Michael Rogers - Returning to form for another crack at the Tour?
Rogers has returned to form with his recent win at the Bayern-Rundfahrt, which included two stage wins. While his main role will be to assist Wiggins win back to back Critérium du Dauphiné titles, I expect Rogers to put in a strong performance on the opening Prologue after winning the Stage 4 ITT at the Bayern-Rundfahrt. Nice interview of Rogers at the end of the video.
In 2010 after a disappointing Tour de France, Rogers indicated that he would concentrate on shorter races rather than the grueling three week grand tours. However, if Rogers' backs up with a strong performance at the Dauphine after victory at the Bayern-Rundfahr, he may well be packing his bags for the Tour de France. It will also be dependent on whether TeamSky push for sprinting and overall honours.
Mat Hayman - Not doing his Tour de France chances any harm?
Hayman was out of the blocks with a bang on the first stage of the Tour of Luxembourg with a fourth spot in the opening prologue. He followed up this performance on the third stage by getting into the opening breakaway. He picked up a bag full of mountain points before the breakaway was caught. With one stage to go, Hayman is sitting in 54th spot.
Some early season form in the Classics and the work that Hayman has been doing for the team at the Tour of Luxembourg should mean that Hayman name should be the one of the first chosen to assist Wiggin's bid to win the Tour de France.
No success at the Tour of Gironde for the Canberra contingent
Drapac Porsche was well represented by Canberra riders at the Tour of Gironde (France). Adam Phelan was close to securing the KOM jersey, but was pipped by an Orbea rider on day three. Adam Phelan finished in 13th spot after a strong showing on the first stage. He was the best placed Canberra rider. Stuart Shaw came in at 55th.
Canberra girls raced at the Exergy Tour
No success for either Myfanwy Galloway or Jessie McClean at the Exergy Tour. Unfortunately both Galloway or McClean did not finish the third stage which included some big mountain climbing. No overall success for their respective teams, although McClean's managed to pick up a fourth overall. Miffy traded in the cleats and lycra for the spurs and chaps after the event to take up some good old fashioned horse riding. I expect to see Miffy back on the bike soon.
Hosking still waiting for news on Olympic berth
Hosking in Canberra for her sister's engagement party is still waiting for news on whether her bid for a road racing spot has been successful. The media coverage of Hosking continues to grow in momentum with another feature in the Canberra Times. http://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/cycling/hosking-lets-bike-do-the-talking-20120602-1zoq8.html Looking forward to seeing Hosking return to racing in Europe.
Local Canberra racing
Even with terrible weather and rain approaching, 45 local riders braved low temperatures and wet roads to race the Canberra Cycling Club Uriarra Homestead Scratch Race yesterday (2 June 2012). Race details and results can be found at: http://www.canberracyclingclub.org.au/events/details.asp?IntContId=1664&IntCatId=33
Next race of the winter racing season starts on 16 June.
Canberra juniors performed extremely well at the Goulburn Junior Tour with several top 5 results across the different age groups. Provisional results can be found at http://www.nsw.cycling.org.au/cy_nsw/races/?f=2012/12102/12102.htm.
Where are Canberra riders racing?
Michael Rogers (TeamSky) - The Critérium du Dauphiné commences with the Prologue in Grenoble tonight. Coverage on SBS. Grenoble is where Evans' steamed to victory during Stage 20 of the Tour de France last year.
Michael Matthews (Rabobank) - Matthews will be one of the leading sprint chances for Rabobank at the Dauphiné. At the bottom of the french alps there may not be many opportunities for Matthews.
Mat Hayman (TeamSky) - The final stage of the Tour of Lumenbourg tonight for Hayman. No TeamSky riders in contention for overall victory, but expect Hayman to try to help young Italian rider Puccio or Barry win the stage and get a top 10 finish.
Mitch Lovelock-Fay (Jayco-Honeyshotz) - To be confirmed, but Lovelock-Fay is likely to compete in the Tour de Singkarak in Indonesia that commences tomorrow.
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