The 22yo rider was born in Perth, Western Australia and has won World Championship medals in both the junior and senior ranks.

Josie had her start as a road cyclist and had an extremely successful junior career representing Australia at the Junior World Championships.

Moving to track, Josie has an impressive palmares; as a junior winning the World Championship in the Pursuit race, and Individual Pursuit race at the same time smashing the Individual Pursuit junior world record.

In 2009 Josie won the World Championships in the Omnium and in 2010 in the Teams Pursuit. With 2012 being an Olympic year, Josie has her eye on the gold at the London Olympic games.

602nds: What is your main goal for the 2012 World Track Championships?
Josie: My one and only goal for the Worlds is to get back on the top step of the podium and be crowned world Teams Pursuit champion again!!

602nds: What races will you be riding at the 2012 World Track Championships?
Josie: We have not been told what races we will be riding, but for the last two years I have been focussing only on the Teams Pursuit.

602nds: Is the lead up to the 2012 Track World Championships any different to previous years due to the Olympics being held in August?
Josie: The lead up has felt a bit different because we all know the biggest target of the season is the Olympics, rather than the Worlds.

602nds: The 2012 Track World championships is not only a chance to wear the coveted Rainbow Jersey & be a World Champion, all cyclists competing are also in contention for a place at the London Olympics. Does this place more pressure on you and on the Australian women’s team?
Josie: I think Australia are in a pretty good position with qualification points for the Olympics, but there is definitely pressure on all of us girls within the Australian team to be one of the three riders who get out there on the track! Pressure is good though; it keeps us all on our toes and never lets us become complacent.

602nds: If at the end of the season I came and spoke to you and asked you how your 2012 Track Cycling year was for you, what would you like your response to be?
Josie: I hope I will still be pinching myself at the thought of calling myself an Olympic champion.

602nds: What has been your proudest moment on the bike?
Josie: My proudest moments on the bike were probably winning my first senior World title in the Omnium in 2009 and then the Teams Pursuit in 2010.

602nds: What is your long term goal for your cycling career?
Josie: I have had two goals since I started cycling – to become World Champion and Olympic Champion. I have achieved the first one, and am doing everything I can to hopefully achieve the second one in a few months!

602nds: Where did your passion for cycling come from? Is there someone who inspired you to become a cyclist?
Josie: I have always been a sporty girl and always knew I wanted to represent Australia at the Olympics for a sport, however, it took me a while to figure out what sport exactly. I ran, I played hockey, I swam, I did triathlons, I did every sport and then I got hooked on track cycling.

602nds: What is your pre-race preparation? Any superstitions or rituals?
Josie: I do have a few things I always wear because I am a little bit superstitious. I wear a piece of jewellery that I received from the important people In my life because I think it helps to have them out there with me and I always do the same warm up before every Teams Pursuit.

602nds: If you could invite 5 past or present riders to dinner at your place, who would you invite, & why? And…what would you cook?
Josie: I would probably just invite some of my team mates who happen to be some very close friends of mine and also Tiffany Cromwell because she is one of my closest friends AND an amazing cook, so she could cook for me because I am hopeless!

Follow Josie throughout the 2012 season and stay tuned during the Olympics by checking out her official website josietomic.com

Fans can also follow Josie on her official Twitter account @josietomic

602nds would like to thank Josie for taking the time to chat with us and we wish her a successful 2012 and hope that her dreams of Olympic gold come true.

Photos credit Attila Kisbenedek & Josie Tomic Official Website.

For those cycling fans in Australia who have wanted to wear the gear, and that now includes ladies, Rapha was officially launched in Australia last October when Rapha Condor Sharp raced at the Jayco Sun Tour.

Whilst orders are fulfilled out of the UK, the Australian customer base now has everything priced in AUD, $20 flat shipping no matter what the amount, free shipping for larger orders and a quick 3-6 day delivery from Fedex. Australian Customers also have a local distributer contact as well.

The Rapha range already has a large female customer base, many of whom have been wearing the men’s range for years. Rapha thought it was only fair that female cyclists should be able to enjoy Rapha but with a completely tailored fit.  This leads me to being lucky enough to review a few items from the new Rapha women’s range.

From previous reviews that I have done I have mentioned that looking good on the bike is just as important as feeling good whilst on the bike, and the gear that I was sent will have you looking good on the bike.

When I opened the package from Rapha I was pleasantly surprised. The Rapha gear was in a soft waterproof plastic bag, not the crappy plastic bags that you just throw away. The bag could be used to store the gear in when traveling, not bad I thought, with recycling helping the environment.

When I pulled the jersey out of the packaging I was instantly drawn to the quality of the jersey, it looked great and felt soft. I was thinking this jersey is going to feel nice on.  The jersey is made from sportwool™ (40% Merino & 60% Polyester), slightly narrower waist with being wider at the hips.

A full-length zip with Zip guard, three rear cargo pockets with a zip pocket for valuables and a sleeve for a pump. The jersey also has a drawcord to make easy adjustments to the jacket whilst riding. It’s not very often that I take my hands off the handlebars, due to my fantastic riding skills I hold on for dear life, but it was actually very easy to adjust the bottom of the jersey when required.

The jersey didn’t feel uncomfortable at all and I was surprised with how well the jersey fabric soaked up perspiration (women perspire not sweat I’ve always been told) without feeling wet or cold.  I had no rubbing from the zip or edges of the jersey, with no feeling of tightness around forearms or hips.  The classic design with the cream strip around the arm looks good and with the red jersey, you are sure to be noticed by other riders.

When purchased you also receive a complimentary set of matching arm warmers. The arm warmers have a brushed fleece inner and soft gripper tape to hold them in place. The times that I have used the arm warmers I have had no problems with them falling down.  The arm warmers are finished with contrast piping and colour-on-colour logos.

The women’s classic jersey and the matching arm warmers can only be improved by wearing them with the Rapha women’s shorts.

The Rapha shorts are made from a lightweight, durable stretch fabric, with a panel construction and the chamois pad from specialist manufacturer Cytech. The Shorts are very comfortable and have been made to ensure there is no rubbing in those places that can make riding the bike uncomfortable for women.

The little detail of having no stitching across the front of the waistband I think is fantastic, a known place for chaffing and annoying rubbing for women. I noticed the waist was a little higher than normal shorts with the rear of the shorts even higher, which made them, feel very comfortable. They are also longer in the leg so no worrying about the shorts riding up whilst on the bike. It’s like wearing spankx, but looking and feeling much better.

The chamois is good and I had no trouble with rubbing whilst riding and was feeling pretty good when I got off the bike. The Rapha shorts look great with the cream detail at the rear waist, reflective tape on the legs and the Rapha logos on both legs.

I must say that the Rapha Classic Jersey, matching arm warmers and shorts look fantastic when wearing them all together as a complete kit. The colours are vibrant and the small matching colour details on the arm warmers and shorts to match the jersey are a stylish touch.

The whole kit is very comfortable to wear and looks amazing on. For all the women out there that enjoy looking fantastic whilst feeling good on the bike, the Rapha kit is the kit for you. Must say, I thoroughly enjoyed wearing the Rapha range and is looking forward to showing it off on my next ride.

I was also wearing the Rapha Stowaway Jacket and the Rapha Merino Socks with the rest of the kit which will be reviewed in the near future.

Rapha is supporting a grass-roots female cycling team in the UK which formed earlier this year. Rapha hope that it will further promote the growth of female cycling as it has been gaining momentum for some time.

If you would like to purchase this great looking kit or have a look at the Rapha Women’s Range then check it out here – Women’s Range

Images courtesy of Rapha

Tiffany is currently studying an Advanced Diploma in Fashion Studies. When not riding she is designing her own cycling apparel range. The range is designed exclusively by Tiffany and made in Australia by cycle clothing company Triple Play. Tiffany released her first line of cycling wear in 2009, called Tiffany Jane Signature Collection, with the motto being “look gorgeous, feel great”. Tiffany’s second line, Tiffany Jane Star Gazer Collection was released in January 2010.

602nds was lucky to meet up with Tiffany at the recent Tour Down Under in Adelaide to discuss the new range. Tiffany’s aim for the new range is to expand the market to a wider range of women. The aim is to have a simple yet effective design with the main focal point being the star. I had the opportunity to view both designs, and I must say they captured my eye straight away.

The first thing that came to mind was “wow”, this gear will match my bike. The Star Gazer Collection includes a white & two tone pink and a black, purple & blue kit, with the Star Gazer star featuring in the design. Tiffany left me with the black, blue & purple Star Gazer kit to review. If I had seen this kit in a shop it definitely would have made me stop and have a look.

The jersey is manufactured using ‘Tri-Flow’ fabric (exclusive to Triple Play), fitted with a full length (exposed) zip and three rear pockets for storage. The jersey is very comfortable to wear, with no tightness around the arms and the length of the jersey long enough that it didn’t creep up whilst riding. The bib ‘n’ brace knicks are made with premium 245-250gsm lycra, utilising Sorbtech moisture management fabric with over locked seams.

The knick is fitted with high density chamois, industry leading gel grip technology used on leg cuff to keep them in place and finished with a light and breathable mesh bib. I found the bib ‘n’ brace knick comfortable when on, there was no pulling down of the leg cuffs and no rubbing of the chamois or feeling uncomfortable (not a good thing when riding or after you finish riding).

As a lady who loves looking good and feeling good whilst riding the Tiffany Jane Star Gazer Collection is a great looking women’s cycling kit. Tiffany’s motto is “look gorgeous, feel great”, this kit definitely made myself feel both.

So, if you are looking for a stylish kit, that has a great design and with a bit of flair, then the Tiffany Jane Collection is for you. Check out the Tiffany Jane Website for more information.

All images courtesy of CJT Design

Liz is an American rider who has just signed to race in 2010 for Belgian Cycling Team Lotto. She began racing in 2006 and was the first member of the Vanderkitten Racing team in 2007. In 2009, Liz had the opportunity to ride with Italian Team System Data in the “Giro d ‘Italia Femminile” more commonly called “Giro Donne”.

Liz enjoys spending time with her family, having a Belgian Beer and travelling with friends in the ‘off season’.

Hope you all enjoy this 602nds interview with Liz Hatch.

602nds: What is the one race you would like to win before you retire from cycling?
Liz: Without question, the Tour of Flanders. For me that race IS what racing is all about.

602nds: What is your personal cycling goal for 2010?
Liz: As always I strive to be a valuable teammate but this year I’d also like to fulfill some of my own ambitions, winning races, as well. With such a strong roster I’ll have to work really hard to prove my worth of course.

602nds: What is your all time cycling moment?
Liz: Maybe I have to say the first time I put my leg over a race bike, I remember the exact moment, already 5 years ago. If I would have known then where that would take me… I would have done it sooner!

602nds: Do you have a tip for someone who is just started out riding?
Liz: Just ride and the rest will follow. Don’t get too caught up in semantics. It can be overwhelming otherwise. A bike is meant to be fun, sometimes it tortures you, but still!

602nds: Do you have a ritual you do before all your races, or a lucky charm etc…
Liz: I have Texas quarters glued under all of my saddles as a reminder of where I grew up and my family. Sometimes I write a little note on the front of my handlebars for someone important to me too.

602nds: If your iPod was broken and it could only play one song continuously.. What would it be?
Liz: Refleckt featuring Delline Bass- Need To Feel Loved. That song never gets old to me.

602nds: If you could go out to dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?
Liz: My grandparents, Art and Ada who have passed in the last few years. I wish I would have known them better as an adult.

602nds: Is there a question you have been wanting someone to ask in an interview but they haven’t? If so what is it..
Liz: lol, not that I can think of. I’ve been asked some interesting things…

If you want to keep up with what Liz is doing, follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Liz_Hatch

Also, look out for the new Rider Profile DVD Series by Cyclefilm. The first documentary features Liz riding the roads of Marin County, California while talking about life and her passion for cycling: Liz Hatch – Come Ride With Me.

602nds would like to thank Liz and wishes her a successful year of racing in Europe for Lotto in 2010.

When I first opened the package with the race kit in it, my first thoughts were “Wow, Love the colours” and “How sweet will this kit look on, it even matches my bike”.  The colours are so vibrant and the pink, black, grey and white matched up so well, it looked good.

Part of the process of getting the Race kit to review was using the online sizing chart on the SheSpoke website. Must say it was easy to figure what sizes I needed, and when I put the kit on the fit was perfect. Finding size charts that actually represent the kit itself is part of the problem when ordering kit online, but with SheSpoke they have it right.

The Race Kit Knicks is constructed from 210gsm Lycra with SPF 50+UV properties to protect you from the sun, but the most important part of the knicks is the integrated multi-layer chamois designed for the female anatomy. It is seamless, breathable, and gives comfort where needed most.  I have to tell you the chamois is probably the best part of the kit. No stitching to annoy areas where you shouldn’t be annoyed, and no soreness after riding for a couple of hours. Another great part of the knicks is the silicone infused gripper band that ensures maximum grip, softness and no tightness around the thigh.  Problems I have found in the past is the elastic band around the bottom of the knicks ride up and also dig in to us ladies who don’t have thin thighs. These knicks are definitely made for all women of all sizes.

The Race Kit Jersey is simply stunning, I couldn’t wait to get out on the road and wear the jersey.  The graphic design will stand out in any pack, and with the vibrant colours I’m sure it will turn a few heads. The jersey incorporates Inner Cooling Efficiency (ICE), fabric wicks moisture away from the body, high breathability and 50+ UV sun protection factor.  The jersey has a 40cm full length zip which allows you to control the ventilation. I believe that the best thing about the jersey (apart from looking good wearing it) is the easy fit womens cut. The jersey length is good; I didn’t have to keep pulling the jersey down whilst riding. I found that the jersey wasn’t tight around the arm, the chest and especially the hip, which happens with jerseys not correctly cut for women. The Jersey has 3 deep pockets at the back, enough room to fit in the essentials when riding.

The SheSpoke website mentions that it “aspires to encourage women to participate in cycling by providing fashionable, functional, innovative and comfortable cycle wear”. SheSpoke has achieved all that they aspired to achieve, the kit is comfortable, looks great and is an absolute pleasure to wear, and I’m putting it on my Christmas wish list.

For more information check out  www.SheSpoke.com.au

To start this review I will tell you why I wanted these SIDI’s, (you can see I wrote wanted, not needed). First reason is a lady can never have too many shoes, and that includes road shoes. Second reason was I saw Filippo Pozzato (Pippo) wear them at Milan-San Remo 2008. The custom shoes Pippo was wearing had a floral decoration, a reference to the race which is sometimes referred to as the ‘flowers classic’, and the race finishes in San Remo which is also known as the City of Flowers (la Cittá dei Fiori). As soon as I saw him prancing around in them, I wanted them. A couple of months later SIDI released the Genius 5 Pro with the same floral decoration but in blue/white. The colour didn’t matter; they were going to be bought and going to be mine.

The day the shoes arrived and I opened the box, I knew I had made the right choice, they looked fantastic.

The SIDI Genius 5 Pro is made especially for women, SIDI have studied women’s feet, and designed this shoe in order to fit comfortably. The shoe itself has a millennium 3 sole, moulded heel cup, soft padded tongue, SL buckle and a Velcro security closure system.

The Velcro has integrated locking polymer teeth that engage onto each other when the strap is closed. The system ensures the closure is secure by making the Velcro unmovable, and giving you the peace of mind that the shoe will stay closed.

But the most important test is how the shoe feels on & when riding. Once I had placed the shoe on I remember thinking, “nice they feel good” and “they feel very secure”. Off I went for my first ride in the SIDI Genius 5 Pro. I have to say I feel in love with this shoe after my first ride, at no stage did I feel my feet being squashed or tingling, which normally happens with my old road shoes (and yes they were correctly fitted). The shoe felt comfortable at all times and I’m looking forward to riding many more kilometres wearing the SIDI Genius 5 Pro. On many occasions out riding, I have had comments about the shoe, so for the fashion conscious women, this shoe definitely makes a statement.

I had been told that once your wear a SIDI shoe you won’t want any other. After wearing the SIDI Genius 5 Pro, I’m thinking they were right.

For more information check out the www.sidi.com.au