I have to be honest, blunt even. The Bupa Challenge ride stage is not my favourite. Too many amateur cyclists. I know it is for a good cause and of course it is worth supporting but getting stuck behind throngs of amateurs on the road and off the road trying to walk in cleats and manage bikes through large crowds is not my favourite thing. Shame on me.
I must say though, I was very impressed with Tununda housing all of the Bupa riders on the local oval. They had loads of space, food and drink resources and even a big screen, so the course wasn't overloaded!
But enough of me. Back to the race.
Seeing young South Aussie Damian Howson out on the break with world champ Philippe Gilbert was certainly a highlight and their efforts were rewarded - the first ever dual recipients of the most combative jersey at the end of the stage.
Some more history was made on today's forth stage with my favourite current sprinter overtaking my favourite all time sprinter in stage wins at the Tour Down Under. Yes, Andre Greipel won yet again in another gutsy effort securing his sprinting domination. I'm sure Robbie (McEwen) would have been smiling, even with his record falling.
I would love to share some pictures with you today, including some awesome ones of Greipel sprinting to the line, the broken and battered riders limping in after the crash in the final kilometer and the riders receiving their jerseys at the presentation. But for some reason my good old iPhone won't download the photo's.
So, we move on to good old Willunga Hill tomorrow on Australia Day. We will be heading out early to try and secure a great spot on the hill! With Geraint Thomas still narrowly holding onto the race lead it's going to be a cracker!
Showing posts with label Robbie McEwen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Robbie McEwen. Show all posts
Friday, January 25, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Tour Down Under Time!
In better news (than yesterday), I have arrived in beautiful Adelaide for the Tour Down Under.
We packed the car with a chairs, cooler bags, hats, luggage and four kids and drove the ten hours yesterday arriving just in time for a quick dinner and to sit down and watch the tennis (Go Fed!). And today we plan on filling in the day beaching and shopping before heading down to the Classic in the East End of Adelaide.
It won't feel quite the same not being able to cheer Robbie (McEwen) on in the race he really made his own, but nevertheless will still hopefully be an exciting event and I can't wait!
Bring it on Adelaide!
We packed the car with a chairs, cooler bags, hats, luggage and four kids and drove the ten hours yesterday arriving just in time for a quick dinner and to sit down and watch the tennis (Go Fed!). And today we plan on filling in the day beaching and shopping before heading down to the Classic in the East End of Adelaide.
It won't feel quite the same not being able to cheer Robbie (McEwen) on in the race he really made his own, but nevertheless will still hopefully be an exciting event and I can't wait!
Bring it on Adelaide!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Orica-Green Edge moves forward
As the fallout from the Lance Armstrong doping scandal continues to scathe cycling, Australia's pro-cycling team Orica-Green Edge has taken the lead in the fight for a clean future.
Team general manager Shayne Bannan today announced the final dismissal of sports director Matt White after he was implicated and subsequently confessed to doping during his time at US Postal.
The team will now undergo a "a full external expert review of its policies and procedures and a pro-active review of all riders and team members in light of recent disclosures regarding past practices in the sport" .
This can only be a good thing and something that hopefully other pro-cycling teams undertake for the reputation of the sport.
The next decision now is who to replace the disgraced Matt White.
I must say I have never been a fan of White. His arrogance and disrespect of many Australian cyclist in previous years has left me cold, and really he was far from the best talent Australia had to offer during his day. My opinion only of course.
Who would I love to see step up into the role? None other than Robbie McEwen.
The recently retired Australian sprinting legend is perfectly poised to offer his expertise and hands on experience at the elite level of the sport. Robbie is undoubedtly our greatest cyclist, having competed at the top level for over 16 years including 12 stage wins at the Tour de France. To say he is highly regarded in Australian cycling is an understatement. Robbie has the respect of not only Australia but world cycling and would be the one to take Orica-Green Edge to the next level. He is determined, gutsy, fair and would take an absolute approach to the position.
It will be interesting to see not only the outcome of the independent review but to also see who will be appointed Director Sportif.
Who is your money on?
Team general manager Shayne Bannan today announced the final dismissal of sports director Matt White after he was implicated and subsequently confessed to doping during his time at US Postal.
The team will now undergo a "a full external expert review of its policies and procedures and a pro-active review of all riders and team members in light of recent disclosures regarding past practices in the sport" .
This can only be a good thing and something that hopefully other pro-cycling teams undertake for the reputation of the sport.
The next decision now is who to replace the disgraced Matt White.
I must say I have never been a fan of White. His arrogance and disrespect of many Australian cyclist in previous years has left me cold, and really he was far from the best talent Australia had to offer during his day. My opinion only of course.
Who would I love to see step up into the role? None other than Robbie McEwen.
The recently retired Australian sprinting legend is perfectly poised to offer his expertise and hands on experience at the elite level of the sport. Robbie is undoubedtly our greatest cyclist, having competed at the top level for over 16 years including 12 stage wins at the Tour de France. To say he is highly regarded in Australian cycling is an understatement. Robbie has the respect of not only Australia but world cycling and would be the one to take Orica-Green Edge to the next level. He is determined, gutsy, fair and would take an absolute approach to the position.
It will be interesting to see not only the outcome of the independent review but to also see who will be appointed Director Sportif.
Who is your money on?
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