How did your signing to the OCBC Singapore Continental Cycling Team team come about?

I knew Daniel, the team DS, through a different cycling channel. I got word that he was looking for a sprinter, backed myself to be able to fill that role and applied. After a month or so Daniel got back to me and told me I was successful. I could not believe what I was reading the day it came in, my mind was blank all save a huge “WOW!”

How is it being the sole Australian on the team?

As I’m the one coming into an Asian team the onus is really on me to adapt to all that comes with the Asian culture and therefore how they choose to run a team. There has been a lot of learning, but to experience something so far removed from what I have grown up with I feel can only be positive. The flip side is that a lot of Aussie expressions, humour and even my accent gets lost in translation (in spite of everyone on the team speaking English). I’m trying to work a bit of it in (Vegemite is one, but it’s a bit of a losing battle with all but one of my team mates), but reality is I have to think a little before I do some things. Again, goes back to onus being on me to adapt and try to be as respectful to their culture as I can.

What have been your impressions of the cycling culture in Asian countries?

It is certainly on the rise. In spite of the size of Singapore (and the traffic!) it’s immensely popular. However to avoid all the cars it’s not uncommon for my team mates (when back home) to be up and riding by 4:30 in the morning! I thought I had it rough back home when I had to meet a 5:30 bunch, the boys take it to the next level. In a lot of ways though they are foced in to it, as not only does the traffic get crazy but the heat and humidity kicks in. So they are all early risers!

You had the opportunity to race in the Tour of Langkawi UCI sanctioned event. Apart from the disappointment of withdrawing due to illness, how was the experience?

Overwhelmingly I felt a huge sense of honour. Coming into the team and to be given a spot on what is arguably the biggest race at present in Asia was huge. Then to be rolling along in the peloton alongside guys like Alexander Vinokourov, Dave Zabriskie and Andre Guardini (the latter two I actually spent a bit of time with, given we’re all on about the same level of climbing ‘prowess’) was incredible. Also gave me a bit of self-belief and got me to think I might actually be able to race at this level. Was also great chatting to riders of different nationalities (anyone who knows me knows I love a chat). A few of the Farnese Vini guys were great and struggled along with my very poor Italian. Still managed to have a chat about their bikes and the race, which was great.

Funniest was probably with Vino, was next to him and near the back on the day the peloton was at full gas (Stage 3 I think) for the final 30km to pull back the break. I laughed and said to him “crazy finish eh” and he laughed back “good tempo”. We were doing between 55-60km/h! Flat road. Fun times!

The OCBC Singapore Continental Cycling Team is the new kid on the bloke. What are the teams and your goals for 2012?

We are really hoping to get ourselves noticed and some podiums. Loh Sea Keong has come into the team, not only did he have a great Langkawi but has also really helped instil an aim that whenever breaks go we want to have someone covering it. That way at the very least we’re getting the sponsor’s name out there but also making sure we’re in a position to possibly be in the mix for the finish.

I read that none of the riders are paid an allowance. How does a man survive?

It’s tough. When I was confirmed for the team I started saving like mad, which is what is getting me by at the moment. It’s been said many times and is very true, you don’t get into cycling to get rich. Which is fine by me, as I feel there’s no real ‘mercenaries’, everyone is in the sport and racing because they love it and have a real passion. Besides which, without that you get found out pretty quickly.

Singapore is big for karaoke, have you belted out any Cold Chisel tunes as yet?

Haha! Funny you say that. Had the iPod in a week or so ago and Driving Wheels came on (yes, I know it’s not Cold Chisel but still Jimmy!). Anyway, figured no one knows me or the song so belted it out at the top of my lungs. Was pretty cathartic! And because I’m not in Australia my logic said it doesn’t make me a bogan.

You are obviously a rider who had a dream to race with a pro team, any advice for a young kid with a similar vision?

Never, ever, take no for an answer. I had it a lot and am still getting it, but made a vow to never let it get me down. Like the saying goes, there’s more than one way to skin a cat. Take stock of what approach you took, look at what you think went wrong, and try, try again.

Who was your favourite rider growing up?

I was pretty late getting into cycling, only started watching a bit in the late 90’s and didn’t get ‘fully’ intoit until mid 2000’s. Boonen and Stuie O’Grady were two I looked up to. And after the 2008 Milan San-Remo Fabian. Favourite would still be Fabian now. That said, there are so many Aussie riders who leave me in awe. From Cam Meyer to local guys like Tom Leper and my local club president John Burtt. The latter of which is pushing 60, yet still rides open men’s and still has a very good kick on him. He was in fact the main man who got me in to racing, encouraged me to push myself and keeps my feet on the ground – so I have a lot to be very thankful to him for.

What’s next on your calendar?

Tour of Philippines, starting on the 14^th of April. It’s taking an incredible 3 flights to get there from our base here in Chiang Mai. I’m really starting to appreciate why sportsmen and women really have a dislike for airports…

Do you have a favourite ride back home in Australia?

Anything along the Great Ocean Road. I’m pretty spoiled to have such an incredible coast line at my disposal for training. The best rides are along there with the boys on an easy day. This normally follows a big night – so lots of talk about the antics we got up to.

You and three guests of your choice sit down at Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling…who are the guests and why?

Tom Waits would certainly be first choice. Dig his tunes and he seems like a crazy cat. Plus he tells some great tales on stage and loves a drink, so makes perfect sense to have him along.

Statler and Waldorf from The Muppets. They come as a double act, so by my reckoning they count as one. Whenever I’m feeling a little down and need a laugh I pop some of their clips on YouTube on, hilarity ensures.

Monica Bellucci. She would not need to say a word. What a woman.

To follow Nick’s progress then check out either the official team website or follow Nick on Twitter

Australia had another opportunity to increase their medal tally with Anna Meares being the stand-out favourite in the 500m Time Trial. As Meares ‘pet’ race, the crowd were certainly backing her for the win which she did; smashing the World Record set by Simona Krupeckaite (LTU) in 2009 with a final time of 33.010 and an average speed of 54.528km/h! Last night there were Twitters of Meares to lead the Australian Olympic team; tonight to lead the country as Prime Minister! Miriam Welte (GER) took out the silver and Jessica Varnish (GBR) the bronze.

The men’s Keirin, involving Sir Chris Hoy (GBR), Jason Kenny (GBR), Maximilian Levy (GER) and Simon Van Velthooven (NZL) was set to be a nail-biter with the gold up for grabs and potentially belonging to any one of these top riders. Levy led the way but Hoy showed explosive power in the final stages of the race, crossing the line for a photo finish. Commissaires confirmed Hoy had grabbed the gold, Levy finishing with the silver and Kenny in the bronze position. Van Velthooven was relegated for entering the sprinters lane when the opponent was already there.

With only one event left to race, Australia and Great Britain were tied at the top of the medal tally. Could Australia make the break with gold medal hopefuls, Cameron Meyer (AUS) and Leigh Howard (AUS) reclaiming the championship in the men’s 50km Madison?

After sprint 7/10 the standings were: AUT (4) +1, BEL 19, GBR 13, AUS 7, RUS 5. Clearly our boys had some work to do. After sprint 8/10 we had edged our way into third position (9) behind Belgium (19) and Great Britain (16). Although gaining points over the remaining sprint laps, Australia did not contest the final sprint with the Belgians proving too strong taking with win with a total of 24 points ahead of Great Britain silver, and Howard and Meyer bronze.

No complaints here though as 602nds, for the first time, have witnessed a highly successful and entertaining World Track Championship event. The 2013 World Championships are to be held in Minsk, Belarus where the Australian’s are certain to top their medal tally of 6 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze! Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!

The Australian team continued their quest for gold when National and now World Champion, Michael Hepburn (AUS) edged out Jack Bobridge (AUS) in what was an exciting sprint for gold in the men’s Individual Pursuit race. It was a disappointment for Rohan Dennis (AUS) in the race for bronze being won by Westley Gough (NZL).

It was a field of dreams for the British in the men’s sprint race with some of their top guns all vying for the opportunity to qualify for the finals and fight it out for a place on the podium. However, disappointment followed when World and Olympic champion, Chris Hoy (GBR) failed to qualify for the race for gold, instead battling it out against Australia’s Shane Perkins for bronze. Despite the home crowd support and a fantastic effort by Perkins, the Aussie was defeated.

With Hoy out of contention the British hopes for gold now rode on the back of Jason Kenny (GBR) who would face France’s powerhouse, Gregory Bauge (FRA). It was a gutsy ride by Kenny who led from the gun and crossed the line in first position. However, the decision as to who would be crowned World Champion rested in the hands of commissaires with Kenny relegated for infringing the sprinting line.

With so much nail-biting excitement and at times, controversial decision-making one could only wonder if the night could get any more interesting. With the final of the men’s points race (40km) still to be decided Australia’s hopes for gold rested on Cameron Meyer (AUS). Leading for the majority of the race, Ben Swift (GBR) had his eye on the top podium position. It was when Meyer, coming at him from behind with such force and determination, managed to lap the field, gaining the 20 bonus points and taking out the final sprint in the race. The crowd waited in nervous anticipation as points were tallied. The applause and support for Meyer was deafening when it was finally announced that by one point he was World Champion.  Silver went to Ben Swift (GBR) and bronze to Kenny De Ketele (BEL). 

With the emotions running high from tonight’s races, we are sure to be on the edge of our seats for the last of the finals tomorrow.

"Gold Medal Podium for cameron"

'The emotion of winning gold"

Photos courtesy of JXPPhotography.

"Anna Meares & Kaarle McCulloch"

"World Champs"

"Sir Chris Hoy"

"Shane Perkins"

"Great Britain Men's Team Pursuit"

"Ben Swift"

"Australian Men's Team Sprint"

"Hard work on the sideline"

"Kaarle McCulloch"

 

The 602nds team would like to thank Jarrod of jxpphotography for providing     supporting images of all the action at the 2012 UCI World Track Cycling Championships. 

 jxpphotography is a Melbourne based sports photographer, dedicated to capturing the very best in local and international sporting events. 

Working with some of the biggest names in sports media, Jarrod is a passionate sports fan but specializes  in cycling photos; track, road and time trials capturing the pain, the triumph and the pressure. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos credit Attila Kisbenedek & Josie Tomic Official Website.

The 2XU Cruise Jacket (M21884a) is designed with high strength elastane for flexibility while also providing long lasting shape.

From a fit perspective, typically when I have purchased other jackets they have had problems with length through the waist and arms (too short). The 2XU Cruise Jacket had none of these issues as it had sleeves that were just the right length for my longer than standard arms.

The sides and rear of the jacket were just the right length to keep my 6’2 height warm without riding up my body.  The sleeves feature elastane providing a grip to keep them from also riding up the arms.

The Cruise Jacket also has a slim, race cut fit which didn’t have any access material to flap around which I liked. The jacket also comes with side pockets and thumb holes.

The second jacket we will look at is the 2XU X:C1 Cycle Jacket (MC1728a). While we don’t experience the sub zero temperatures of Europe, at some stage a jersey and arm warmers won’t be enough through winter.

The 2XU Cycle Jacket with its Swiss membrane technology is designed to simply respond to temperature change. The technology of this jacket traps heat for greater warmth while remaining light for enhanced moisture control.

Amazing engineering was put into the 2XU Cycle Jacket design process. The jacket provides angled pockets for easy access, 360 degree reflectivity for those dark mornings, concealed chest pocket, eyewear docks and a comfortable tailored fit.

The 2XU Cycle Jacket is one of the best purchases I have made though the wallet took a hit so visit your local 2XU Performance Centre and see if they will cut you a deal. You won’t regret the investment.

Footnote: 602nds purchased both of the above products and is in no way affiliated with 2XU.

Melbourne’s Hisense Arena will host the 2012 UCI Track Cycling World Championships from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 April, 2012. The stakes are high as the championships will see up to 350 competitors from over 40 different countries battle it out for the much coveted rainbow jersey and is the final qualifying event for the 2012 London Olympics.

Both men and women will compete in Sprint, Individual Time Trial, Keirin, Individual and Team Pursuit, Points Race, Omnium and Scratch races with the men fighting it out in the prestigious Madison race. At this stage, the Australians (naturally), British and German are amongst the leaders in track cycling however, the French & Russian are not to be underestimated.

Sprint
Raced over three laps, the sprint is a one-on-one event with earlier rounds featuring up to three or more cyclists. The race is a display of tactics as riders try to force their opponent into the unenviable position of lead rider… that is, until the final 200 metres (which is, the only timed period of the race) where riders launch their attack, grit their teeth and hope to cross the line first.

Individual Time Trial
Riders, from a standing start, battle the clock with men competing over a one kilometre distance, and women over 500 metres. The fastest takes the glory.

Keirin
Similar to the sprint, the Keirin involves more riders (between four and ten) riding over a distance of two kilometres. Riders are paced in the early laps behind a Derny motorcycle which slowly increases the speed of the race; exiting the race with 600-700 metres remaining, the first rider to cross the line is the winner.

Individual Pursuit and Team Pursuit: Men 4km / Women 3km
As the name suggests, this team event involves four men and three women, starting on opposite sides of the track, remaining together for the duration of the race, as the finishing time is taken from the third rider to cross the line, noting that only three of the four men are required to finish.

The Individual Pursuit involves two individual riders, starting from opposite sides of the track, ‘pursuing’ each other with the winner declared as being the rider with either the quickest time or the one who catches and passes their opponent.

Points Race: Men 30km / Women 20km
A longer distance race of between 120 – 160 laps of the velodrome, the Points Race sees riders sprint every ten laps gaining points allocated to the top four riders in each sprint.

If a rider manages to lap the main field, an additional 20 points is awarded. The overall winner of the race is the rider who has accrued the most points at the finish line.

Scratch Race: Men 15km / Women 10km
The Scratch race gets the adrenalin pumping with a bunch start of riders racing an assigned distance with placing’s determined during the final sprint, taking into account laps gained.

Tactics are important in this event with endurance riders keeping the pace fast and furious in an effort to eliminate the sprint specialists who in turn will try and shelter within the group to conserve their strength for the final laps.

Omnium
The Omnium is made up of six events and is contested over two consecutive days.
The final classification is established by adding up the finishing places in each event.
The winner is the rider who has the lowest total.

Men’s Omnium Events
• Flying lap
• Points race (30 km)
• Elimination race
• Individual pursuit (4 km)
• Scratch race
• Kilometre time trial

Women’s Omnium Events
• Flying lap
• Points race (20 km)
• Elimination race
• Individual pursuit (3 km)
• Scratch race
• 500 m time trial

Did you know?
The Madison had its beginnings, at Madison Square Gardens,
in 1898 as a way of circumventing laws passed in Illinois and New York, USA
aimed at restricting the exhaustion of cyclists taking part in six-day races

Madison
The Madison begins with riders from both teams on the track, however after the first lap only one member from each team is allowed on the track at any given time. When teams want to replace their rider, the new rider circles the velodrome high on the banking wall until a changeover can occur.

Changeovers are technical and often dangerous as new riders are ‘slingshot’ forward onto the track. The points scoring is similar to the Points race with points being awarded for sprint finishes every twenty laps. There are three ways to win the Madison; Points, laps and final sprint. The team that accrues the most laps is the winner.

If more than one team has ridden the same number of laps they are placed according to points won. If there is a draw on laps and points the order across the line in the final sprint decides the placing.

The Madison, which even we struggled to get our heads around, is the culminating event prior to the 2012 London Olympics and is sure to be a highlight of the UCI World Track Championships.

The British have set the challenge by announcing their team which includes Sir Chris Hoy, Ed Clancy and Victoria Pendleton Watch this space to see if the likes of these World Champion riders can be beaten to the podium.

602nds will be bringing you all the latest news and updates from the UCI World Track Championships, including race programs, results and interviews via Facebook and Twitter… However, don’t trust us, just follow us and keep us track amateurs informed @_cyclegirl_ , @TaraG602nds and @602nds.

Photos taken at London Track World Cup 2012, Credit to  Paul Stewart aka @track_stewsie

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!