A few days before Paris-Roubaix 602nds had the opportunity to chat with German professional cyclist from the UCI Pro Team BMC Racing Team, Marcus Burghardt.  Marcus is 27 years old and was born in Zschopau, Saxony, Germany.

Marcus has ridden professionally since 2005 having contracts with T-Mobile, Team High Road/Team Columbia (2008), Team Columbia-High Road (2009) & joining BMC Racing Team in 2010.

A strong classics rider and all round tour rider, Marcus has shown his abilities in the one day races by winning Gent-Welvegem in 2007 and also finishing 3rd E3 Prijs Vlaanderen, 4th Dwars door Vlaanderen,  7th Ronde van Vlaanderen and winning two stages at the Tour de Suisse.

Marcus also has a TdF stage win in his Palmares’ winning the 18th stage, Bourg-d’Oisans – Saint-Étienne in 2008, also taking the Most Combative Rider for the same stage.

Marcus is also known for a crash that he had at stage 9 of the TDF in 2007 when he hit a Labrador dog that ran across the road during the stage. The front wheel buckled on impact, sending him tumbling over the handlebars on to the dog. Luckily Marcus wasn’t to badly hurt and he finished the stage.

Another Trademark that marcus is well known for his his wearing of the Mavic Yellow Shoes which stand out dramatically against the BMC red and black kit, but makes it very easy to identify him when riding in the peloton.

602nds: How are you feeling after finishing Flanders on Sunday? Is the body OK after crashing during the race?

Burghardt: Yeah, I am feeling really tired after the race, it was a really hard race. My back isn’t feeling the best after crashing during the race, I have a lot of pain and also I was twisted on the bike cause my pedals were broken, I hope I can fix this for Paris-Roubaix.

602nds: Paris-Roubaix is next, BMC has many strong riders such as Ballan, Hincapie, yourself even Van Armaet, will it be the strongest man at a certain point is the protected rider or is the decision already made.
Burghardt: No, the team hasn’t made a decision as yet, but I think for sure we will have George Hincapie and Alessandro Ballan in  really good condition and I think the team will ride for them, but we haven’t decided on  the tactics for the race yet.

602nds: What are your goals for the 2011 season?
Burghardt: Firstly, I hope I can help George and Alessandro in Roubaix, I hope we can have a really nice result. I think we did a really good job in Flanders with the team and we represented the team good there.  The team only needs a little bit more luck and a good result, yeah it would be perfect.  For me I want to go back to Switzerland and win a stage there.

602nds: Who or what inspired you to become a cyclists?
Burghardt: My mum inspired me to become a cyclist.

602nds: You have one a stage of the Tdf and Gent-wevelgem in 07, is there one race that you still dream of winning and why?
Burghardt: Yes there is a race, for sure I would like to win Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix, but now in these kind of races you have so many guys who also want to win and that makes it not so easy.

602nds: How do you want your fans, supporters and peers to remember you when you retire from cycling?
Burghardt: I’m going to say “it’s a shame he didn’t ride one year more”.

602nds: BMC this year has a very strong team 2 former world champions, national champions, TdF stage winners and the list can go on.. Is there one rider that you hope to learn from, if so who and what will that be?
Burghardt: George has a lot of experience, I think  the team can learn a lot from him, he also  gives us a lot of good and important information before the races.  I think he is a really important part of the BMC team.

602nds: What do you think you can teach the young riders that have joined BMC?
Burghardt: : I think,  especially in the classics races, I can teach them where it is important to be in the front, where you can sit up a little bit more at the back and relax, and also when it is necessary to to go the front to make a really good move..

602nds: Do you find it hard when you have to move from one team to another throughout your career?
Burghardt: Yes I do, you are always going to find some friends in the teams you are riding with, you have the staff and riders who you have a friendship with. It’s nice to be with these guys, but at some point you have to think can I maybe get better in another team from a sporting aspect and can I move forward and  I think you have to look towards your future.

602nds: What has been the biggest difference since joining BMC from the other teams?
Burghardt: You know in these big teams there is not so many differences anymore, I think we have a lot of fun. We had a lot of fun in my former teams but I also have great fun in this team. I really like to ride for BMC, it’s really nice, we have a nice atmosphere always in the race, before the races, at the tables for breakfast, lunch, dinner and that’s nice, and if you have fun during the races you can make good results.

602nds: Do you have a favourite training ride, where is it and how many kilometres is it?
Burghardt: For me,  my favourite place to ride is at home in Switzerland, I enjoy training there.

602nds: What do you do in your spare time away from cycling?
Burghardt: When I’m not cycling, then I’m spending time with my family.

602nds: What would you have been doing for a career if you weren’t a Pro cyclists?
Burghardt: : haha, I don’t know, what I would always like to try was a cross country skier, maybe I could become a professional cross country skier

602nds: You have raced in Australia at the TDU, what do you think of the race and will we see you back racing in Australia?
Burghardt: The TDU is a really nice race, it has good organisation.  I like the race but for me there is the jetlag, down under is a big difference with the time and for me I found it a problem.

602nds: Do you have a tip for someone who is just starting out in cycling and dreams of being a pro rider?
Burghardt: There is not one line I can say that you have to do this, this and this to become professional. I think at first you need to have physical qualities which you get from your parents, that is for me an important point. If you don’t have this you can train as much as you want, but you won’t become professional. It is then important to be focused and to train; you need to work out a model to train yourself.  As a cyclists that it is really important; as you always have a trainer behind you or a director saying you have to go now or do this, do that or telling you go in ten.

602nds: Coffee seems to be the drink of choice for riders, How do you take your coffee?
Burghardt: Honestly, I don’t really like coffee. I always drink hot chocolate in the morning.

Stay tuned on what Marcus is doing throughout the 2011 season by checking out his Official Website and the Official BMC Racing Team Website.

602nds would like to thank Marcus for taking the time to chat and wishes him a succesful 2011 cycling season.

Photo Credit TDWSport.com (c), Photo Credit PASCAL PAVANI/AFP/Getty Images

At 6:45am we met outside the accommodation at Falls Creek in the dark & fog/cloud. We rolled down the hill to the start line in front of the main chairlift in the dark. Everyone was nervous & not saying much. Kiwi Paul said he felt like we were soldiers going off to war. It had an eerie quiet about the place. 1500 or so people all waiting for what lay ahead wondering what would unfold.

We rolled over the start line around 7:04am. Roads were wet, but not raining. I was wearing short sleeved jersey, arm warmers, windstopper & raincoat for wind protection on the 30km descent. Weaving around the hubbards, spending most of the time on the right hand side of the road was interesting. About 20-25km into the 30km descent, the rain started. Sharpy had some hack dart at him on a tight lefthander, forcing him onto the painted line & then onto the tarmac for an early visit on the road. It tore his shorts open on the left, requiring him to dress to the right for the entire day. We waited for the slower descenders (or perhaps more sensible) at the bottom & regrouped. There we got word that Matt Redman (my mate from year had also come down & was walking back up to the ski village.

In no time we were onto the first climb of the day – Tawonga Gap. The rain eased a fair bit, but everything was still saturated. It wasn’t too much trouble & not much more than a Greenhill climb. My time was 33:09. My Garmin decided now was the time to start playing up…& I wasn’t the only 1. Matt appeared around the corner with road grime on his face. Clearly he hadn’t pulled out & was soldiering on.

A really nice descent with flowing comfortable bends in pouring rain followed & I dropped like a brick off the front of the bunch. The only time it pays to be in the mid 90s. Dunc & I got in a lovely rolling group of around 20 & sat comfortably on 35-39 for the 20km to the 1st meal dropoff at Harrietville. As advised by Chriso, I had 2 nutella & honey sandwiches waiting & a Redbull shot.

About 500m up the road we began the longest climb I had ever done in my short cycling career. The 30km Mount Hotham climb. I sat with Shane, found a comfortable rhythm & tapped it out. Before long we had the jackets off & arm warmers down. It was still wet, but we were heating up.

As the climb continued we again found ourselves in the cloud, which quickly got thicker & thicker. Towards the top we made the call to put the jackets back on, & as we were doing it I got my 1st taste of sleet! It felt like hail coming in sideways, but wasn’t falling as hail. The road really began to pinch at this point & our group split up. Visibility was about 3-5m & there were some short downhill sections before the summit where with full brakes on, you picked up speed quickly & had NO IDEA what was in front. That was pretty scary. At the top, after an official climb time of 2:00:15, we stopped by the ski village chairlifts for some photos & a winners bar or 2.

Dinner Plain, at the 115km mark, was a short ride along the top (about 10km) & was clear from cloud. We stopped for about 30min all up I THINK & had a sandwich, some Gatorade, & a muffin. The break was maybe a little too long & I started to get cold. So starting the next section, Sharpy & I spun the legs on the front of the group, trying to warm up ASAP!

Before long it was bright sunlight & warming up fast. Kiwi & I stopped to strip layers, leaving Boordy & Sharpy to shell us like prawns & ride off into the distance. Sammy McClure joined us & made it 3, riding in the 28 degree sun in summer kit. the 2 of us left Sammy for the nice up & downs into Omeo. Kiwi & I were the 1st of the main Cibo bunch into Omeo at 155km & we regrouped with 6 other Cibo lads to form a group of 8 through the next 30km to Anglers Rest.

Soft pedaling, Team Cibo rotated through carefully saving the gun powder for the final climb up the back of Falls. As we pedaled along the valley, we consistently gobbled up dribs & drabs which tacked on behind & when we arrived at the food drop had grown the passengers group to somewhere in the order of 40. when we pulled up we received plenty of thanks, handfuls of gels & even an offer of post ride massages from one thankful passenger.

After another 2 sandwiches of nutella & honey, a can of Redbull, refilled bottles & a roadside pee, we were on our way towards what we’d been told is Australia’s toughest vertical climb. The Team Cibo passengers waited for us to roll out & with calls of “all aboard the red train”, again took the sensible easy option on our wheels for the tow to the 198km mark where the 27km climb to Falls Creek began, & 35km in the ride to go.

NOW…we’d heard all sorts of folklore & rumour about this climb & were wondering how much would be true. It turned out to be everything we’d heard & more. Easily the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life & probably would have still been so without the 200km already in the legs!
It starts at a t-junction very similar to Torrens Hill Rd, coming off the Gorge. The 1st 1-2km is a 19% punch in the mouth. It was now about 29 degrees & the engines were running hot. After the initial ramp it “leveled off” to a constant unrelenting climb, never changing from 14-16% for the next 7km. literally no change, just constant torture. Around every bend, more white stony steep gradient. At this point punters began pulling off the road, sitting on the ground, in the gutter, zig zagging or walking. I’ve NEVER experienced anything like it. After that 9km, it continued on for almost another 20km never really dropping below 10%. Before this day, the longest single climb I’d ever done was Greenhill/Mt.Lofty, which totals around 11-12km & summits at a measly 720m above sealevel. Falls Creek tops out at 1780m & Mt. Hotham at 1861m. I met a bloke named Trevor & we rode shoulder to shoulder out of the saddle for 20km. talking about how we’d both recently lost our Dad’s. we were soldiers sharing a battle. There was no position sitting or standing, that wasn’t excruciating. My lungs, my arms, abs & of course my legs were screaming. My lower back however was ok, thanks to my Tuesday nights doing reps of Greenhill Rd. My official time for the back of Falls Creek, was 2:37:22.

Approaching the final drink stop around 15km from the finish line, I felt I didn’t have the capacity to restart if I stopped for water. I saw Shane standing waiting to go, so I just pointed & rolled on. About 5km later Shane reeled me in & we rolled across the top of Falls for the final 10km together talking about the day & the hellish climb we’d just conquered. We both agreed there was nothing fun about what we’d just been through. It was horrific. But we had a HUGE sense of satisfaction for getting through the day where others had failed. We crossed the dam wall approaching the finish line & with about 500m to go, mother nature decided to give us one final kick. Torrential pouring rain came from absolutely nowhere. A huge crack of thunder, & we rolled down the hill across the finish line, 11:14:18 after first heading out at 7:04am. Bicycle Victoria claim 5334m of climbing & ASSUMING stoppages of an hour or more, I’m guessing I was on the bike for around 10hrs.

It was without any shadow of a doubt the hardest thing I had ever done. I was totally & utterly obliterated. As I dismounted & the officials came to take my bike for me, I felt a huge release of emotion & tears welled to the surface. I looked over at Shane & he was experiencing the same thing. JSR crossed the line minutes later also showing signs of man-tears as did the following Smokin Joe & then Dunc. Speaking to the lads back at the accommodation everyone seemed to have the same emotional explosion after crossing the line. It was a surreal feeling, something I will never forget.

Later that night we all agreed we would never again ride in Victoria. 24hrs later after the initial pain had started to subside, I was thinking “well, maybe we’ll not close that door just yet” Would I attempt 3 Peaks again? Maybe………..

Ponzi is 24 years old and was born in Manerbio, Italy and turned professional in 2009 with the UCI ProTeam Lampre-NGC, joining Liquigas-Cannondale in 2011.

Ponzi’s palmare’s include 1st Under 23 National Road Race Champion 2007, 2^nd Men’s Under 23 Road Race at the 2008 UCI Road World Championships, 2nd Trofeo Laigueglia, 2nd  Stage 4 Settimana Ciclistica Internazionale Coppi-Bartali, and  5th in Gran Premio dell’Insubria.

602nds is pleased to present our chat with Simone Ponzi.

602nds: What is your objective for 2011?
Ponzi: My objective is to make sure I’m ready to compete in the Ardennes Classics without any fears!

602nds: What are your thoughts for Paris Nice? Have you got your eyes on a particular stage?
Ponzi: This week will be a little difficult for me, due to a knee problem. But I hope as the days go by that everything will work out ok. Technically, after the third stage, they are all good for me.

602nds: Who inspired you to start cycling?
Ponzi: I was inspired by watching races on the television.

602nds: If you were lucky enough to win a race, and then finish cycling, what would that race be?
Ponzi: The race I would like to win and then quit cycling is the Giro d’Italia.

602nds: Is there a particular cyclist in the peloton that you respect, and why?
Ponzi: In the peloton, I respect everyone. We are all professionals.

602nds: Is there a old cyclist with whom you would’ve liked to have ridden?
Ponzi: That rider would’ve been Michele Bartoli. He is a true idol.

602nds: Do you have a favourite climb?
Ponzi: The Stelvio!

602nds: Do you have any advice for someone who’s just started racing?
Ponzi: A honest piece of advice would be to have lots of passion for the sport, and to really want to do it.

602nds: Do you have any advice about eating and training?
Ponzi: To eat well. When you’re training, carbs at lunch and protein at dinner.

602nds: If you could invite 5 riders, past or present, to dinner, who would you invite and why? and what would you cook?
Ponzi: 5 isn’t a lot…I would say the whole of Liquigas before anyone else, as we are all really good friends. Where I’m from, there’s a meat-based dish called spiedo. It’s very good!!!

602nds: How do you take your caffe’?
Ponzi: Decaffeinated and after dinner!!

602nds would like to thank Simone for taking the time to chat and wishes him a successful 2011.

You can follow Simone on Twitter or his Official website (currently under construction)

Denifl is 23 years old and was born in Fulpmes (near Innsbruck), Austria. Beginning his career as a mountain/dirt biker he became involved in road cycling around 2004.

Riding as an amateur cyclist in 2006, for Vorarlberger and then Elk Haus-Simplon. In 2009 Denifl rode as a stagiaire for the Cervélo TestTeam and turned professional with the team in 2010. Known for his Time Trial and climbing abilities, Denifl will be a valuable rider for LEOPARD TREK in the 2011 season.

Denifl major win to date is winning the Austrian Individual Time Trial National Championship in 2008, also winning the U23 Rund um den Henninger Turm.

In 2009 Denifl won the prestigious Thüringen Runfahrt and in 2010 rode many races supporting Cervélo TestTeam’s top riders.  Throughout 2010 Denifl finished in the Top 10 at the Tour of Austria (Österreich Rundfahrt, 7th), Vuelta Castilla y Leon (8th), and the Bayern Rundfahrt (7th).

Stefan Denifl is known throughout the peloton as a genuine, trustworthy and down to earth nice guy.

His generous and compassionate nature was shown when he recently donated his own Leopard-Trek Jersey autographed by the 2011 Tour Down Under Team to support the Queensland Flood victims, the jersey raised over $600.00.

602nds is pleased to present our chat with Stefan Denifl.

602nds: What is your personal cycling goal for 2011?
Stefan: Try to help my teammates in any race situations as good as I can! If I get the change to do something in smaller races, I try to go for nice results!

602nds: What is your long term goal for your cycling career?
Stefan: Not lose the fun and passion for riding my bike!

602nds: What or who inspired you to get on a bike and race?
Stefan: My father was an amazing mountain biker! He did his last race 1996, the Olympics in Atlanta. He has always supported and still supports me as well as he can! He was a clean rider with a lot of passion for the sport! He is a man to follow!

602nds: What are your strengths on the bike?
Stefan: Climbing, sprints of smaller groups, and TT during a stage race…

602nds: If you had the chance to win one race then retire from cycling, what would the race be and why?
Stefan: The Tour de France! J No honestly, I don’t know it! But a stage win at the Tour would be really cool!

602nds: What has been your proudest moment on the bike?
Stefan: I had a bad injury 2008! I was training hard to get back and my 2nd race the National TT Championship, I won! That was a good moment and I was very proud.

602nds: Is there a current rider in the peloton that you most respect and why?
Stefan: I have more or less from every rider respect! I know how hard this sport is and how many work and discipline every rider puts in!

602nds: There are many inspiring riders in LEOPARD TREK. Is there a rider you hope to learn from, what do you hope to be taught and who is it?
Stefan: You can learn from many guys in the team! There are so many classy riders in all different conditions and races! There is Stuey, Fabian, Andy or Frank and a lot more! As a young rider you can only profit and learn from them..

602nds: What will be your role in LEOPARD TREK?
Stefan: My first role is to be a helper! I will support the guys with bottles; bring back groups or making speed on the mountains! For sure I also will get changes do perform for a personal results! It will get a nice mix of both I think.

602nds: Do you think there is a lot of pressure on you guys to perform this year?
Stefan: Not more than somewhere else! It’s like in a normal job, everybody expect that you are doing your best and if you do it, the results will come!

602nds: Is there one rider who is not a current Pro Rider that you would have liked to ride with? Who would it be and Why?
Stefan: My sports directors

602nds: Do you have a personal favourite mountain climb? And why?
Stefan: I like the mountains in north Italy, like the Dolomites! It’s near my home and I am often there for training….

602nds: Where is your favourite training place to go to when you are trying to escape the European Winter?
Stefan: There are some Gran Canaria,  North Italy (more in spring and summer) and LA. LA sounds like it is not good for riding, but in the hills around Santa Monica and Malibu it is awesome for training rides. Also from Adelaide, Australia I was surprised. Very nice for training and a good place to be!

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?
Stefan: I would take my teammates! We are so a cool group and there a great and funny guys! They are all actually present in my life… and I would add Bernie Eisel, he is a cool rider and one of my friends in the peloton!

602nds: If you had the opportunity to take a famous female actress/singer to dinner. Who would it be, why and where would you take her?
Stefan: Hmm, normally I don’t think about things that would not happen but in the lucky case it happened, I would take Kate Hudson! She seems to be a funny girl and she is too sweet! I like the comedy movies were she is acting together with Matthew McConaughey!

602nds: If your iPod was broken and it could only play one song continuously.. What would it be?
Stefan: Ah I don’t know, there are so many songs I like! Therefore I hope this situations never happens, haha

602nds: What do you do in your spare time?
Stefan: I try to do what non-sports people do, instead of much parties I like to drink coffee, hang out with friends, go to cinema, watch DVD,  enjoy the sun on my terrace (with a cappuccino) and surf on the WWW! It’s important for me to get the head free and not to speak much about cycling.

602nds: Are you a skinny latte, soy latte, full cream latte, flat white or double shot espresso type of cyclists?
Stefan: Something between a skinny and soy latte, but for sure with a flavour shot and a shot of good milk foam. J Before a race I prefer double espresso and yeah Italian cappucco is one of my favourites too!

602nds: You have many fans on Facebook & Twitter, how do you feel about the ‘I got fans’-situation?
Stefan: I use Facebook only for friends and people I really know! Twitter is different. Twitter is like my homepage and everybody can follow me… Its most about my sports life and a bit background stories… it’s nice to see your followers number increasing, so it seems the people like what I tweet and they are interested in the life of a pro cyclist…

602nds: You are fast becoming known for your hairstyle, do the guys in the team hassle you about it, and any intention to change it soon?
Stefan: Haha, that’s funny! Maybe it’s different or special, but it’s good to be different in a way… as long as people talk about you, you are safe! Hmm, in the moment I am happy with my hair, so no reason to change it…

602nds: What would you have done for a career if you were not a professional cyclist?
Stefan: I attended technical college and studied machine engineering! So maybe I would sit in an office and do some constructions and design of technical parts on CAD programs! I also love interiors and architecture stuff….

602nds: How would you like to be remembered by the fans, when you retire from cycling?
Stefan: As a cool, fair rider, open to the fans with a good style and some nice results!

602nds: What are your thoughts on the current doping situation in cycling? Is it improving and is there anything more you think can be done?
Stefan: We are on a good way! Media should start to talk again about the main thing, the sport, the races, the riders and background stories!

If you would like to stay tuned in what Stefan is up to throughout the year you can follow him on http://twitter.com/stefandenifl or you can check out any new team updates at the Official LEOPARD TREK website.

602nds would like to thank Stefan for taking the time to chat with us and wishes him a successful 2011.

Photo Credit Helen K (c)

Photo Credit Jarrod @  jxpphotography (c)

Photo Credit Andrew & Debbie Bagnara

Adriano’s palmare’s include World and European U23 Time Trial Champion in 2008, 1st Chrono Champenois in 2008/2009 and 1st ITT Stage 1 Giro della Valle d’Aosta Mont Blanc and Mediterranean Games.

Adriano rode his first Tdf in 2010 finishing 170th and left the Tour with the title of “Lanterne Rouge”. Although finishing nearly 4h30min behind the Yellow Jersey winner, he finished his first TdF a feat that many could not do. Adriano joined Lampre as a stagiaire at the end of 2009 and is looking forward to showing great form throughout the 2011 season. In particular watch out for the TT stages, I’m sure we will see Adriano up in the top ranks.

602nds is pleased to present our chat with Adriano.

602nds: What is your objective for 2011?
Malori: To understand what I’m capable of, and what I’m not capable of. Also, to achieve something.

602nds:What is your main objective for your career as a cyclist?
Malori: The biggest thing: to stay here for the longest time possible. Leaving my mark, and not only as a cyclist.

602nds: Who inspired you to start cycling?
Malori: No one.

602nds: If you could chose to win only one race in your career and then retire, what would it be?
Malori: A stage of Le Tour de France. I rode it last year, and fell in love.

602nds: Is there a rider in the peloton whom you have upmost respect for? If so, why?
Malori: I would say my ex-teammate Angelo Furlan. He is a golden person, as well as a great rider.

602nds: Is here an legendary rider with whom you would’ve liked to have riden with? If so, why?
Malori: I used to dream of riding with Armstrong, and last year I was able to do so at Le Tour de France.

602nds:: Do you have a favourite climb?
Malori: Il Passo Del Ticchiano, near to my home. 15km at 5%. It’s ideal for me.

602nds: Do you have any advice for someone who has just started to ride?
Malori: Think about enjoying themselves to start with, so as not to lose the passion for the sport in future years. Without passion it doesn’t work at all. You could say that it’s our petrol!

602nds: What advice would you give in regards to training and eating well?
Malori: I advise to find a balance between eating and training. Every rider has their own physique, and you have to find what works best for you as an individual.

602nds: Do you have any goodluck rituals before you race? Malori: No, none. 602nds: If you could invite 5 riders, past or present, to dinner, who would you invite and why? And what would you cook?
Malori: Koren (Liquigas) because he is a good friend. Armstrong, because he’s the only one that I’ve really admired. Hushovd, Cancellara and Cavendish, because from what I’ve seen, they are good people. I would cook something typical from my region. Antipasto di prosciutto and Lasagna.

602nds: And finally…how do you take your coffee?
Malori: A double espresso macchiato!

602nds would like to thank Adriano for taking the time to chat with us and wishes him a successful 2011. We look forward to chatting to you again throughout the cycling season.

Gustav has ridden professionally since 2001 with Crescent, Fassa Bortolo, Française des Jeux, Unibet.com and most recently joined Team CSC (Now Saxo Bank-Sungard) in 2008.

Gustav is a three-time Swedish National Time Trial champion and silver medalist in the time-trial at the 2008 Olympics and time-trial World Championships in 2009.

Veronica rode for Dutch Team Powerplate Bik, and turned professional with Team Bianchi-Aliverti. She has also ridden for Team Safi pasta Zara Manhattan, Team BIGLA and moved to Lotto after friend Rochelle Gilmore invited her to join the Team.

In June 2007 Veronica suffered an almost life-ending accident en-route to the Swedish Time Trial Championship which took her many months of rehabilitation to get back on the bike and re-join the peloton.

602nds is pleased to present out chat with Gustav and Veronica.

602nds: How did the Team go this year and did you meet the goals you set for yourself? Have there been any disappointing moments?
Veronica: The team raced really well, we had Rochelle ride great this year and get on the Podium. All of the riders rode well and gave their best to support the Team Leaders. I’m personally disappointed that I didn’t get a win, I love the feeling that you get when standing on the podium.
Gustav: I didn’t meet all my goals, but I met some of them, it was ok. I wanted to do better at the Time Trial at the World Championships in Geelong. The Team had a good year though and we rode well all year, we came first in the UCI World Rankings for 2010.

602nds: What has been the highlight of the 2010 season?
Veronica: As I missed out on a own victory in 2010. A good memory for me, is Trophee d’Or, where we had a great team work and the photoshoot with the girls in Chamonix with Honda.  Also being in Verona and seeing Gustav win and cheer the victory with him!
Gustav: The biggest highlight was winning the last stage of the Giro d’Italia, this year. It was a big highlight and a great feeling riding into the amphitheatre in Verona.

602nds: Do you have a favourite cycling moment?
Veronica: My victory in Thuringen 2007 was a great feeling! A day when everything just clicked in the race!
But also a sunny day in the mountains with some friends on the bike, you come home after hours on the bike with just a big smile and so satisfied, even if you are totally empty in the body from the hours on the bike.
Gustav: I remember the 2008 Olympics, it was amazing being in Beijing, and it was a fantastic place and a fantastic moment. London 2012 Olympics will be a goal for me.

602nds: Is there a current cyclist in the peloton that you most respect any why?
Veronica: You must respect all riders in the peloton, but then of course there are girls you like more or less.
One of the better riders in the women peloton was Zulfia Zabirova. A Campionessa.
Also my friend Liz Hatch, you never have a boring time!! She is a great team mate, I’m lucky we are in the same team!
Gustav: You have to respect all riders in the peloton but there are some riders you chat to more, it has nothing to do with respect.

602nds: Women’s cycling at the moment seems to be struggling with races being cancelled & lack of sponsorships, how do you think we can improve this?
Veronica: Yes that’s true, we need more sponsorship. The level of the women riders is really high now; we are all training hard and are at a great competitive level. A few years ago there used to be maybe 5-10 ladies that were at the top and winning everything, now it is maybe 20 girls can line up to a race and anyone of them can win. The level of the riders has improved but the level of sponsorship and money hasn’t improved. There are people involved in women’s cycling who are not involved for the right reasons and this affects our sport. The sport needs more television coverage; this will help more sponsors want to become involved in women’s cycling. The UCI should make a rule that if you want to have a race day then you have to include a women’s race, like what Flanders/Fleche do, many more races can do this, we could ride the race before the men’s race. The public, television and facilities are already there, so it shouldn’t be too hard. Maybe if you want to have a UCI Pro Tour Team you also have to have a Women’s Team. I hope it changes soon, women’s cycling needs it.

602nds: I’ve been lucky to be on Alpe D’huez for a stage finish, the Carrefour de l’Arbre during Paris-Roubaix and many other races, at times the fans seem crazy. How do you feel when riding past the fans, can you hear them cheering and yelling?
Gustav: Of course you hear the fans; it inspires you to go harder. When you only have a couple of km’s to go and you hear the fans cheering you on it is a perfect moment, the cheering helps with not feeling the pain anymore.

602nds: Do you have a ritual you do before all your races or lucky charm?
Veronica: No, I don’t have anything like that, I’m glad I don’t. Although there are some ladies from other teams that have some strange rituals. Some riders have to pee just before the start of the race. For us ladies we don’t have a Team bus that makes that easy and sometimes we are out in the middle of a Square etc. So at times I’ve seen some riders actually pee on the side of the road.
Gustav: No I don’t have anything special. I have a ritual to do things right, like a routine before a race, but I don’t have to do it.

602nds: If you could only win one more race for the rest of your cycling career, what would it be and why?
Gustav: Of course everyone wants to win the TdF, It’s a dream that a lot of people have, but it’s not the easiest dream to fulfil. The Olympics would be nice as its “The Olympics”. Not only cycling fans are watching but the whole world is watching. To win there it would feel amazing and be so special.

602nds: What do you do to unwind and chill out after races?
Veronica: Well we are in a Hotel and most of the time we are very tired. But I like to hang out with my good friend Liz, listen to music, chat, and maybe go out to dinner if not too tired. There isn’t a lot you can do in a hotel, but you do not want to do much anyway.
Gustav: I listen to music it’s nice. I love listening to vinyls, I have a proper stereo to listen to and relax at home.

602nds:Do you and Gustav train together and is it competitive?
Veronica: Yes we train together and we are competitive. Sometimes when we ride I will win but I do that by not be honest and I have to cheat to beat him.  I enjoy riding with Gustav as it helps build up my fitness and helps get me through the season.

602nds: Is there someone who inspired you to become a cyclist?
Gustav: Yes, there was someone that inspired me to get into sport. We have former Swedish skier Gunde Svan who was a World/Olympic Champion skier when I was growing up. He inspired me to want to become a Top Athlete;.. It was mountain biking that I chose and  John Tomac inspired me with his style and dynamic personality.

602nds: I read back in 2007 you had a Major accident, how have you worked your way back and what was the hardest thing about coming back?
Veronica: I’m still not a 100% from the accident. I hit my head really hard. I lost memory and I’m not sure what actually happened. At the time after the accident my only goal was to get back so I can ride the Giro d’Italia Feminine, I hadn’t realised that the Giro had already started a week after the accident happened; I had some short term memory loss. It has taken a long time to get back to riding in the Peloton and I’m still not as strong as I was before the accident.

602nds:Many people have commentated on the recent photo shoot you did for the CyclePassion Calendar, Can you explain why you chose to do the shoot and has Gustav seen the shots?
Veronica: The shoot fitted into my schedule and was asked to do the shoot with Liz. The pictures are very tasteful, we had a lot of fun shooting it and the crew were great to work with, they were very professional.  Gustav has seen the pictures and he likes them.

602nds: I hear you enjoy motorbikes, what do you currently ride and what motorbike would you like to own?
Veronica: I have the bike that I want to own, it is a Ducati Monster. I have a great time riding it.

602nds: What career would you have chosen if you weren’t a pro cyclist? And what do you intend to do when you retire from cycling?
Gustav: I have always loved rally driving; I’d love to be a rally driver. It is not the easiest job to get into; you need a lot of money etc. Being a rally driver would be a goal after my cycling career.

602nds: Do you have a tip for someone who is just starting out cycling?
Veronica: Just start easy and don’t put pressure on yourself. Give it a go and see if it is what you really want, results in the end will happen. If you have talent it will come easier, but even if you don’t you can still succeed with hard training and the right people behind you. Never give up!
Gustav: You really need to be serious about it, train a lot and just keep at it. Focus and continue, continue and continue until you have become good at it.

Gustav and Veronica have organised a fun ride for the past two years at Varberg, Sweden. It is a ride for riders of all types, even if you have just started riding. We stop half way through the ride and have coffee and cake, then ride back to the start.

It’s a simple ride and this year you could enjoy a weekend spa at the Varberg and dinner with Gustav and Veronica. The ride is also raising money for Childhood Cancer and the Almers Hus in Varberg.

For more information on the ride you can check out the Facebook Group Pedala con i Campioni

602nds would like to thank Gustav & Veronica for taking the time to chat and we wish you both a successful 2011 and look forward to catching up again throughout the year.

If you would like to stay tuned on what Gustav and Veronica are doing throughout the 2011 season you can keep up to date on their websites: http://www.cyklist.com/ & http://www.gustavlarsson.com/

Be sure to check out our Cyclepassion DVD from CycleFilm competition featuring Veronica.

You will be able to see Veronica Andréasson and many of the wonderful female cyclists conducting the shoot, and also hear their stories.

To enter the competition tell us who is your favourite female cyclists and why?

Leave your answer in the comments section below by the end of February 2011.

Pictures and video by CycleFilm

Today was, again, a family outing for me. We again caught the bus in to the city and then walked the length of the finish straight to War Memorial drive. The area behind the Adelaide Uni Rowing Club has become a bit of a family favourite possie. We were there last year, but on the Southern side of the Drive. This year we found the huge gum trees on the Northern side and parked ourselves: picnic rug out, lunch eaten, books out for the girls and to the fence for us.

It was a great day for watching the racing once again. The weather was perfect, and the shade of the trees worked well with the breeze to keep things nice all afternoon.

While things on the sidelines were nice and chilled, the action on the road went straight to BOILING from the first lap! A crash before half a lap was over and a breakaway with a 10 second lead set the right tone for the 90km race. There were attacks from then until the end of the race. One breakaway would be swallowed up by the HTC juggernaut, only for another to begin as quickly, leaving the HTC guys with nothing left in the tank by the time Matty Goss needed the awesome leadout for the second intermediate sprint on lap 12 of 20. From then onwards it was going to be an uphill battle for Goss to get to the winner’s post first.

I lost count of the number of times that Stuart O’Grady was in the attacks, but obviously someone else didn’t. Stuey was awarded the Most Aggressive Rider for today, and for the 2011TDU. One more accolade for the man who won the very first Tour DownUnder. Some are saying today’s performance may have been his swan song. We shall have to wait and see.

There were more appearances today, as you would expect, of the “Sparrow” t-shirts. This is not something I have commented on here, but the Port Adelaide Cycling Club last year started a project to support an obscure rider. This year, they again picked a virtual unknown to throw their support behind: Movistar’s Number 164, Angel Madrazo (aka The Sparrow).

They had t-shirts printed up in the team’s blue and lime green colours announcing to all of Adelaide who they were supporting. All a bit of fun, but for a great cause. I’m sure his team and sponsors appreciate the PACC’s efforts. I wonder who next year’s obscure rider support will back.

After the race, I went down to the Hilton to do a bit of star spotting of my own. The two “big name” pictures I got were Stuey and Greipel. It was incredible to talk to people down there who didn’t even know what these guys did, let alone who they were. There was one guy from interstate who was out the front with his camera because his girlfriend back at home told him to go get her some pictures. He didn’t even know who he was taking photos of!

It takes all kinds, and I think that is one of the great things about the TDU. It brings cycling to the attention of people who would, ordinarily, not take any notice of cycling or of cyclists. It makes us all just that little bit visible, and that can only be a good thing, right?

Before I sign off from this short stint at 602nds.com thanks to Evan and Simon for giving me the opportunity to try on something different to my normal cycling blog. I’ve had a ball.

Keep your eye out for more blogging from the Wombat, or Tweet me @d_wombat

Blog ya later!

This is a man who rides 500+km per week pretty much every week of the year and is an inspiration to many for his attitude to cycling and the way he has used cycling as part of his regime to overcome some pretty serious health issues in the last year or so.

Besides finding out about my friend’s mis-adventures, today was a really good day.

This morning we had a family breakfast to celebrate my daughter’s birthday (yesterday) before I set off for McLaren Vale and, eventually, Willunga and the KoM climb of Old Willuga Hill. I hadn’t exactly decided on a route when I left Glenelg at just before 9.30, so I just headed up to Brighton Road and pointed South. This lead me to another first for the week… Cement Hill (so named because of the Cement Works that used to inhabit the western side of the hill for many years) is fairly short, but busy with traffic and fairly steep in the lower part.

It is one of the hills I had been hesitant to ride. but now it is done and out of the way.

I rode along Lonsdale Highway with a small bunch from Victoria who had driven across yesterday, stopping along the way in Strathalbyn for the presentations before arriving in Brighton last night. They were a little shocked this morning when they rode out of their hotel and came face-to-face with Cement Hill. I rode with this group until we hit Noarlunga and a poorly timed traffic light change separated us. I caught up with them later in Willunga.

Their plan had been to follow Lonsdale Hwy and the continuations thereof until they got to somewhere around Aldinga and then head inland. I was not sure about this plan, quite simply because of the head wind they would turn straight into when they turned left at Aldinga.

I turned inland sooner and rode, protected more by the hills, along the Pat Jonker Veloway and arrived in McLaren Vale in time to see the start. I made it to the top of the town with a crowd that was pressing in on both sides of the street. Nobody wanted to move back from the road to let the Peleton through. I tried to warn a couple of parents whose kids were all over the road. I got a look back of “who are YOU to tell me how to look after my kids?!” and shut up after that. You win some you lose some.

The ride to Willunga was quite fast. I got caught up in a train of sorts with two lines of riders that kept formation all the way along Main Rd. It was much faster than the last trip I did along this road… another new experience. Along the way I chatted with a bloke from Brisvegas who gave me the lowdown on the floods and Wivenhoe dam. The upshot of that was that the floods are NOT SEQWater’s fault. Thanks for that.

After reaching Willunga behind the race (WAY behind!) I found a spot at the fence and waited for the completion of the first lap and the U-Turn that would head them out on the second. I was stood in the same place for about 20 minutes when three Media Motorcycles came and parked RIGHT IN FRONT OF US!!! grrr. The life of a NON-Media accredited punter! The rider had the cheek to tell me to not be so cheap and go buy some of the shots his photographer took from The Advertiser! grrrr.

Well, the riders came past and my ride partner and I headed up Willunga Hill to see the Kom. It wasn’t the first time I had ridden this hill, but it was the first time I had ridden it in front of an audience. I was cheered (and probably jeered quietly) and had a smile on my face most of the way up… that was until the Promo cars parked at the top and all the people who HAD been sitting quietly on the sidelines out of my way decided all at once to get up and walk across my path! grrr! I nearly skittled an old lady who just randomly stepped in front of me from nowhere. Tunnel vision!

I stood just to the left of the archway and what a spot THAT was! One pic I took was of a Lampre rider’s helmet at VERY close range. He was close enough that as I was taking that picture, my left hand was on my bike pulling it back towards me so he didn’t hit it on his way past. Not to mention the support car (team unknown) that nearly squished my toes the driver came that close to me.

Exhilarating.

After the first pass up the hill, we decided to return to town to see the final two passes. The crowd was thick (some thicker than others, like the guys who thought that because there was a gap between the riders coming through they could cross the track! Don’t worry about the Shimano Support car that SPED through Willunga, closely followed by two CFS trucks!) and the action was frenetic. The huge screen that showed the race live was closely watched by all as the peleton tried in vein to catch the splinter groups off the front. So close and yet so far.

It was another bad day for Mr Cav. He finished in the last 3… about 10-15 minutes behind the rest… and no, the GreenLight vehicle did not overtake him today.

The ride back to the city was uneventful. We caught up with a couple of other friends and rode back down the Veloway to home. Another 100k’s up today… 320ish for the week. Not a bad effort and the first time I have done over 300 in one week.

One stage left: The city Crit stage. The plan is to head in with a picnic and find a shady tree to sit under while we wait for the race to start.

We were on the lookout for a particular rider from a particular team, who has captured our household’s attention: Davide Vigano from Team Leopard-Trek. This down-to-earth Italian rider has given us a glimpse into the world of pro-racing in a way we could never have done otherwise. He has become our poster-boy, but also a friend.

We found Davide riding back to his team and called out. He came to the fence and greeted us and our girls had their picture taken with him. It was one of the highlights of the morning for them… and for me to see them so happy in the atmosphere and on the sidelines of a sport that also forms part of our lives.

Living without a car, as we have for more than 18 months now, has led us towards a new appreciation of cycling, and of cyclists. It has led to me taking up cycling after not owning a bike for most of the previous 20 years. It has led to my daughters being able to ride upwards of 20km in a day and to them being among the fittest little kids at their school.

Cycling is a way of life, and for us to have found a friend amongst the highest ranks of professional cyclists in the world is not something that everyone gets to do, and we appreciate it for what it is.

As the “race proper” doesn’t start at Norwood, but rather starts about 20 minutes’ ride away at Gorge Rd, the beginning was a muted affair, although there were many in the crowd, including my 5 year old, who participated loudly in the countdown to the riders being let loose on the road. Travelling behind the Race Director’s black Skoda up The Parade, the parade moved. Anyone who has watched the movement will know what I am talking about.

First the Police, then the Race Director, then the Commissaires and media motorbikes. Following these are the cyclists, corralled between the barriers like cattle on wheels, and followed closely by the Team Cars and then the red support vans. These, in turn, are followed by more Police and finally, The Green Light Vehicle (the one causing Cav all his issues on Stage 3!). This is actually followed by more Police, but who’s counting?

Hmmm… Interesting point there… Has anyone actually counted how many vehicles are involved in the whole procession? I’d be interested in seeing the numbers.

Anyway, back to the race start: This morning was a time to soak up the atmosphere, to get close to the stars of the show, to get a few cool photos and to watch the riders ride. We did plenty of all of these and spent the rest of the day following the race via Twitter from sunny Glenelg where we had some more of the best chips in Adelaide, played in the water spouts in Moseley Square, went to the Beach House and rode the waterslides and then caught the Tram home. Not a bad way to spend a 9th birthday, I would say.

Sleep well and see you all tomorrow at Willunga! Back on the bike for that one.