Canberra Cycling Corner - Weekly Update

It was another big week for Canberra cyclist around the world. Nathan Haas finally showed the world why Garmin-Sharp opened the cheque book and signed him up last year after a huge National Road Series in Australia.

ROGERS PULLS OUT OF THE 2012 UCI ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

After the disappointment of hearing Rory Sutherland had withdrawn from the Australian long-list, we heard today that one of two ACT riders in the men's elite road race had withdrew from the world champs.  Michael Rogers tweeted earlier today that inflamed tonsils were the reason for his withdrawal.  He is hoping that he will be better to compete at the Tour of China in a couple of weeks. 

Rogers withdrawal will be a huge loss for the young and inexperienced Australian team.  With O'Grady, Evans and Hayman already unavailable, Rogers gave the team much needed experience.

Rogers misfortune could be bonus for in form ACT rider, Nathan Haas, who is predicted to be one of the riders that could be brought into the squad.

HAAS SURPRISES EVERYONE AT THE TOUR OF BRITAIN

Just like last year during the Australian National Road Series, Nathan Haas (Garmin-Sharp) has come into top form during the second half of the season, finishing second at the Tour of Britain - 18 seconds behind the winner Jonathan Tiernan-Locke (Endura Racing). While everyone was talking about Leigh Howard (Orica-GreenEdge) as a potential GC winner, it was Haas that slipped under the radar with a number of top 10 finishes to almost take out the Tour, including a third place on the Tour's Queen stage - Stage 6.

Let's hope there is a call-up to the Australian squad after a solid performance in Britain.  Well done Nathan.  Less hope 2013 with be the breakthrough year.

Haas with winner Tiernan-Locke and third place Daniel Caruso (Liquigas)

BUCHANAN MAKES UP FOR A DISAPPOINTING OLYMPICS

While there was no gold medal at the Olympics for Buchanan, the year was not without success.  Buchanan retained her BMX World Cup title with a strong performance in final round at Abbortsford Canada.  Buchanan had to recover from a spill in the final, but recovered to finish 5th.

After the race Buchanan said ''I would have loved to win today but it's good to know I was up there. Racing against the clock, I was the fastest girl but I know I still have a lot to work on next year.''

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/cycling/buchanan-willoughby-claim-world-cup-crowns-20120916-260rk.html


WHEN ARE CANBERRA RIDERS PARTICIPATING AT THE 2012 UCI ROAD WORLD CHAMPS

With the withdrawal of Rogers there are now only 5 ACT riders completing at the 2012 UCI Road World Championships in the Netherlands.  The times (local times) that they are racing are outlined below.  SBS is showing the men's and women's elite road races.

Tuesday 18 September 2012

10.30 - 12.20 - Individual Time trail, Junior Women (15,6 km) Eijsden/Margraten - Valkenburg - Allison Rice

Friday, 21 September 2012

14.00 - 16.10  - Road Race, Junior Women (65 km) Road race course - Allison Rice


Saturday, 22 September 2012

09.00 - 13.15 - Road Race, Under-23 Men (177 km) Road race course - Adam Phelan
14.30 - 17.45 - Road Race, Elite Women (129 km) Road race course - Gracie Elvin and Jessie Maclean

Sunday, 23 September 2012

10.45 - 17.00 - Road Race, Elite Men (267 km) South Limburg & Road race course  - Michael Matthews
 

EMOTIONAL RACE FOR THE 2012 GOULBURN TO SYDNEY

The 2012 edition of the Goulburn to Sydney was an emotional race for everyone, particularly Drapac, as everyone was racing in memory of the late Robbie Williams (Drapac) who died last month.  Riders observed a minute's silence in honour of Robbie before the race commenced. The best result was achieved by Brendan Johnston from Canberra team, Suzuki-Trek, who finished 9th.  Other results were:

23th       Marc Williams (Budget Forklifts);

58th       Kris Johnston (Canberra CC)

60th       Mitchell Flynn (Suzuki Trek)    

61st        Matthew Rizzuto (Canberra CC)

64th       Laurent Groom (Suzuki Trek)

67th       Thomas Palmer (Drapac Professional Cycling)

82nd      Jason Chalker (Canberra CC)

83rd       Mitchell Pearson (Suzuki Trek)

84th       Stuart Shaw (Drapac Professional Cycling)

95th       David Gillies (Canberra CC)

96th       Sam Sautelle (Suzuki Trek)

121st     Joel Finucane (Canberra CC)

125th     Alastair Loutit (GPM - Wilson Racing)

135th     Karl Michelin-Beard (Canberra CC)

WEEKLY WRAP OF RACES

With the World Champs on this week, there are only a limited number of races. 

Ben Hill (Team Australia) - Finished the Tour of China in 40th spot overall.

Joe Lewis (BMC-Hincapie Sportswear Development Team) - After a solid start, Lewis finished in 44th spot Tour of China.

Mitch Lovelock-Fay (Team Australia) - Mitch put in a big performance assisting the team. Mitch ended up finishing 56 th spot at the Tour of China.

LOCAL RACES 

Under glorious local conditions, Vikings Cycling Club held its 2012 VCC Road Race Championships around Uriarra Homestead on Saturday. The race was hosted by ANU Cycling Club and was well represented. Results of the race have not been posted. They should be found at the link below.
 



http://raceresults.vikingscycling.org.au/race/84/ 

Canberra Cycling Club holds the Lookout Hill Handicap this Saturday (22 September).  Race commences at 9.00am sharp. With no kids football, it is time to dust off the race legs and make it to my first race in 4 months.

http://www.canberracyclingclub.org.au/events/details.asp?IntContId=1683&IntCatId=33