the riders can "make it"
having a national title on a fixed course is always going to favor one specific group of riders. Cycling is so diverse and if they want the national championships to be relevant to all riders they need to have alternating courses, there really is no alternative.
Even if Ballarat has the rights, I’ve seen comments that the area is diverse enough to have different routes based around the same town.
Baden Cooke has a good suggestion:
Add 4km of flat to the 10km Buningyong circuit. That would decrease the number of times up the climb thus change the race. Everyone is happy
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Unfortunately
all you will end up with probably is a course that benefits another group of riders year in and year out.
Soon
You better start trying to log into CyclingTV right now to make sure you don’t miss the start of the race
Oh shit... it's a perfect time to go build snowmen in the dark, isn't it!
St. Hubbins / Blutarsky 2012
haha, or have another beer & try to stay up til 4am!
(I can draw the line before that…maybe!)
by Sarah Connolly on Jan 10, 2011 5:43 PM EST up reply actions
Pfft, 3 hours, 3 months
is it ever too early to crack open a bottle
My neighbors are confused enough...
… on that one morning every spring when they hear a drunk bastard next door screaming "GET ON THE FUCKING STICK, VAN DER FLECHA"… I daren’t push my luck any further.
St. Hubbins / Blutarsky 2012
Damn...Durbridge is going to be a star. Australia should be looking at a team pursuit WR soon with him, Hepburn, C. Meyer and Bobridge.
McCarthy is impressive too for his first U23 race.
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
by Vlaanderen90 on Jan 10, 2011 8:02 PM EST up reply actions
Durbo is a machine.
But if you look at 4th place Joe Lewis, he is fresh off picking up bronze in the u/23 RR. A sprinter who can also timetrial?!?! He has signed with Trek/Livestrong for 2011… One of Rabobank’s newest recruits Michael Matthews’s training partner…definitely one to keep an eye on.
thanks for sharing - These were great shots of the action...
O/T a bit: I’m more convinced the Garvelo kit stinks (The white shoulders are my issue with them.), and I’m liking HTCs more. Also, slightly strange to see Rogers in Sky…
by JustJoshinYa on Jan 10, 2011 8:48 PM EST up reply actions
i actually don't mind the Garmin kit from the front, but I really like HTC's.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Funny
I was feeding some of the Pegasus guys for a couple of laps and they were mostly wearing generic grey/black 2XU kit (as seen on Bernie Sulzberger in the pic above) and they were almost impossible to find in the peloton, some of the riders commented after the race that they couldn’t even find each other in the race. The Astana kit of Albi and Simon Clarke may be a bit bright but they’re very easy to spot!
I thought the HTC and Sky kits were probably the best looking on the day, I’m pretty ambivalent about the Garmin design.
I've come to the conclusion that I *despise* the way the white panels on the Garmin...
…do not join up on any of their edges (look under the arms on a side veiw).
How the heck is it the case that they couldn’t get that graphically a bit closer to right? It looks utterly, completely sloppy and stupid. If you’re going to have big harsh transitions like that, at least make them fit together coherently. If the fabric in the kit doesn’t allow that, they for the love of God come up with another design. The one they have looks assinine.
These are fantastic Brad. Thank you.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
His arms are as powerful as his legs...he's a 'beast'.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
You can feel the power...totally different to those elegant climbers..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Mens Results
1.Cameron Meyer (47.11)
2.Jack Bobridge (47.24)
3.Michael Matthews (47.32)
It’s been a good week for Garmin-Cervelo.
Bobridge is looking quite strong...
Good win for Meyer, but Bobridge took a 1st and now 2nd…Nice…
by JustJoshinYa on Jan 11, 2011 12:13 AM EST up reply actions
Damn...Matthews looks to be in good form for Down Under.
If anybody but Meyer or Bobridge won it, I would have been very surprised.
Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!, Tommeke!
by Vlaanderen90 on Jan 11, 2011 12:17 AM EST up reply actions
It is clear the riders also do not like the jerseys
I’m interested to see how the Aussie kits look, usually Garmin is good at that but will Garvelo be?
"I just want to say fuck you, and I mean that in the most professional way" -Brandon Llyod
SAVE CHAUNCEY!!!!
Holy shit phil...I wrote that exact same thing wrt the kits - but deleted it thinking I'd harped enough on the garvelo kits already...
I’m not sure if I am channeling you or you me…but I think we should both be insulted by this…
by JustJoshinYa on Jan 11, 2011 12:46 AM EST up reply actions
Hey Aussies - I meant to ask this befoe...Are you and your families/friends all safe and sound?
I read about all of the flooding down there and hope everyone is okay. Hopefully the rains will ease off for you all…
+1
watching it on tv, hoping you’re all safe & well, as are all your loved ones
by Sarah Connolly on Jan 12, 2011 4:09 AM EST up reply actions
I think only cyclegirl lives in Queensland and she's off to TDU in Adelaide...
The highway north of me is cut, but it’s fine. It’s shitty weather, but most australian PdC users should be fine. Thanks for asking guys.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Podium Cafe
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Celebrate the Giro d'Italia at Podium Cafe!
Check our Giro Section for race updates, on-the-scene reports, and other hijinx.
Featured Stories
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
