Canberra – The Home of Champion Cyclists

With the 2010 World Road Cycling Championships in Geelong and the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in New Delhi fast approaching, we are once again seeing numerous Canberran's fronting up to compete at the top level in cycling. From the likes of brothers Brian and Neil Stephens, Stephen Hodge and more recently the Michael Rogers and Matthew Haymans, it appears that Canberra has a knack of developing some of Australia's most talented and successful cyclists. So why is it that Canberra seems to be the perfect breeding ground for elite cyclists? Is it the terrain, the climate, the cycling community... or just something in the water?

Canberra has boasted a very prominent cycling community ever since the territory's first cycling clubs were established in the mid-1920s. Previous research indicates that the state had its inaugural organised bunch ride on the 21^st November 1926, where members showed up at Hotel Canberra at 2:30pm to enjoy a spin with their fellow cyclists, and it appears that cycling in Canberra has never looked back since. Nowadays, cyclists can still meet at various points across the state everyday of the week to enjoy an easy spin (or a smash fest if that is more to your liking) with a bunch of other cycling fanatics.

So what makes Canberra so appealing to cyclists? One of the most important aspects is the terrain. Whether it is a flat ride or some long climbs you're after – Canberra has it pretty well covered. The infamous Cotter-Uriarra loop and Corin Dam hill climb are becoming Canberra's more 'iconic' rides with the running of the annual Canberra Tour (former Milk Race), the Canberra Women's and Junior Tour as well as the Australian Junior National Championships all being held on parts of these loops. With only a short 20min ride from the Centre of Canberra, you can be out in the quite back roads and able to train without worries of motorists, left with only your thoughts and those bloody TT efforts and the odd magpie to worry about. ..

After the inaugural Canberra Amy's Ride earlier this year, the Amy Gillet Foundation's 'A Meter Matters' campaign in Canberra

Another favourable facet for cyclist in Canberra is the weather. When i'm home in the summer, nothing beats a recovery ride around the lake in the sun before finishing it off at a coffee shop nearby where there you would be forgiven if you spent hours in your knicks basking in the sun sipping on some of the best tasting brew out... after all, chamois time is training time yeah?? Otherwise the long summer days prove ideal for spending hours lost somewhere out the back of Tharwa or Corin with mates. Sure, you could say I'm guilty of not enduring a FULL Canberra winter for 3 years now and so am a bit naive on the extremes at which it gets to... But Canberra cyclists are fortunate that there are enough dedicated cycloholics (and yes, i've officially made it a term) out there that no matter which bunch ride you turn up to – you are guaranteed to find a training partner to bitch to about just how rough Canberra winter is and how hardcore you are for going out - and how soft everyone else is for sleeping in.

Which leads me to one of the most important key to success for whatever you choose to do, not just in cycling but in life in general, and that is the availability of support. In Canberra we are privileged enough to have a very supportive, encouraging and friendly cycling community. Members of the state's most prominent cycling clubs, Canberra Cycling Club (CCC), Tuggeranong Vikings Cycling Club and the ACT Masters are all very receptive of new riders as well as being very generous and supportive of your cycling goals, however ambitious they may seem! The Canberra Cycling Club boasts an expanding junior cycling program whilst the Tuggeranong Vikings are doing an incredible job at bringing more Women into the sport and the ACT Masters are catering to the Veteran cyclists, many of which are still young at heart and representing the State at an International level!

The Canberra cycling community is very close knit - a picture of the annual Cart's Xmas Ride in memory of Mark Carter, a great Canberra cycling identity

In addition, Canberra is home to many cyclists currently racing on the Domestic and International circuits which provide riders to train against the best in the business. During the off season, it is not uncommon to go out on a training ride and find yourself riding next to a World Champion, a Junior World Champion, a National Champion, Commonwealth medallist or a Tour de France representative ... and on a few occasions I've had the hard task of choosing who's wheel to sit on... Do I choose the National Champ or the Commonwealth medallist's wheel to sit on today?? Having the opportunity to train with the best can only motivate you in training and make you push yourself that much harder. I strongly believe you'd be hard pressed to find another place in Australia where there is such a large group of strong riders who all train together and are friends on and off the bike. Most of the local bunch rides generally prove harder than the majority of road races I compete in... What better way to train?? In addition, the bunches in Canberra are not only beneficial physically but also mentally. The Canberra cycling community is so friendly that everyday you're out on the bike with someone, it's an enjoyable experience and can only motivate you to train harder and to encourage you to fling your leg over the bike every day.

Tracey Gaudry helps out up and coming Canberra cyclist Adam Phelan at the local crits

On another note, when they are home, the most valuable asset the professional riders have to offer is their knowledge and experience to those aspiring and up and coming cyclists. By listening to their advice and 'picking their brains' you can save yourself precious time by learning from their mistakes (they are human too!) and they can open your eyes up to what it actually takes to be a professional cyclist. I believe this is what gives Canberra cyclists an edge over other most other riders who are aspiring to turn professional. I have been fortunate enough to have learnt from top Women's cyclists such as Tracey Gaudry and Vicki Whitelaw, both of whom are champion athletes in their own right. The tools they have provided me with invaluable and they have both individually help to shape me into the cyclist and that I am.

Canberra has also developed a very successful junior development and Talent Identification program which has seen riders such as Michael Matthews and Alex Carle gone on to represent Australia at the Junior World Championships with Michael recently being selected to ride the U23 World Road Cycling championships for the 2^nd year and a row and Alex Carle currently competing for a professional Women's team over in the USA. Canberra's ability to identify junior talent and introduce them into the sport of cycling is no doubt envied by many other cycling associations but with the help of the staff at the ACT Academy of Sport, the National Talent Identification program and even the keen eyes of experienced coaches, it is evident that junior cyclists are continuing to come through the ranks and develop into the best in the sport.

Daniel Ellis at Beijing Olympics in his 2nd year as a senior rider

You would therefore be forgiven for thinking that the announcement that yet more Canberrans are representing Australia at the 2010 World Championships and the 2010 Commonwealth Games was foreseeable, it was just a matter of whom.

On a side note – this article has prompted me to take on the somewhat mammoth task of trying to track down all the Canberrans who have represented Australia at either the Junior or Senior World Championships, Olympic and Commonwealth Games. I have used to the best of my ability all available resources but have had trouble tracking earlier results! My sincere apologies if I have forgotten anyone or have got some information wrong – please contact me and I would love to set it straight!

Michael Rogers takes the cake for the most Australian World Champion teams with a total of 14...He is definitely cementing his name as one of Australia's best ever cyclists!

 

Canberra Australian Representatives

 

Michael Aisbitt (World Track Championships)

Jane Armstrong (AWD) AWD Worlds and 2008 Paralympics

Gavin Bardsley (Junior World Championships – Perth)

Anthony Biddle (AWD) Blind Tandem (AWD and 2004 Paralympics)

David Bink (1990 Commonwealth Games)

Edward Bissaker (2010 Junior World Track Championships)

Alex Carle (2009 Junior Road World Championships)

Daniel Ellis (2010, 2009,2008 World Track Championships; 2008 Olympic Games; 2010 Commonwealth Games; 2006,2005 Junior World Track Championships)

Tracey Gaudry (2000, 1999, 1998, 1995 World Championships; 2000, 1996 Olympic Games; 1998 Commonwealth Games)

Matthew Hayman (2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 World Championships; 2010, 2006 Commonwealth Games; 1999, 1998 U/23 Road World Championships, 1996 Junior Road World Championships)

Margaret Hemsley ( 2001, 2000 World Championships; 2002 Commonwealth Games)

Stephen Hodge (1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985 World Championships; 1996 Olympic Games, 1986 Commonwealth Games)

Chloe Hosking (2010 Commonwealth Games, 2008 Junior World Championships)

Kerry Knowler (Pilot Tandem) Para-Cycling World Championships

Alistair Loutit (2008 Junior World Championships)

Jennifer Loutit (2004 Junior World Track Cycling Championships)

Mitchell Lovelock-Fay (2010 Junior World Track Championships)

Jessie Maclean (2003 Junior World Track Championships)

Michael Matthews (2010, 2009 U/23 Road World Championships; 2008 Junior World Championships)

Robert McLACHLAN: (1992 Olympic Games)

James Meadley (2006, 2005 Junior Road World Championships)

Michael Milton (2008 Paralympics + other World Championships)

Sian Mulholland (World Track Championships – first woman to represent Australia in the World Track Championships)

Adrian Nolan (World Championships)

Brandie O'Connor (Blind Tandem) 2010 Para-Cycling World Championships

Tom Palmer (2008, 2007 Junior World Track Championships)

Michael Phelan (2009 Junior Road World Championships)

Sue Powell (2010,2009 Para-cycling Road World Championships)

Deane Rogers: (1995 World Championships, 1994 Junior World Championships)

Michael Rogers (2010,2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 U/23 2000, 1999, 1998 Road World Championships; 2008,2004, 2000 Olympic Games, 1998 Commonwealth Games, 1997 Junior Road and Track World Championships)

Pete Rogers: (1999 World Championships ; 1998 Commonwealth Games)

Scarlett Snow: World Championship TimeTrial (x2 early 90's)

Neil Stephens (1996, 1992, 1991, 1988, 1987 World Championships; 1996 Olympic Games; 1998 Commonwealth Games,)

Kial Stewart (Junior World Track Cycling Championships 2001) + Pilot Tandem with Anthony Biddle 2004 Paralympics

Lucy Stewart (2002 Junior World Track Cycling Championships)

Rory Sutherland (2005 Road World Championships, 2002 U/23 World Road, 2000 Junior World Championships)

Vicki Whitelaw (2010,2009,2008,2007 World Championships; 2010 Commonwealth Games)

Oenone Wood (2008, 2007,2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 World Championships; 2008, 2004 Olympic Games; 2006 Commonwealth Games)

Alison Wright (2004, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 World Championships, 1998 Junior World Track Championships; 2002 Commonwealth Games; )

Holland Ladies Tour Day 1:

Yesterday was the inaugural stage of the 2010 Profile Ladies Tour. On the schedule today was 112km of flat, windy, narrow and cobbled roads...But at least it was sunny :) a much welcome change after what was the gale force winds – torrential downpour – ‘i’d rather sit in bed and never leave’ kind of weather...

Profil day 1... no joke

Close to 30 teams lined up on the start line for this year’s event ; from teams such as HTC-Columbia and Cervelo to the local club teams such as mine (SwABo Ladies) and the Rabo Lady Force team. Although it was great to see so many women lined up on the start, I knew I had my work cut out for me to try stay in the top part of the bunch to avoid getting spat and making it a hard day in the office...

Things were looking good for the first 15km, was up there in the bunch although a bit nervous as it was my first real race back since I broke my ribs in July. My legs were feeling pretty ordinary as I realised that the last 2 weeks spent riding the hills in Italy – although good for my head longer term strength – was probably not the ideal preparation for the hard, flat, fast and did I mention flat? Race that is HLT. I started losing contact with the bunch after a couple of repeated sprints out of some tight corners where I was greeted with some dirty cross winds. Before I knew it, the bunch had spat me out the back and I was now facing the prospect of riding over 80km solo...Not something I would have like to have to do on the first day of a 6 day tour.

The peloton on a narrow cross wind section

But sadly, that is what I had to do. Stick my head down and try and chase a peloton of 150 riders by myself to make sure I didn’t get time cut. Once I got into a rhythm it was OK, but then we entered a smaller circuit of which ¾ of it was cobbles and by the end of the 1st lap, my whole body was complaining! But I kept plugging along and although it was nearly dark, I finished, and in time cut. Lived to fight another day – check. Then it was back to the hotel where we were forced to gorge ourselves on pasta and carry our full bellies up to bed.

Stage 1 was won by Ina Teutenberg of HTC-Columbia


On the plus side, our accommodation was very nice :) equipped with luxuries such as towels, washing machine and buffet breakfast – I was actually feeling a tad bit spoilt! ;)

Now to rest my legs and make sure that I don’t have a repeat of today’s performance tomorrow!!!!

Wish me luck
xx


*photos from womenscycling.net*

Holland Ladies Tour Day 2

So i'm guilty of taking a blogging hiatus over the past week or so - but truth be told a lot has been going on and i've only now had the chance to catch my breath!

As I speak, I am currently sitting in a caravan park in France after officially finishing my season in Euro, and not in the way I would have hoped. But before I get to that, I have some unfinished business to write about with the Holland Ladies Tour and my last race with the SwABOLadies.

Coming to France I made the rookie mistake of leaving my computer back at the Australian base in Italy and am borrowing a teammates computer to write! I have already written Day 1 of HLT on my own computer, and so to save myself the pain of rewriting it, I'm going to put it up when I get my computer back on Monday :) so in the meantime here is my write up from Day 2 of Holland Ladies Tour

Holland Ladies Tour Day 2

Day 2 of the Tour and after yesterday’s performance, I knew I had to stay in the bunch at all costs as I didn’t want a repeat of yesterday’s events - a 90km TT against me and a peloton of about 150 riders.

Profile for stage 2.. flat anyone??


Right from the word ‘GO’, the pace was on again and girls were scrambling for position on the rough and narrow roads. The field at Holland Ladies Tour is no doubt by far the biggest field of girls I’ve ever raced against and the prospect of riding in such a large bunch proved daunting to most of the riders. With so many nervous riders jostling for position, the normal ‘ebbs and flows’ of the bunch were wild and untammed and the peloton was described as restless and dodgy by many of the elite riders.

Cervelo keen to set things up for sprinter Kirstin Wild

I was confident with my positioning during the early stages of the race until I took what I thought was the perfect opportunity to take a sip from my bottle.
Unfortunately for me, just as I raised my bottle to my mouth to savor some much needed fluid, the peloton slowed suddenly and the rider in front of me panicked, slamming on the brakes and sending me straight into her back wheel and onto the ground. It was one of those crashes which seem to happen in slow motion, you feel yourself falling and you know there is nothing you can do about it except to accept the fact that you’re about to eat dirt and try and brace yourself to minimize the damage.

Luckily for me, I wasn’t badly hurt, I just lost half my skin in what I’m claiming was a ‘fight with a bear’ instead of telling them the relatively unexciting story that was my crash. I grabbed my bike and after sorting it out which took a bit too much time, set out in pursuit of the peloton – again. Blood was pouring down my leg and the burn on my arm was stinging as the wind was blowing hard against it. I went to jump on the back of my team car to get a hand back up to the bunch when the Commissaires of the race decided they didn’t want me to and so my team car left me, with 100km to go, solo. I chased for about 20min when my team car reappeared and apparently after harsh words with the Commissaires, they were now allowed to try and motor pace me back up to the group which was probably already half way to Germany by then. I tried my hardest to stick on the car but when we hit a rough cobbled section, no amount of screaming or yelling could tell my body to shut up and I felt that my only option was to get in the car because at that rate, I was barely going to make it to the finish, let alone in time cut.

Stage winner Martine Bras won from a breakaway of 3 riders


My number 1 rule I abide by in my cycling is to ‘Never Give Up’ and today I broke it, which is no easy thing to do. I obviously had the choice to keep going but I believe that I made the most sensible one. I jumped in the team car then got panned off to the ambulance to get my wounds cleaned and some painkillers then finally left in the Broom Wagon left to my own devices and ponder what really was a disastrous and very disappointing tour for me.

That night, I didn’t sleep a wink as my arm felt like someone was constantly ironing it and I didn’t have any painkillers to trick my body into thinking that everything was OK…The next couple of days were spent hanging around the hotel, trying to tell myself that I didn’t need to eat as if I was still racing a Tour (Although I was thankful that I didn’t have to gorge myself on MORE pasta) and then I got a very pleasant surprise… but that’ll have to wait until my next post :)

Until then

Take care
xx