2010 Worlds in Geelong

[Baldy]

Hey all

Im not sure if I should start a new thread or if I should ask here, so here goes...

Im looking for some advice on a route from Melbourne to Geelong. I'll be on a loaded touring bike but from what I can gather there are not any real hills in the way. Its the first half that has me a bit lost for the best way, the second half has less options so I should be ok there.

Just a rough idea would be fine. Or even just areas to avoid. Also I dont mind using shared or gravel paths if that makes any difference and traffic is no problem. I realize there is going to be a lot more of it but thats ok. I'd like to ride the whole way just because its my first time in Vic and i'd like to look around. But if catching a train[which would also be a first] some of the way is the better option then I'd be open to that. It would give me more time/energy to have a look around in Melbourne.

I could have asked a couple of people by PM but I figure someone else may benefit from the info.

Cheers
Daniel.

[brentono]

[Paula]

Certainly Geelong is gearing up!! There has been a huge call for accommodation in the area as you can imagine.
If any keen cyclists are looking for somewhere to stay I live right on the main central course - Glenleith Avenue & next to The Esplanade....and have a great house to share!
My phone number is 0433778892 if anyone is stuck for a place to stay. I know people are having trouble.
I'd not charge a great deal...just something fair.
I already have a Danish film maker covering the event who has booked in!
All Geelong residents are psyched up for the event!!

[crog]

I am ferrying it across to queenscliff and riding in to watch race anybody interested in joining me

[Mulger bill]

@Baldy.

You won't be able to take your bike on the train Melbs-GLG on race weekend. LINK
Apparently there's some sort of coach service in lieu.

Shaun

[Baldy]

No worries, I arrive on the 27th and depart on the 5th. I was thinking I might just grab a train to Werribee and ride the last bit. That will let me do a loop down to St Kilda and up towards the Yarra trail and through the CBD back towards the station. Well thats my half-arsed plan anyway, depending on how I sleep on the boat.

The boat docks at about 6:30am so ive got all day to get to Geelong.

With Brentono's elaborate map it should be no problem

[brentono]

Sorry Dan, I know your from Tassie.
You need more details, coulda said head north, till you hit Melbourne,
then turn left, and you'll get to Geelong. And if you go tooooo far,
you'll end up in Adelaide (which will serve you fkn well right)
Cheers,
BrentonO

[MichaelB]

Here's a generic Q.

Aus has selected it's 9 for the worlds - given probability, one of thiose 9 may get injured/sick/etc - can they be replaced, and if so, what is the limit/process ?

[Baldy]

Sorry Dan, I know your from Tassie.
You need more details, coulda said head north, till you hit Melbourne,
then turn left, and you'll get to Geelong. And if you go tooooo far,
you'll end up in Adelaide (which will serve you fkn well right)
Cheers,
BrentonO

Cheeky sod

Im fairly happy to play it by ear. But then again I only recently discovered I cant ride over the closest bridge[westgate I think it was called] So I could have stumbled over towards it for nothing. So I thought there might be other places to avoid. I know I cant ride on parts of the main highway which was the reason behind the train to Werribee. I'll get there, one way or the other.

I'll just jump onto the back of one of the national teams training bunches. Should be no problem with 4 panniers/rack bag and my skinny little arse

[im_no_pro]

Baldy - you cant ride on the westgate/princes fwys all the way out to Werribee, its not just the bridge. Check out the federation trail for an alternative.

[open roader]

Total UCI Road Race noobie here.....

I live less than an hour from the course so I'll be taking my camera gear and hopefully enjoying the sunshine on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons somewhere on a hill in Geelong.....

I'm trying to get my head around the nature of the competition - particularly the mens and women's elite races. I'm quite familiar with Grand Tours and the team structures those races are based upon. Am I right in thinking that there are national representative teams which will race together as a team over the distance of the course and assist one or two potential race winners (ie Cadel) to the front nearing the final stages of the race?

I find the associated web sites to be lacking in general explanation of the event(s) and the nature of the competetion.

[brentono]

Conflicting opinions

From the official site...

Can the race course be changed?
No. In order to meet the UCI’s strict criteria for the event there was no flexibility on the race course.
For Geelong to be competitive when bidding for the world championships we needed to offer a high-profile street circuit
with a suitable series of hills including an uphill finishing straight.
Without being able to offer the existing course layout Geelong would not have won the right to host the event.

http://www.geelongcity.vic.gov.au/2010cycling/services/services/article/8cc9a1e57758556.aspx

From Local Representatives, Geelong councillor Brian Harwood
and Geelong Environment Council president Joan Lindros...

Geelong councillor Brian Harwood was quoted as saying that organisers are
preparing an alternative route in the event of heavy rainfall in the lead-up to the race.

“They’ve suggested that if the Barwon River floods, Mount Pleasant Road will come further into play,” Harwood said.
“If there is extreme flooding and the Breakwater Bridge is affected they may have to look at turning the course back onto itself.”

Meanwhile, Geelong Environment Council president Joan Lindros welcomed the organisers’ initiative
in coming up with an alternative route, remembering that September had been the city’s wettest month in 2009.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/worlds-organisers-plan-for-flooding

Strange
Cheers,
BrentonO

[BarryTas]

so who eles has tickets to the Cavendish Common......i am getting excited

This will be my pre wedding honney moon, the soon to be boss LOVES watching cycling. Last year i spend all winter in the gym and she spent all winter watching the TDF .

[MichaelB]

Davis seems to be doing Ok so far at the Vuelta. $th on a stage that wiped out many of the big sprinters, so maybe riding himself into form ....

Still, long way to go and lots can happen ....

[brentono]

Good one, BarryTas

Cavendish Common

nom... apropos.

"Deserted"- Not only on a ProTour Team level, but on a National level as well.
Cavendish is being left out in the cold. (next season will be interesting?)

Geraint Thomas has withdrawn from the Great Britain team
for the Cycling World Championships in Melbourne,
citing poor form and fatigue since the Tour de France.

[ft_critical]

So I am going to post my list of potential winners:

Pozzato, Evans, Gilbert, Thor, Oscar (nose and all,) Tommy V (not sure if he will make the French team?) Goss, Fabio, wildcard Barredo/Flecha/Kolobnev

[im_no_pro]

Good one, BarryTas

Cavendish Common

nom... apropos.

"Deserted"- Not only on a ProTour Team level, but on a National level as well.
Cavendish is being left out in the cold. (next season will be interesting?)

Cavendish common is the premium ticketed viewing area at the end of Cavendish street. More of a 'clever' cycling reference than referring specifically to Mark Cavendish.

[brentono]

Cavendish common is the premium ticketed viewing area at the end of Cavendish street. More of a 'clever' cycling reference than referring specifically to Mark Cavendish.

CAVENDISH COMMON
Perfectly positioned on the track, Cavendish Common offers cycling enthusiasts a relaxed,
affordable and fun hospitality experience.
Benefits include:

•Super Screens with race commentary
•BBQ lunch and three standard drinks (beer/wine) each day
•Outdoor tables and chairs
•Shared marquee shelter trackside
•Cash bar and food available all day
•Roving entertainment and guest appearances
$255 all inclusive three-day ticket (incl. GST).

Cum se cum sa
(think you mean 'Steampacket Village')

[toolonglegs]

If Thor had a team he would be a good bet...nice ride yesterday.A sprinter with maybe just enough climbing endurance?.

[brentono]

I think it will be interesting to see, all the finalised International Teams, when they are listed.
Thor will be in the Group, a great ride, expected.
Seems Cadel Evans, has been written off by the Aussie press, as you would expect.
Gilbert, seems keen, and going very well at the moment, another contender, for sure.
There's a couple of Spaniards, with the looks.
It will be the best man on the day, though Team strength, will help.

[brentono]

Italian World's team named
Nibali and Pozzato in, Ballan and Cunego out
Team:
Filippo Pozzato (Katusha), Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Doimo), Luca Paolini (Acqua & Sapone),
Francesco Gavazzi (Lampre-Farnese Vini), Daniel Oss (Liquigas-Doimo),
Marzio Bruseghin (Caisse d’Epargne), Matteo Tosatto (Quick Step),
Giovanni Visconti (ISD-Neri and Marco Pinotti (HTC-Columbia).
Reserves:
Rinaldo Nocentini (AG2R) and Andrea Tonti (Carmiooro NGC).

Vincenzo Nibali’s (Liquigas-Doimo) Vuelta a España form has been rewarded
Cheers,
BrentonO

[shiv]

Everyones favourite cheat is making an appearance in Geelong!

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/landis- ... in-geelong

Im gonna fill my jersey pockets with various sized rocks so ican stone him if I see him

[Baldy]

Everyones favourite cheat is making an appearance in Geelong!

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/landis- ... in-geelong

Im gonna fill my jersey pockets with various sized rocks so ican stone him if I see him

[Mulger bill]

Im gonna fill my jersey pockets with various sized rocks so ican stone him if I see him

That's not very nice, risk of collateral damage...
Try a car CB antenna

[Desmo]

OK - so for us who can't get to be there, is it on SBS? or Euro Sport or something?