Michael Rogers - Super domestique
In the lead up to the Tour de France, Michael Rogers was one of the form riders. He won the 2012 Bayern-Rundfahr and was second overall 2012 Critérium du Dauphiné. He was a natural choice to lead Bradley Wiggin's tilt at the 2012 Tour de France title.
He has not disappointed. He has been by Wiggin's side, leading the chase on most of the dangerous attacks and dictating the pace of the peloton. While Rogers has not enjoyed personal success at the Tour, he has at least helped Wiggins to the yellow jersey and most importantly kept it. Who will forget the work that Rogers did in front of the peloton over the monster climbs during Stage 11 as well as reeling in the Evans attack on climb to Glandon. Rogers efforts to lead the Sky train was equal to Christophe Kern (Europcar) who did all the work for Stage winner Pierre Rolland.
It is great to see Rogers back to full health and dominating the tour in his new super domestique role. After 13 stages, is in 25th place, 33.13 minutes behind yellow jersey holder.
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| Photo: Graham Watson. |
However, while most fans in Australia has been enjoying Rogers and Richie Porte lead the Team Sky train, the same cannot be said about some of the so-called Aussie fans on the mountains that have been hurling abuse Rogers and Richie Porte because they have been helping Wiggins (a British rider) at the expense of Aussie hopeful Cadel Evans. Rogers said on twitter 'Perhaps the Aussie's booing
There is no room for this nationalist behaviour in cycling. These fans that take their combie across the English channel with their Aussie flags and boxing kangaroos have no understanding of cycling. It is a team sport, not a national race. We do not abuse a South Australian AFL player that plays for Geelong when they play Port Adelaide or the Crows. I hope this behaviour ends now.
Rupert Guinness reports on this disgraceful behaviour in the Sunday Age.
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/cycling/fan-insults-shock-australians-20120714-2235a.html
Allison Rice - heading to the World Championships
This week Canberra's and Suzuki-Trek cycling hopeful received the news that she had been selected for the 2012 UCI junior road world championships in the Netherlands. Allison will be hoping that she can better her 18th spot in the time trial during the 2011 World Championships in Denmark.
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/cycling/rice-off-to-world-titles-20120710-21u8d.html
DBR Canberra Women's Tour - Results
The fourth event of the Women's Subaru National Road Series was held in Canberra between 6 and 8 July. Beck Wiasak was the most successful local rider winning Stage 1 time trial and recording a second place in the fourth stage. The local knowledge around Stromlo proved to be very useful for Beck.
Unfortunately, there was no GC success for Canberra riders, although Megan Bagworth helped fellow Boss Constructions/Nutrixxion teammate Ashlee Ankudinoff take out third spot on the GC.
Given a strong team performance over the last two events has pushed Suzeki-Trek into overall second spot on the women's ranking.
Allison Rice was the best ACT rider, finishing in 14th spot. ACT riders in the top 50 were:
| Place | Race No | Last Name (*= U19W) | First Name | Team | Gap |
| 14 | 12 | RICE*, | Allison | Suzuki/Trek | +07:51 |
| 17 | 22 | MEADLEY, | Laura | Suzuki/Trek | +10:19 |
| 19 | 2 | WIASAK, | Beck | Suzuki/Trek | +12:14 |
| 21 | 59 | NICHOLLS*, | Alexandria | Vikings CC ACT | +12:34 |
| 26 | 37 | VIOTTO, | Emma | Suzuki/Trek | +16:10 |
| 34 | 5 | WELLS, | Kimberley | Specialized Women SA | +20:53 |
| 41 | 27 | BAGWORTH, | Megan | Boss Constructions/Nutrixxion | +26:52 |
Given a strong team performance over the last two events has pushed Suzeki-Trek into overall second spot on the women's ranking.
Giro delle Donne
The Giro delle Donne finished in Bergamo last Saturday after nine tough stages. There was a record ACT participation in the event in 2012.
Overall ACT riders did well with Chloe Hosking, Team Specialized - Lululemon the best finisher in 47th spot, Gracie Elvin, Faren Honda Team (74th) and Jessie MacLean ,Orica-AIS (76th). Unfortunately, Miffy Galloway Faren Honda Team was unable to finish the third stage.
Chloe also finished 12th in the overall points and young riders classification.
I am sure the ACT women will be back in 2013, stronger and better prepared after their experience this year.
WHERE ARE THE CANBERRA RIDERS THIS WEEK AND PAST RESULTS?
Michael Rogers (Team Sky) - Michael will continue his efforts to help Bradley Wiggins secure his maiden Tour de France title.
Team Suzuki-Trek including guest rider Mitch Lovelock-Fay have been participating in the Star of the Indian Ocean Tour at La Reunion (a french Island in the Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar). Mitch took out the 11th Star of the Indian Ocean Tour after a run of solid results, including a TTT win and a second in Stage 4. Apparently the team was without Ben Hill who somehow forgot his passport.
Fabio Calabria (Team Type 1 - Sanofi) - No success for Calabria in the Tour of Qinghai Lake finishing 110th in the GC. Hard to get a result with riders like Andrea Guardini in the race. After several weeks away from home, he is probably heading back to Europe.
Matt Hayman (Team Sky) - Matt is currently 52nd on the GC after five stages. He has been instrumental in helping Sky rider, Ben Swift win several stages. He secured a top 10 finish (9th) on the fourth stage.
Rory Sutherland (Team UnitedHealthcare) - Rory missed out on a podium finish at the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix that was held on 8 July. He was more successful at the Tour of America’s Dairyland’s Commonwealth Classic in Wisconsin where he picked up a second place finish.
Chloe Hosking (Team Specialized - Lululemon) - Chloe will be participating in the Internationale Thüringen Rundfahrt der Frauen (Germany) between 16 and 22 July before heading off to the Olympics.
Nathan Haas (Garmin-Sharp) - Nathan will be at the start line at the Tour of Wallone that commences on 21 July.
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