Canberra Cycling Corner - Weekly update

The cycling world was turned upside down this week with the news that Lance Armstrong no longer had the energy and drive to fight the doping charges that had been leveled at him by the US Anti-Doping Agency. Lance said "enough is enough" and would not fight the USADA charges.  What does this all mean? At stake is his seven Tour de France wins. That decision will however rest with the UCI and the Tour de France organisers.



US IS A FERTILE GROUND FOR CANBERRA CYCLISTS

Rory Sutherland continues his impressive form on the US racing circuit.  After winning a stage at the Tour of Utah and finishing second to Michael Matthews for the sprinters jersey, Rory claimed the six stage of the US Pro Challenge this morning.

Sutherland used his local knowledge to be the first to conquer Flagstaff Mountain. According media reports, stage 6 is the biggest stage of the biggest race in the US. The name Rory Sutherland may just well be etched into US Cycling folklore after that impressive win.

Sutherland and teammate Chris Jones got into a 14 man breakaway. He saved his energy to launch a counter attack on the approach to Flagstaff Mountain after Jen Voigt attacked. Sutherland, after the race, said "It’s pretty big. That’s the one. That’s the one"  He went on to say "My wife, my little boy’s here, all my friends. I’m not from here, officially, obviously, but this is home to me."

According to fellow Aussie, Ben Day, this stage was the one that every cyclist that lives in Boulder, Colorado, wants to win.

A big shout out for Rory. 

Sutherland climbing Flagstaff Mountain - No room for team cars.

http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/road/news/39179/sutherland-wins-while-leipheimer-takes-lead-at-usa-pro-challenge

WEEKLY UPDATE OF RACES AND RESULTS

Michael Matthew (Rabobank) - Matthews was unable to replicate his success in the US at the Vattenfall Cyclassics in Hamburg. Unfortunately, Matthews was unable to finish the race.

Nathan Haas (Garmin-Sharp) - Haas is currently racing in the US Pro Challenge. What feels like his 4th race in as many weeks, unfortunately there has not been any success for Haas.  He finished in 75th position on Flagstaff Mountain and is also currently in 75th spot overall.

Rory Sutherland (United Healthcare) - Won Stage 6 of the US Pro Challenge in Colorado this morning. Is currently sitting in 37th spot. 

Micheal Rogers (Team Sky) - After a long summer, Michael has continued his strong performance at the Tour of Denmark.  Rogers managed to finish in 11th spot in the time trial overnight and after 5 stages is sitting in 9th spot.

Fabio Calabria (Team Type 1 -Sanofi) - After racing in Italy, Fabio heads to Brazil for the Tour do Rio, a five stage race.  Clocking up the frequent flyers points Fabio!!!!!

Jessie Maclean (GreenEdge-AIS) - Jessie continues her solid form in Europe for GreenEdge in 2012.  She finished in 32 spot in the Open de Suède Vargarda. She is riding for the Australian team at the Lotto-Decca Tour in Belgium. Jessie finished 9th during the first stage.

Chloe Hosking (Team Specialized-Lululemon) - After France, Chloe heads to Belgium for the Lotto-Decca Tour.  No success during the first stage, finishing down in 42nd position.

Miffy Galloway (Team Faren Honda) - No luck at the Open de Suède Vargarda in Sweden for Miffy G. Unfortunately Miffy did not finish the race, however, teammate Rochelle Gilmore finished in 15th spot.

Gracie Elvin (Team Faren Honda) - Raced in the GP de Plouay overnight in testing conditions.  Finished down the classification in 60th spot.  It was Elvin's first road World Cup race.

Allison Rice (Team Australia) - Rochelle Gilmore tweeted early in the week that Allison joined the Australian team at the Lotto-Decca Tour in the lead up to the World Championship. I have not been able to confirm the entry.