This is a fantastic time to be a cycling enthusiast in Australia. This weekend the Jayco Herald Sun Tour begins and I hope you’re as excited as I am. This is gonna be a great upcoming week for both CT and yourselves.
Why am I so excited you ask?
Well I’ve landed a gig with Rapha as team “Lacky”. For those of you who don’t know what a Lacky is, it’s one or two steps below the Swany. Bottom of the barrel. The only thing lower is being an unpaid domestic pro rider. My responsibilities will entail odd jobs like driving a car, checking the team into the hotel, bringing their bags into their rooms, and probably passing the odd waterbottle. I’ll have a shot at directing a few attacks over the race radio if I get my hands on it, but let’s keep that hush for now.
What this also means is that I’ll be bringing you the inside scoop from behind the scenes. I’ll be taking photos, video and blogging you tips from the PROs at the end of every day. I can’t wait. This will be an awesome chance to give you guys a peek behind the curtains of the second largest race in Australia with some of the best teams in the world.
Feel free to relay any questions on to me for anyone on the Rapha team and I’ll get you the answers. If you have questions for some of the big guns like Bradley Wiggins I’ll take a stab at getting those answered as well. I encourage you to get right into this and go watch some of the stages if you get a chance.
Here’s the schedule (and website)
Sun 11 October Preface – Ballarat – Criterium
Mon 12 October Stage 1 – Ballarat to Ballarat
Tue 13 October Stage 2 – Colac to Warrnambool
Wed 14 October Stage 3 – Warrnambool to Apollo Bay
Thu 15 October Stage 4 – Anglesea to Barwon Heads
Fri 16 October Stage 5 – Geelong – Individual Time Trial
Sat 17 October Stage 6 - Melbourne – Circuit Race on Lygon St
There are 15 teams competing including big PRO outfits like Garmin Slipstream, Bissell Pro Cycling, Rock Racing, Rapha Condor, Fly V and Prime Estate.
I’m tipping that Wiggins will take the overall if he’s not over it at this time of the season, but Kristian House has shown that he can beat the best of them and has a strong team behind him. The Fly V guys will be looking to make a big statement as after Sulzburger took the Tour of Tassie. Should be an exciting week!
I’ll be pushing the boundaries on twitter so don’t forget to follow me. Guest tweets, play by play action, twitpics, etc straight to your dashboard. Watch out @LanceArmstrong…I’ll show you what tweeting a bike race is all about.
Have a great weekend, ride hard and come home safe.
[ad#ad1]
{ 64 comments }
Prime Estate are nothing without the HOUND.
Worst team selection ever
Congrats on the appointment CT, obviously you’re just in it for some more Rapha merino gear!
I look forward to your inside observations (and mid stage tweets)…. any chance of getting a guest Jayco blog from Darren Lapthorne.
Great idea. I’ll hit up Daz after he wins his first stage. Watch out for his signature solo attack at 20km to go.
Special CT Rapha offers?
That’s not a bad idea. I’ll hit em up
I’d be pumped if I was lackey-ing it up like you. Andy told me allll about it.
Bastardo!!
AWESOME. You could get a story about your experience published, I bet.
Can’t wait to hear about it. Good luck!
What’s the difference between a Lacky and a Soigneur?
The Soigneur (or swany) does the massage, makes the snacks, etc. All the important stuff. The Lacky just odd jobs and lends a helping hand (and if I get my way the Lacky will be directing a stage or two!)
Looking forward to CT’s take on the tour.
I forgot to mention that Rapha are officially launching in Australia. Here are the details straight from Rapha’s mouth:
- $20 flat shipping from the UK (usually 5days or less delivery time),
- free shipping over $500, the ability to pay in AUD
- an Australian webpage which will increasingly be adapted to Australian events etc.
- They are not stocked yet but we will be at some point.
- Their our top priority is to provide significantly more detailed sizing information. When the changes come customers will have no problem picking exactly the right size for their tastes.
This is good, I’ve been eyeing off some of their gear for quite some time!
Now I just need to start saving… That $500 free shipping deal looks like a sure thing!
I just won the rapha competition for a mate and i. I guess this means we will meet over the weekend. We both check your blog regularly and am made keen on rapha. My wife even agreed to induce our Baby early to ensure i can make it. See you next week.
Looking forward to meeting you Nick. Well done on pushing the Baby schedule to meet your priorities!
hey cycling tips is there a chance of you grabbing some biddons for us
That is Rad about Rapha. I saw their tent at Montelimar for the L’Etapee registration and was well impressed. Their lean ninja riders did a good job on the road (not so good on the Ventoux though >:) )
tim
Prime Estate a big PRO team ?? You must be joking, its simply an ego trip for a saddo, gotta feel sorry for those guys.
yes…wasn’t serious about PE, but they’ll be having fun out there.
hey I don’t see you guys putting the cash down to support a team.
Prime Estate (Australia)
Team Manager: Christopher TEAKLE
131
David McCANN
IRL
132
John CORNISH
AUS
133
Brett TIVERS
NZL
134
Mitchell PEARSON
AUS
*U23
135
Lachlan NORRIS
AUS
*U23
136
Luke FETCH
AUS
*U23
137
Peter SMITH
AUS
*U23
Four under 23 australian riders getting a start, looks like a good thing to me.
Lets think about other U23 riders who got a start in the suntour then went on to do better things in the pro peleton.
enough said !
Good to see a local product making a start and their Tour of Tassie form was solid.
Brett Tivers is showing some good form and might surprise in a stage or two.
Its not the riders that are the worry, hear about the last time the manager took a team on a plane?
I don’t think we need to go there. Always takes two to tango.
PE is doing a great thing for development from the club level upwards and I think we should acknowledge the positive effect that has.
I agree this is not the forum for personal sledging – especially when it comes from ANONYMOUS.
Even though you were trying to take the piss cyclingtips your big PRO outfits like Garmin Slipstream, Bissell Pro Cycling, Rock Racing, Rapha Condor, Fly V and Prime Estate were the six best ranked teams, apart from Rock Racing that didnt finish with enough riders.
I hope you both have a little think about that
I don’t think you got what I was saying Alberto. I was saying that they ARE some big pro outfits and wasn’t taking the piss (not sure why you misunderstood that) – all except for Prime Estate, which I added in there because I know the guys. However PE did awesome out there and impressed me with what they did.
I realised I didnt word it correctly, it was more pointed at your joke about prime estate and anonymous’s comments, I think we can all agree they mixed quite well with those big teams, finishing 2nd australian team and 6th team overall. I dont think PE are the ones anon should be feeling sorry for
I’m thinking PE should approach Napisan for some more sponsorship to try and keep those kits white :)
Great stuff CT!
I dont suppose there are highlights streaming on the net anywhere for those unable to attend in person?
I think ONE HD will have highlights.. think..
From the tour site –
TV Coverage
The 2009 Jayco Herald Sun Tour will be broadcast on ONE at the following times:
Sunday, 11 October 8:20pm – 9:20pm
Monday, 12 October 8:30pm – 9:00pm
Tuesday, 13 October 8:30pm – 9:00pm
Wednesday, 14 October 9:00pm – 9:30pm
Thursday, 15 October 9:00pm – 9:30pm
Friday, 16 October 8:30pm – 9:00pm
Saturday, 17 October 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Christmas has come early for WW!
Lucky you Wade, that’s a great gig for loads of reasons! I was wearing the Rapha kit on the bircher ride this morning, I still don’t look as “Rapha Model” as the Gypo though. I’ll be down from Thursday morning onwards following the womens’ support race then the full race, no doubt I’ll see you there.
Not sure who is on Twitter following Brad Wiggins but this was posted a few min ago.
bradwiggins: Long shot but anyone fancy a bike ride @3.30 from St Kilda for 2h?? (13 minutes ago from mobile web)
I’m in! @bradwiggins
OK. Are you serious? Brad Wiggins just posted a group ride on his twitter. Why the hell do i live in Brisbane… I could get a flight before 3.30, but I don’t own a bike box. Anyone got a 55cm-ish bike with shimano pedals for me?
Don’t forget we’re an hour ahead of you now.. So our 3.30 is your 2.30..
Yep – meet at 3:30 on the corner of Fitzory and the Prince of Wales hotel (29 Fitzroy st).
Remember Cycliquette! ;-)
View Larger Map
You guys start and I’ll catcher you up on the road.
Don’t forget to mount your Go Pro. Should I bring mine also? ;)
Awesome idea! Give those of us stuck at our desks a chance to experience ‘what might have been…’
Me to Boss – Can I PLEASE leave early to go ride?
Boss to Me – I’m too busy to go, so if I can’t go, neither can you!
Me = Grumpy :(
Why do I have a 9 to 5 job? This sux!!!
Wade, make sure you have your helmet cam on for this one.
Mike
Nice work Wade! A friend of mine Swany’s for a team on and off and has a ball doing it!
I can’t wait! Both to see the tour, and to be apart of it.. I’ll be around Thu/Fri/Sat.. Hopefully will pick up some tips watching the guys after I’ve been dropped in the Womens Tour!
Nice work Wade with the Rapha gig. In turning a lovely shade of green about now. :D I’ll be at the tour on Thurs, Fri and Sat (supporting my other half in the Women’s Tour) so I will make sure to drop by the Rapha crew to say hi (and scope out any Rapha “bargains” LOL).
Now.. can I get my work done in time to duck home, grab the bike and scoot down to St Kilda by 3.30…
Maybe I can knock off work a bit early… I’m starting to feel a little ill actually… ;)
let’s get magda in st kilda this arvo, go for a ride with wiggo- great photo op after furore….
Nice work CT. Look forward to the no doubt extensive data feed over the next few days! Enjoy!
Pfft, as long as wiggins can hold Richie Porte’s wheel he may stand a chance of winning
Great to see a local tr=eam throw there hat into the ring
gotta hand to teaks and the Primeestate Team for giving it a go .
It takes heaps of effort and commitment to do this and for every knocker there is 1000 supporters.
Yep I’m with Teaks on this. His commitment to cycling, mens and womens teams is fantastic. Go Prime Estate, GO McCann.
teakle is putting his name and his money where his mouth is.
good on him.
GO PRIME ESTATE!!!! Look out for the girls in the Honda Hybird Women’s Herald Sun Tour starting Thurs and finishing with the crit in Lygon St with the guys. Go the girls, it isn’t all about the boys!!!
Teakes has put blood sweat and tears to get the PE team in 2009 HST!! It is awesome for Australian cycling and an amazing opportunity for those of us that get to be a part of it.
Go JoJo, I will have to speak to Jen and Gez, so we can get a cheer squad for you! Go Prime Real Estate! Why are Aussies always ready to criticize instead of supporting people having a go?
This sport is hard enough for young riders in this country, anywhere in fact even with the current level of support. Any sponsor who wants to plow $ into any young and aspiring cyclist in this country is not only helping the immediate generation but those to follow. Those bagging PE should be reminded about how the competitive scene was like in the 80s and 90s……little or nothing!
Well done btw WW
Go DL :)!!
Teakle is putting his own hard earned into young Aussie riders. Good on him. Bad form Anon.
Is any site streaming the race coverage for us expats?
wht way did you go i didnt see him!!! after rushing home from school i dont see him!!!
Keep up the good work Teaks! No one is as passionate about cycling as you man. I admire any one who has such commitment.
You have given some lucky young local riders a fantastic opportunity to experience the Pro circuit and who knows? It’s such a shame some Australians are such knockers.
I’ll be waiting for your reports!!!
Have fun.
João
Calling all Rapha fans!
Great to see a class act like CT involved with our team.
For those attending Saturday’s events (17th) we’ll be set up at Balzari’s, 130 Lygon Street.
Please come and see pretty much the full kit from 12pm-4:30pm
Best
Rapha Aust
See or See and buy?
The products will only be available to see on Sat 17th at Balzari’s. Whilst we are working towards having a retail offering in Australia for the time being the kit will only be available through rapha.cc.
Cheers
There is always lots of negative about PE and some is deserved for their attitude. But you can’t knock the guy for his effort in giving riders a go. It’s up to the riders from there.
But cycling at sponsorship level is also about a positive image and this needs to be remembered. It is always about perception. Bad press runs much faster than good press.
Prime Estate mens team implodes, manager leaves, funny how history repeats over and over….. Lowest common denominator???
Comments on this entry are closed.