Australian Open Road Championships

I was quite happy with my efforts yesterday making it through 12 laps of the the 16 on the 10.2km Buninyong circuit. It was mighty hot as anyone who was there would know and while I normally don’t peform as well it the hot weather I must have had a good day.  Thanks to everyone making the trip to watch as this adds alot to the race and thanks to Dany and Tris for keeping those water bottles flowing.

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photo by Ben Satori

Jayco Bay Crits

Had some great racing in the bay crit’s over the last week with consistent results throughout the series. I felt as good as ever and was able to ride on the front and make something of the races.

Race1, 2nd place
It was always going to be a bunch sprint on the long course at eastern park. I have raced the course a few times and tested the sprint during the intermediates on the day. I decided to hit out early and just lost out in the final 20 meters.
Race2, 9th place
The new course at eastern park which included a new road wasn’t as difficult as I thought. The race never really got strung for long enough to really put the pressure on and ended with bunch sprint. I got caught up with a crash on the run into the finish so never really got a chance to open it up.
Race3, 10th place
I quite enjoy the action of the hot dog circuit but after someone washed out it in front of me early in the race things didn’t really improve. After I was back  in the action my acceleration must have been too much for someone as I created a big gap on the back straight. I didn’t intend to setup a break but decided to keep riding. It opened up quickly but I didn’t have enough to get across to the leading 2. By the time I was joined by 2 others my power had started to drop off. After about 10 minutes I decided to float back to the bunch and made sure I was right to finish in the top 10, I managed this but only after my rear tyre blew out on the hairpin. Maybe I had a flat from an earlier fall.
Race4, I felt really good today and rode up the front on the tight course.
Everything was looking great for me to hang on to my 3^rd place on GC when I crashed on the first corner of the last lap. I was 3rd wheel coming into the corner and someone cut in to early and put there foot through the front wheel. The spokes started to snap and the whole wheel collapsed ended with a pretty sore Steve and Quantum team.

Overall I was happy with the effort throughout the series but probably could have used my form better in races 2 & 3 to create something more.

Tour of Bright

Great weekend away at the Tour of Bright it’s a classic event which everyone always enjoys!
I must say the results system run by Your-Sports.com was fantasic.

Sprint jersey for TFM
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3 peaks challenge reconnaissance.

The TFM Avanti Cycling team have just spent the last few days up at Falls Creek and manage to ride the entire 3 peaks course on Friday. It’s simply amazing ride starting in Falls Creek making its way through Tawonga Gap, Mt Hotham, Omeo and then back to Falls Creek via the freshly sealed Bogong High Plains Road. Bicycle Victoria is running a challenge ride over several courses which is set to take place on Sunday, March 7, 2010. Check it out http://www.3peaks2010.com.au/

Thanks to Bicycle Victoria for giving us the first look at this epic ride as I know many people have been very keen to have a shot at the course for a while now. Oz Cycling have produced a great video clip from the day and it captures what it’s all about. http://www.ozcycling.com

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It’s definitely a step above any other challenge ride but if you love cycling and climbing it’s a must do.

Some numbers,
Ride time: 8hrs 30
Distance: 231km
Avg HR: 143
Max HR: 183
Kcal: 6515

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more soon..

Melbourne to Warrnambool 2009

Dan, Pikey & Steve contested the Warnie on Saturday.
It’s always a great result just to make it so well done to everyone who started.

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Congratulations to Joel Pearson, he probably found the day the most enjoyable taking the win!

for full results see,
http://www.vic.cycling.org.au/site/cycling/vic/downloads/Results/2009/M2W09.pdf
http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/114th-melbourne-warrnambool-ne/results

Cycling Tips also has a great post about the day.
http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2009/10/there-goes-the-warny/#more-6980