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………..

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.

During the Oceania’s in late November 2010, 602nds supporter Mark Matthew (@Smudge64 to you Twitter folk) had the opportunity to catch up with a few of the champions attending the races.

Certainly whilst still on race schedule the riders were extremely focused, you could see this on their faces as they warmed up on the rollers, or stretched and listened to whatever their music is that motivates them.

After their events were all completed though, they were much more relaxed, and you knew then that you could step up and have a chat with them.

I caught up with Anna Meares on the Saturday night after her events were all completed, and the change in her face from sheer concentration and focus, and planning every pedal stroke she was going to make on the track, was certainly gone, as well as it should be I guess, having won every event she was entered in.

For those who were at the event, you will know just how much of an understatement that is. Anna was in a class of her own in every ride, even when starting from the tail of the field, the ease with which she passed the other riders to take the win was amazing to watch.

On Sunday, Anna freely gave up her time to join in with the Bicycle SA Gear Up Girl Event, riding the 35km loop from the City to the Coast and back again.

I caught up with Anna again after this event, and discovered that this would be basically be the furthest that she would ride in a single session on the road, as normally all of her work is done either in the gym, or on the track. Road riding is something that only gets done for a recovery ride.

I also discovered that she doesn’t ride in the hills. Immediately, I knew I had found an ally here, as unless it is descending, I don’t like hills either!

Anna was short on time, as she still needed to get back to the Super-Drome, and collect the rest of her bikes to head over to Melbourne, but I decided now that we had this awesome bond between the two of us, (not liking riding hills), I would press her on a few of the hard issues!

Smudge: So how does it feel to be such a role model to so many female cyclists now?

Anna: It’s a bit strange, but good at the same time. It’s funny because I’ve got the Gear Up Girl jersey on today,I was riding along with them, and I was having a chat, and I rode passed them and they’ve seen the number one on the jersey. They said “How did you get number one?” I said I bribed them! And then the pennies dropped as they’ve seen the Australian knicks, and they all of a sudden got a bit shy.

Smudge: So they suddenly realised who they were with?

Anna: Yeah, so it took a little bit of convincing to get them to keep talking but it was really fun. I ended up riding next to one lady who was well into her eighties, and she was telling me she had been riding since she was a little girl, and that she raced until she was seventy five. That’s when it’s great, and it’s good to see.

Smudge: It’s good to see so many people come out and support cycling.

Anna: Yeah, it’s just being active too in a world of today that sometimes doesn’t really promote that. I think it’s great that we’re working to promote women being active, about women getting into the lycra and enjoying the fun and social side of activities.

Smudge: Definitely. Congratulations on all of your victories last night and over the last four days, it was excellent to watch it. Thanks for your support of cycling, and thanks for living in Adelaide now!

Anna: Thank you!

Frei cycled for the Bürgis Cycling Team and then rode for the UCI ProTour Team Astana in 2007/2008 before joining the BMC Racing Team in 2009. While racing in the 34th Giro del Trentino Frei was informed that he had tested positive for the use of EPO in a test performed on the 21st March 2010.

The media reported at the time that Frei had stated at the press conference, that he had been doping for two years before being caught, but this was reported incorrectly and the truth is that he had been micro dosing for one year prior to being caught. Frei actually said “that he started thinking about doping near the end of 2008, but the first time he doped was in spring 2009”.

During the same press conference Frei also stated “It is true, I have taken EPO. Therefore it doesn’t make sense to ask a counter-analysis. I don’t have any hope that there is the possibility of negative”.  After chatting to him about this statement, he mentioned that when it came to the ‘B’ Sample people asked him to get the sample tested as there could be a chance that it could come back negative.

Frei said “that the reason for him choosing not to get the ‘B’ sample tested was that he wanted to admit to all that he micro dosed using EPO” and “that he had to pay for what he did”. He thought that telling the truth and not having the ‘B’ sample tested he was making a point that he knew what he did was wrong.

Frei was promptly released from the BMC Racing Team after admitted to doping. It was found that he was caught in an out of control dope test and admitted that he had taken a micro-dose of EPO the day before the test. Frei revealed his method of getting around the controls was as simple as hydration, and if he had drank a litre of water after the administering the injection he might avoid being caught.

In June 2010 Thomas Frei was given a two-year ban for testing positive to the banned substance EPO by the Swiss Olympic committee. He was also fined 1,500 Swiss francs and ordered to pay 4,440 Swiss francs in costs. Frei is now back in training and hoping that he can return to the peloton to ride again as a Professional cyclist.

602nds is pleased to present our chat with Thomas Frei.

602nds: You were found positive in 2010 and you were given a 2 year ban, how are you coping with that?

Thomas Frei: Well, at the beginning I had a lot to handle, I didn’t really realize what had happened, later on was hard, sometimes I find it hard to sleep at the night, as I am thinking about many many things.

602nds: Was it hard telling your family and friends that ‘yes I did it’?

Frei: At least, that was not the hardest thing, sure they said “oh you did it”, but your family and your REAL Friends are always there, in good and bad times, for this it was not at first important what I did, but they knew that I need their support, they love you as a person, not as a cyclist in the first. They accept you as a friend that made a bad mistake, they know we are all human and sometimes we do the wrong thing.

But in the end it was nice to see who are your real friends and in the future I will know whom I can trust 100%.

602nds: Once you were found positive, you gave evidence to the UCI/WADA on how you were beating the system, why did you do this?

Frei: It’s true. I did talk to them. I cannot say what other dopers did or do, but I can say what I did. For me the time is over as a doper, so I can say what I did, it was important to me to tell the truth.

602nds: We are aware the you received many hate and negative messages via the internet … How did you cope with that?

Frei: I didn’t really get many hate messages or I did not see them.  Many people sent me positives message about the fact that I admitted to doping straight away and didn’t keep lying.

For the hate messages, in one way I can understand why those people were really disappointed with what I did, so I can understand. But in the end I think we shouldn’t forget that we are all humans and make mistakes in life, some mistakes bigger than others for sure.  At the end of the day, don’t you think we all deserve a second chance, to do better?  Otherwise I say: ‘those who are without sin may throw the first stone.’

602nds: I have to ask you the one question many want to know and many think they know the answer to, But in your words Thomas, why did you dope?

Frei: Hmmm not an easy question, I have asked that question to myself a few times in the last few months. I think it is a process, I always worked really hard, I tried to be really professional, then you have some people they say to you,” hey it’s easy to dope and no risk”.

You then start thinking about what they say over a period of time, and in the end you think, ok I can improve my level without any risk, so I can dope also. But what I say in my case I don’t  have any idea if or how the micro dosing  improved my levels,  sometimes I rode really good races  and sometimes I rode really bad ones. Same thing happened before I started micro dosing.

602nds: Was there a moment that you said, “Ok, I need to do this?” Were you falling behind in races?

Frei: I didn’t really think “I have to do this”, but some people, like what I said earlier, give you the feeling you have to do that. I did a lot of good races without EPO micro dosing, but I wanted to improve faster, definitely I made the wrong decision, now I have to wait… and I have lost two years of my cycling career.

602nds: You have recently started working with Aldo Sassi, why did you choose Sassi?

Frei: I wanted to do the same as what Basso did in his banned time.  I’m doing the Mass haemoglobin tests, and also testing my fitness with the Mapei  Centre  planning my training.

I am given the centre total transparency and I plan to show everybody my results from tests and what work I have done, so they can see how my fitness has improved without having to dope. I plan to ride better than I rode before the ban and I want to show that I am riding clean.

602nds: What have you learnt from training with Aldo Sassi and being at the Mapei Centre?

Frei: It is all new to me; I have been working with the Mapei centre for one month now. I have many new things in my training.  We are using the time without racing to work on things that you do not have the time to do when you are always traveling around the world. I am doing new things such as mountain biking and I will be doing a lot of TT training in 2011 to improve there also. The goal is simple and at the same time big. I want to be a better cyclist when my ban is over.

The centre and I have made a battle plan to train during the ban time. We have planned 50-60 races over the banned time, as a simulation, I have my schedule plan for 2011 already. It will be hard but I like big challenges and I’m in daily contact with people from the Mapei centre, mostly Andrea Morelli. I am working really close with Andrea and  i go to the centre every 2-3 weeks to conduct tests and checks. I will also work on my position on the bike, how to eat to improve my performance and many other important things that will assist in improving as a cyclist.

The Mapei Centre has many ways to improve my performance and I am looking forward to learning all that they have to offer.  I believe that if I do this well I can come back a better cyclist then before and a CLEAN CYCLIST!

602nds: Do you think that working with Aldo Sassi and the Mapei Centre will help you when your ban is over in again obtaining a professional cycling contract?

Frei: I don’t know if it will help. But, I do know that when my ban is over I did everything that I could do myself,  with the best training program, to show that I am clean and hopefully to  get the trust back from all . . I know I will be in best shape and ready to race on the best level.

In the end it’s not in my hands if I get a second chance or not!  But I hope so. I think now is a hard time that I have to handle mentally. When I fight through this time and I work hard on the bike, this experience also makes me stronger mentally.

I really believe that going through such a hard time personally and mentally as I have as a sportsmen, it will help me came back stronger not only physically but also mentally.

602nds: Many riders have found it difficult to come back after being banned from cycling and many have also come back without too much fuss.  Do you think you will have any issues?

Frei: I think in one year I will be able to speak with you and give a better answer on that.  I am hoping that everyone will understand that I made a mistake and I admitted what I did once I was caught. I did not continue to lie when I was caught, I admitted my mistake and said I was sorry.

Everyone can think what they want, but also understand that we are human and we also make mistakes. Once I have served my time for doing the wrong thing I will be very thankfull if I get the opportunity to ride as a proffessional cyclist again.

602nds: What do you think the state of the peloton is right now? As far as doping goes?

Frei: I think if you go back and look at 15-20 years ago, most people thought that there was no doping problem in cycling. But we know today that back then almost everybody used EPO or was doping to a certain extant in the Pro Peloton.  I can’t say why I know for sure, but many many riders from this time have admitted that this was a normal practice and it was not a problem, you didn’t get caught.

Now cycling has the ADAMS system and many controls including the blood passport, with all riders having out of competition tests.  But today many people’s perception about cycling is that every cyclist is a doper.  But i’m sure the Peloton is cleaner then years before and the difference is we have more and far better contolrs in place.

I hate that some of the Press/Media always look at cycling and give the impression that cycling is the only sport where doping exists.

602nds: What are your goals for your future in cycling?

Frei: I have the same goals that I had before I was found positive. I think I can still be a really good domestique for a big rider, a solid helper in the climbs and one time I hope to finish the Tour de France and ride into Paris.

I have dreamed to ride into Paris since I was 13 years old, I have never been in Paris on the Champs Elysee  and my dream  since I was 13 is the first time I will go there will be when I  finish  my first Tour de France and ride in.. That is one of the reason that i want to come back, that dream keeps me alive.

602nds: I remember you once told me your dream was to wear the Yellow Jersey at the Tdf, is this still your dream?

Frei: For sure, I’m in a situation that seems far away but I always say “Never forget what your dreams and goals once were, even if they seem so far away.” BELIEVE, BELIEVE, BELIEVE!!

602nds: When did you first start Cycling?

Frei: I was 12 or 13 years old, something like that.

602nds: Was there someone or something that inspired you to become a cyclist?

Frei: It was the Tour de France, riders like Indurain , Pantani and for sure Lance Armstong.

602nds: Is there a current rider in the peloton that you most respect and why?

Frei: There are many riders, but I really like Cadel Evans, he is a great champion but also as a person he is a great man. I really liked working for him, although it was a bit too short, but it’s another dream to help him one day to win the tour or another grand tour!  That really motivates me every day to sit on my bike for many hours even though i know that i will not be riding in any races next season.

Another rider is Jani Brajkovic, he is also a nice guy and really professional, he lives for cycling, he works really hard. He is a guy who I think can win the TdF, I really hope he will win it one day. He has the ability to win it; he showed that he can do that when he won the Dauphine in 2010 ahead of Alberto.

602nds: What is your training regime and are you enjoying being back on the bike?

Frei: Yes, I am enjoying being back on the bike,  I ride my bike every day for a few hours and I really like it, I even like to ride my bike when it is raining.  I did not get on my bike for two months after I tested positive, but I really start to miss it.

I don’t want to miss riding my bike another day, so I go and ride whether it is raining or snowing. For example, yesterday I was riding my bike and then it started snowing, I kept riding for 3 hours until it was not possible to ride anymore. There was too much snow on the road, so my friend came and picked me up in their car and brought me home .

602nds: Are you a skinny latte, soy latte, full cream latte, flat white or double shot espresso type of cyclists?

Frei: Before a ride i like a double shot espresso… Thank you Tara for your support all the time!

602nds would like to thank Thomas Frei being so open, frank, honest for taking the time to chat.

The kind folks at Rapha have provided us with a Lightweight Jersey to pass on.

To be in the running all you need to do is follow both @602nds & @RaphaAustralia on Twitter and you could randomly be chosen as a winner of the Rapha jersey.

If you are already following 602nds, simply retweet (RT) our Rapha competition tweets.

Prize winner will be announced Friday October 28th.

The Jersey Bin is a waterproof bag that is available in two sizes, 95x175mm and 120x175mm. They are lightweight and constructed of a quality, lasting vinyl recyclable material with a strong zip-lock style zipper. In both wet and humid conditions the Jersey Bin have prevented my phone from  being damaged. They are also handy for storing those sticky gel packets.

The small size can comfortably contain a typical mobile phone with larger smart phones such as the Apple iPhone just fitting in. The larger size can easily contain other products such as a digital camera.

Rob Kortus who is the founder and owner of Jersey Bin also has a custom made Jersey Bin available. The custom made are available in quantities of 100 and enable the design of your own size, artwork or logo.

The Jersey Bin are available direct from the website.

602nds had the opportunity to catch up with Australian cyclist and all round good guy Dean Windsor.

602nds: You joined the Rapha Condor Sharp team at the beginning of the 2010 season. How has the experience been so far?
Dean: Rapha Condor Sharp is so much more than a bike team. It is a complete experience! You get the taste of the continental cycling team and the races, the travelling the wins and losses but when you hit the road with RCS it’s a showcase of experiences. This team has the most amazing support all over the world. You step off the plane and are welcomed by members of the Rapha Club who are itching to provide the most memorable experience of their home town/country and will do anything to make our stay as enjoyable as possible. We were taken for rides through central park in New York City and followed by fans as we rode the most ridiculous race through the dirt roads of north east America. Then a morning courier style ride through Osksa Japan followed by a mass start 11km mount Fuji race. We get the wide range of races and your guaranteed with this team you will meet some unique people involved with the Rapha Condor Sharp Club and will enjoy the whole trip.

602nds: The team at 602nds are big fans of the Rapha range of clothing. Do you have a favourite piece from the collection?
Dean: Tough question, but how could you go past the grand tour gloves. My most used piece of clothing is the stowaway jacket, no matter how sunny it is in England when you leave the house a rain jacket is an essential item out training.

602nds: What is your long term goal for your cycling career?
Dean: The goals change every year depending on the team but ultimately I would like to keep riding full time as long as I can and try move through the ranks getting new and enjoyable experiences every year. It’s such a complex sport and so very interesting to be involved with so I will be grabbing every opportunity that presents itself.

602nds: What has been your proudest moment in cycling?
Dean: Wow, I have raced bikes for 18years so to pin point one moment is tough, but reflecting on some of the good bad and ugly times I remember 2009 bay crits riding in the same team as my brother. I had the support of my brother in the team but also mum and dad had travelled down to look after us. It was very enjoyable to take on Australia’s best and I stepped on the podium every day. When you really enjoy being away the results come a lot easier.

602nds: Do you have a personal favourite mountain climb?
Dean: You’re not a man til you have climbed the kitzbul Horn in Austria!

602nds: What advice can you offer the weekend racing cyclist when it comes to nutrition and fitness?
Dean: There are no secrets to training that will make you go straight to Pro Tour but 2 easy things to concentrate on, to improve you performance that won’t take too much time or effort on top of your training routine.
1.     You need to find your own individual balance of quality versus quantity with your training.
2.     Most people overlook how important recovery is. Training is ineffective if you don’t look after yourself afterwards. This means rest, stretching, replacing fluid, ensuring you’re having at least 1-2grams of protein per kg of your weight a day, even a sports massage or hot cold baths after the massive ride you do every now and again.

602nds: How did the nickname “The Duke” originate?
Dean: It’s to do with the royal family. I attempted to convince the boys that my UK ‘home’ was a massive castle in the outskirts of London with my Aunt Elizabeth. So I got the “Duke of Windsor” then shortened to the Duke. I am pretty happy with the nick name as in my last team I was the Bogan from Bathurst.

602nds: If your IPod was stuck on one song then what would it be?
Dean: Probably a Gun’s and Roses or Metallica song just because the one song would probably go for half the day.

602nds: If you had $500 to spend on something cycling related, what would it be?
Dean: I have very expensive taste when it comes to bike gear, so I would struggle to stay under $500 when its clothing or bike equipment (plus I would be very bias to my sponsored products which all rock!), I would go a Heart Rate Monitor. The polar RS800x has all the functions I would be after and you can really take your training to a new level with the measurements it takes… It can really tell you how bad you’re going!

602nds: Being a kid from Bathurst, are you at Ford or Holden man?
Dean: Every October I proudly stand on the mountain under a massive red flag yelling how much I dislike Ford. Funny enough true V8 fans are not about supporting their favourite car, its all about the joy of Hating the other car. So yep I really hate those fords.

602nds: How do you relax when back home in Australia?
Dean: I am a serial tourist/traveller so relaxing would involve a weekend trip away with my girlfriend, friends or family. Or in Bathurst it would be a easy ride followed by a long coffee shop stop, then a good old BBQ under the long hot summer sun with a bit of swimming thrown in. I don’t think I have been home sick til I started answering this question!

Take an opportunity to look at Dean’s website  www.deanwindsor.com which has consistent updates and reports.

Team Rapha Condor Sharp can be followed via Twitter or their website.

Images courtesy of Shuhei Takenouchi @ 2010 Tour of Japan

Prior to our catch up with Chris this week we met him at the 2010 Tour Down Under in Adelaide, Australia and shared many drinks and stories about his work, life and cycling.

602nds is pleased to present you our chat with Chris Brewer.

602nds: Tell us a little about your role with the LAF?

Chris: I’ve been fortunate to have had many roles here at LIVESTRONG… as a volunteer back in 1997 and through the years I was the original web designer, the guy who answered all the general emails, gave out testicular cancer awareness info, and helped with the Ride for the Roses event production that eventually morphed into our LIVESTRONG Challenge series.

That said, I joined the staff full time back in early 2004 working as a combination team journalist for Discovery Channel Cycling and some project management for LIVESTRONG.  That lead to me heading up the grassroots fundraising events area for a while and now I am a Senior Manager in Development Communications.  That big title means I have a great job!  I help tell the LIVESTRONG story, whether that’s something we’re doing, or some of the events that support us, or highlighting some amazing people around the world.  I’ll also get to represent LIVESTRONG at various events and personally say “Thank you!” to the folks who support us and enable us to do this very important mission: we help people living with cancer.

602nds: What does LIVESTRONG mean to you?

Chris: The very interesting thing about this question is that LIVESTRONG means something unique to practically every person that’s ever asked this… I actually have my answer printed on the back of my business card, and it says: “To me, LIVESTRONG means living your life to the fullest everyday – not just being successful, but significant, too.”

I would also add that for cancer survivors, we feel that living strong has nothing to do with being cured, or how much time you have after you hear those fateful words, “You have cancer.”  It’s what you do with that time that is so important.  My brother Robin, when faced with a very difficult diagnosis of advanced stomach cancer at the age of 40, did amazing things in his final year of life.  Did he LIVESTRONG? Damn straight he did.

602nds: As a LIVESTRONG Leader here in Australia I am asked the same question “How can I become involved?”

Chris: Another great question, and one we take very much to heart!  I think all too often charities will tend to focus on one specific area – usually fundraising – where they want to get their constituents involved.  I look at it this way, we all have three things we can contribute: time, talent, and treasure.  Each of us can contribute in differing proportions, and some in multiple manners.

It’s really up to the charity to initially establish the right relationship with the individual to make sure they are being utilized in the best manner possible.  It doesn’t make sense for you to ask me for a million dollars if I don’t have it, or to request I volunteer multiple days a week if I have a full-time job, etc.  As the relationship progresses then hopefully there will be other areas the person might like to grow into as well.  That said, a great entry point for LIVESTRONG is www.livestrong.org/getinvolved – key links to get you started with our Advocacy folks, the LIVESTRONG Challenge, Volunteering, and Grassroots Fundraising.

602nds: How did you and Lance Armstrong first meet?

Chris: Now there’s a story… LA and I were diagnosed two weeks apart with testicular cancer in October 1996.  His case was more advanced than mine, but mine was no walk in the park either.  One of the things I noted as I tried to learn about our disease was just how hard it was to get it all in one place, and for that information to be credible.  So since I was one of the early web designers and I have several months of nothing to do during treatment, I co-founded the Testicular Cancer Resource Center (http://tcrc.acor.org) with Doug Bank.  We put all the info and support that we wished we’d had available and then had it reviewed by medical professionals to make sure it was all credible.

Sometime in early 1997 Lance emailed me via the site.  And I deleted it.  Why?  I simply felt that a world champion athlete would not take the time to email a sergeant in the Air Force, and it had to be some kind of joke.  Fortunately I was wrong, that’s exactly the kind of guy he is, he wrote again a couple of weeks later and told me some things only he would know.  I was in San Antonio at the time, only an hour or so from Austin, so I asked him if we could do an interview (still up at http://tcrc.acor.org/lance.html) – he said yes, come up for lunch, and at the time we were the only two guys we knew coming off of the same kind of experience.  We became fast friends, he told me about this “little foundation” he was starting, I said I was in, and the rest is some amazing history…

602nds: Having traveled to various cycling tours around the globe, what were your impressions of the Tour Down Under?

Chris: I have long had this life fantasy that I could chuck it all and move to Australia and begin a new life; this trip to South Australia and Melbourne did little to dissuade me! (grin)  The TDU is the perfect race for this time of the cycling season.  Long travel time aside, it’s warm, the terrain is challenging but not too hard for the early season, and the opportunity to stay in the same hotel all race long is basically unprecedented.  But at the end of the day it’s still the people that make the difference.  One of the things I’ve noted is that Aussies, as a population, are “all in” once they’ve decided to do something!  So the race is top notch, the fans are super supportive, and we had a great time.  I certainly hope it’s not my last time at TDU, plus Austin is the sister city of Adelaide – how cool is that?

602nds: Australia is a one of the world leaders in raising cancer awareness through organisations such as the Cancer Council and the team at Movember to name a couple. What message do you take back to the LAF from your travels to Australia this year?

Chris: We know that Australia has some real cancer challenges; skin cancer is a very real threat to the entire population, and all the major cancers are on the rise – prostate, colon, breast, and lung.  That’s the bad news.  The good news is that the government is very involved in the fight against this disease, as are some amazing NGO’s like the ones you mentioned.  And we were very honored to have Lance at the ground breaking ceremony for the first ever LIVESTRONG Cancer Research Centre at the Flinders  Medical Centre in Adelaide, a research community that stresses collaboration amongst their scientists.  So the message we took back was that there is a solid fight going on in Oz, and we want to be a part of that effort.  We’re now working with these great folks to find the best ways we can support them, because at the end of the day its people who are on the ground making it happen that will get the job done, and we need to highlight these great efforts and find ways for organizations to work together – the old “work smarter, not harder,” model.

602nds: Through your years of following cycling is there one memory that stands out ahead of the rest?

Chris: Personally that was in 2003 when I was part of an amazing team called “The Tour of Hope.”  This team represented all aspects of the cancer community – survivors, caretakers, doctors, nurses, and researchers.  We rode in squad relay format with Lance – 4 teams, 24 hours a day, from Los Angeles to Washington DC covering over 3,000 in just over 7 days!  As I rode beside LA into DC and the capitol rose up to greet us and we could hear thousands of people cheering our accomplishment, we reflected back to when were in treatment in 1996, wondering if we’d be alive in a few months, let alone five consecutive Tour de France wins and millions of dollars raised in the fight against cancer. Wow.

As for cycling in general, I’d have to go back to 1999 when Lance first stood atop the final podium on the Champs Elysees.  That was the moment I think cancer survivors literally “came out of the closet.”  No longer were they willing to be treated as just victims, or patients following the whims of the medical establishment.  They looked up to that podium and said, “If he can do this, then I’m on his team. I’m with him.”  The brand LIVESTRONG had yet to be established, but the idea certainly took hold on July 25, 1999 and the world was changed forever after.

602nds: Do you have a personal favourite wine?

Chris: And a great question to end on, too!  As many of my friends know, I am a fan of big red wines and so it was quite an honor to be in South Australia, home to one of my favorite brand of wines, Penfolds.  I’ve really started liking the blends, and their Shiraz Cabernet is always a solid choice.  Here in America I would have to go with our friends at Silver Oak out of Napa Valley.  They simply make amazing wines, you can’t go wrong with any choice – so cheers, thanks for your time, and as always: LIVESTRONG!

If you wish to keep track of what Chris is up to, follow him on Twitter or Facebook

Paul: Until recently i had been living in London only returning to Melbourne each summer to visit family (and ride!). I was amazed at the progression of cycling in Australia, particularly the explosion of interest in performance cycling. Demand has seen better and better quality hardware hit the roads but generally speaking, a lag in the apparel side of things. So yes, Rapha is reaching out to those who are seeking the finest in style and performance – just ask the Rapha Condor Sharp squad!

602nds: What has proven to be the most popular lines since entering the Australian market?
Paul: The Classic Softshell, the Lightweight Jersey and the Merino Base Layers.

602nds: Describe the Rapha brand name in 3 words?
Paul: Stylish, passionate, inspiring OR to quote our favourite phrase “Glory through suffering”.

Take a look at the Rapha website for more information or follow the guys on Twitter and Facebook.

Images courtesy of Rapha

To offer the world a niche of truly extraordinary garments; so refined in design, so exquisite in fabric composition, so rigorously researched in development, that they would represent nothing less than the international epitome of elite sporting apparel. 2XU will shortly release PROJECT:X. No precedents, no barriers, no competitors – The high performance revolution.

Each garment within the PROJECT:X collection is produced on an exclusive, limited edition international production run. Owners of 2XU PROJECT:X garments will be among a select few in the world granted priority 2XU PROJECT:X benefits to enjoy for the duration of the garment’s warranty.6

602nds had the opportunity to speak with 2XU Co-Founder and Product Specialist Jamie Hunt ahead of the Project:X:C1 launch that will feature a new range of cycling clothing hitting our stores in May.

602nds: Let’s step back and tell our followers a little about the history of 2XU. How did the vision first come about?

Jamie: The 2XU concept evolved from a discussion between myself and the two other 2XU Co-Founders/Directors (Clyde Davenport & Aidan Clarke) almost six years ago now.  We were reflecting on the absence of a high performance sporting apparel brand in Australia and felt that our combined extensive knowledge of the sporting and textile worlds placed us in perfect stead to do something about it.   The hole in this market niche was significant – ‘the big boys’ had run after mass market fashion trends and neglected the fundamentals of developing technical garments, so we decided to give it a crack.  It wasn’t long before we filled this void in the sports we attacked – we were right on the money.

602nds: The cycling clothing industry is a very competitive market. What makes the 2XU brand name a more attractive purchase than other manufacturers?

Jamie: At 2XU, we know fabric, sport, what it’s like to be an athlete (be it elite or everyday) and boast solid experience in the clothing industry.  This powerful matrix is rare to find within one organization and it has fared us well.

602nds: Apart from here in Australia 602nds has a following base that covers the US, Canada, Europe and many other countries. Tell us a little about how the 2XU brand name is growing overseas?

Jamie: We are found in over 2,000 retail stores across 45 countries worldwide and continue to grow.  While Australia, the USA, UK, Japan and Germany are as strong as expected, we also have some other real gem markets, which we like to keep to ourselves.

602nds: From speaking with the general cyclist, we hear the same story in that they are not confident when it comes to purchasing the right clothing. This is where the 2XU Performance Centre is the perfect place for advice and choosing the correct garment. What else can the general person expect?

Jamie: While it’s often viewed as a cliché, our knowledgeable Team 2XU staff are our greatest Performance Centre asset.   They go through extensive ongoing training to ensure they’re up to speed with all our latest developments, garment innovations, features and key benefits.  Most of our Team 2XU Retail staff are serious athletes themselves – we want to create an environment where customers are offered all the attention and detail they deserve when buying world-leading garments.

602nds: 602nds has recently have the opportunity to review select products from the 2XU cycling range and were blown away by just how good they really are. What is in store for cyclists with the new Project X:C1 range due for release in May?

Jamie: This awesome new Project:X piece has a membrane which hardens and softens according to climate in order to keep the wearer comfortable and dry when out in the elements.   The X:C1 also wicks moisture from the body when the micro climate heats up.  Once again, we’re excited to have reset the benchmark when it comes to ‘intelligently engineered’ apparel.  Like all Project:X items, this one does half the work for you!

For more information on the fantastic range of 2XU garments then follow the team on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Images & Intro text courtesy of 2XU