Rob included me in on an email recently from Bec Domange, a local A grade racer who recently put together a seminar about understanding bike racing, Rob asked Bec to give her thoughts towards the series, Bec made the following comments.

Riders such as Kathy Watt, Anna Wilson of the late 90s to Emma Rickards and Olivia Gollan racing well into the New Millennium and the riders currently taking the world by storm Rochelle Gilmore, Chloe Hosking and Shara Gillow have set the bar for what can be achieved by Australian Women.

Cykle Events is providing an opportunity like never before right here in Metropolitan and Regional Victoria. A criterium series solely for women. Providing women of all abilities the opportunity to race on some of the best circuits in Victoria, with the added bonus of substantial prize money and all run in the most professional environment possible. It is sure to rival the atmosphere of Speed Week in the USA and the Kermesses in Belgium.

The racing will be fast, tactical and team oriented. It is sure to not only increase the already rapidly growing nature of Women’s cycling but give the women in the peloton the exposure and support they deserve. It is an opportunity to experience the biggest event in Women’s cycling Victoria has ever seen!

Here is some of what you need to know.
- A four-round series of cycling races to be held throughout Victoria (Australia), the Women’s Grand Prix will allow women to battle it out for over $5,000 in cash and prizes in this teams-based event.

- The Women’s Grand Prix has been designed to address the shortfalls in many club-level cycling races in Victoria, with a lack of women’s-only event and minimal team-based events.

- The Women’s Grand Prix will also incorporate a three-round series for under 17-aged girls.

Rob Carson, General Manager of events group, Cykel, declared "This series is expected to be hotly contested by women from around Victoria and interstate, with new teams being established and a rivalry setting into women’s cycling that hasn’t been seen in Victoria before."

Still not sure? Here’s some of the finer print about teams.

The Women’s Grand Prix is a team’s event.  Collusion is allowed and encouraged.  It is preferred that all riders within a team wear similar jerseys for identification.  Note that teams do not need to be Cycling Victoria or Cycling Australia registered teams to participate as a team in the Women’s Grand Prix.

Not a racer? These races will be an exciting day out for anyone interested in bikes, it will be fast racing and lots of action. This is a great opportunity to find out a bit more about racing and perhaps even spark a new interest; everyone is welcome.

When and where?

Round 1
Saturday December 17th, 2011
Macpherson’s Park
Coburns Rd, Melton
Hosted by: Melton Cycling Club

Round 2
Saturday January 28, 2012
Casey Fields
Berwick-Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne
Hosted by: Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Club

Round 3
Sunday February 12, 2012
Mayfair Park, Bendigo
Bendigo
Hosted by: Bendigo Cycling Club

Round 4
Saturday March 3, 2012
National Boulevard, Campbellfield
Hosted by: Coburg Cycling Club

This is a great opportunity for women to race with friends and create that foundation for women’s cycling in Australia, for entries and more information go to www.cykelevents.com.au/page/womensgp we look forward to seeing you racing.

About the Author
Rowena Scott is an enthusiastic Melbourne based cyclist and is giving women’s cycling a well deserved push by covering women’s cycling topics for Bicycles Network Australia and SheRides Cycling.

Mark Gunter presents photo highlights from Stage 1 and 2 of this years tour.

Jack Bobridge prior to the stage 1.

An early break was intitiated on stage 1.

The peleton strung out in the Victorian country side.

The break during a descent.

The break was looking good half way through.

Jack Bobridge on one of his many attacks.

The rest of the break chasing down Bobridge.

Rhys Pollock was to strong in the end taking out stage 1.

Stage 2 started at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat.

The peleton on the picturesque roads towards Geelong.

Nice weather greeted the riders during stage 2.

Matthew Lloyd on the second KOM of the day.

The course was undulating on stage 2.

Drapac took to the front to chase down the break.

South African Janse Van Rensburg takes out stage 2 ahead of Baden Cooke and Steele Von Hoff.

Janse Van Rensburg was all smiles after his greates win to date.

Rhys Pollock retained the leaders jersey after stage 2.

Team SheSpoke had some excellent experience going in with team leader Lauretta Howarth whom placed third in the 2010 Crocodile Trophy in Far North Queensland, Lauretta, Jade Forsyth and Lesley Sutton had taken all three podium positions in the Herberton 8 hour enduro in Far North Queensland. Both Kelly and Jade had previously left their mark on the East Timorese event bringing valuable experience to the start line.

The six day multi-stage MTB event attracted over 300 international riders and 100 Timorese riders who tackled the 600km offroad journey.

Lauretta reflected on her journey in East Timor, "Racing in a developing country is challenging. Many of the facilities we take for granted here in Oz simply don’t exist in Timor-Leste, making the race a little more challenging but also adding to the uniqueness of the Tour De Timor experience."

Photo ? Keith McQueen

Kelly was out after the first day coming down with an illness that left her assisting the physio team for the remainder of the journey.

Lauretta made the following comments, "despite a few set backs and challenges the Tour De Timor was fantastic. Some pot-holes were so deep you’d struggle to climb out if you ever fell into one, not to mention sections where the road had simply disappeared leaving menacing drop-offs."

In the Open Womens category, the team placed third, behind two other Aussie womens teams and the prize money that they donated to The Life, Love and Health Foundation is used to fund and facilitate grassroots projects in Timor-Leste that benefit Timorese communities, particularly women and children to achieve improved health and education.

The dates for 2012 have already been announced, 9-14 September and registrations open on November 1 this year. If you’re into pain and you think you’re ready to join 400 elite mountain bikers then you should check out www.tourdetimor.com.

To find out more about the SheSpoke Cycle Wear Team and their latest adventures head to www.shespoke.com.au

A wonderful set of photos courtesy of Mathew Lynn that set you directly inside the action as Team SheSpoke powered through Timor.

Photoset & Title Photo ? 2011 Mathew Lynn

Coming into the final lap the Australians took the lead of the peloton however coming towards the last kilometre this fell apart. Cavendish help Matt Goss’s wheel and then took his break with Goss catching up and but perfect timing by Cavendish put him ahead over the finishline. For third place, Andre Greipel won the photo finish against Fabian Cancellara.

In the Junior Womens Time Trial on Monday Jessica Allen took gold over 13.9 km and in the U23 Mens, Luke Durbridge gold and Michael Hepburn bronze over 35.2 km.

In the Junior Mens Time Trial on Tuesday over 27.8 km, Australian cyclist David Edwards got bronze, “I am really happy about my bronze medal – I was a very good nice circuit, there were parts with wind and other parts with no wind and there were many technical turns. I liked racing inside the city – the crowds were amazing”.

The Wednesday Elite Mens Time Trial was taken by German Tony Martin ahead of Bradley Wiggins and Fabian Cancellara with Aussies Jack Bobridge and Richie Porte finishing a very respectable 5th and 6th.

“It was definitely a real power course into a headwind. I look at those guys (the medallists) and how many seasons they have under them, how old they are and their experience and I’m just really happy to be amongst all those guys,” said Bobridge. “(My result) It surprised me and I surprised some others as well.”

26-year-old Porte was slower in the early kilometres but finished strongly and agrees the course was tailor made for strong, power riders.

“I would have loved a couple more climbs in there but it is what it is,” said Porte. “To be honest I was expecting a little more but I can’t really complain. Tony (Martin) was in a world of his own.”

On Friday the U23 Mens Road Race and Junior Womens Road Race take place with Saturday for the Elite Womens and Junior Mens Road Race and the Elite Mens Road Race on Sunday.

Cycling Australia National Performance Director, Kevin Tabotta, says selectors have taken a lot of factors into consideration to decide the final line up from the long teams named last month.

“I believe we’ve put together teams best suited for the course taking into account recent form and results,” said Tabotta. “We’ve considered the possible scenarios that might arise during the race and selected the riders to suit.”

Australia has topped the medal table at the past two road world championships.

“We go into the event with the goal of winning medals,” said Tabotta. “Our women are certainly capable of a place on the podium and our men’s team is one of the strongest we’ve ever named. We will be competitive.

“It was certainly one of the hardest teams to pick because the depth and quality in the men’s elite ranks is very healthy right now,” said Tabotta. “The team has proven finishers and strong experienced team players who can guide our team of nine riders towards a result. We also have quality options for a large group finish.”

Elite Men

Jack BOBRIDGE (Evaston Park SA, 13.07.1989 / Garmin Cervelo) TT
Simon CLARKE (Selby, VIC  18.07.1986 / Astana) RR
Baden COOKE (Benalla, VIC 10.12.1978 / Saxo Bank) RR
Simon GERRANS (Jamieson, VIC 16.05.1980 / Team Sky) RR
Matthew GOSS (Cressy, TAS 05.11.1986 / HTC Highroad) RR
Heinrich HAUSSLER (Inverell, NSW 25.02.1984 / Garmin Cervelo) RR
Mathew HAYMAN (Araluen, NSW 20.04.1978 / Team Sky) RR
Stuart O’GRADY OAM (Unley Park, SA 06.08.1973 / Leopard Trek) RR
Richie PORTE (Hadspen, TAS 30.01.1985 / Saxo Bank) TT
Michael ROGERS (Garren, ACT 20.12.1979 / Team Sky) RR
Chris SUTTON (Sylvania, NSW 10.09.1984 / Team Sky) RR

reserves
Adam HANSEN (Edmonton, QLD 11.05.1981 / Omega Pharma Lotto) RR
Mark RENSHAW (Bathurst, NSW 22.10.1982 / HTC Highroad) RR

Elite Women

Shara GILLOW – (Belli Park, QLD 23.12.1987 / Team Jayco AIS) (Oceania RR & TT Champion) RR & TT
Rochelle GILMORE (Stanwell Tops, NSW 14.12.1981 / Lotto Honda)  RR
Taryn HEATHER (Mildura, VIC 31.08.1982) TT
Chloe HOSKING (Campbell, ACT 01.10.1990 / HTC Columbia) RR
Jessie MACLEAN (Campbell, ACT 17.10.1985 / Verducci Breakaway) RR
Carla RYAN (Teneriffe, QLD 21.09.1985 / Garmin Cervelo) RR
Amanda SPRATT (Springwood, NSW 17.09.1987 / Team Jayco AIS) RR
Vicki WHITELAW (Dunlop, ACT 02.01.1977 / Lotto Honda) RR

Reserve
Belinda GOSS (Devenport, TAS 06.01.1984) RR

Juniors
This year junior U19 events rejoin elite and U23 events at the World Championships. The junior team was selected in June.

Jessica ALLEN (Doubleview WA, 17.04.1993)
Jessica MUNDY (Ashton SA, 25.09.1994)
Allison RICE (Ainslie ACT, 24.03.1994)
Alexander EDMONDSON (Stirling, SA 22.12.1993)
David EDWARDS (Cleveland QLD, 21.04.1993)
Jackson LAW (Balgownie, NSW 02.02.1993)
Bradley LINFIELD (Dalyellup WA, 29.06.1994)
Nicholas SCHULTZ (Arana Hills QLD, 13.09.1994)
Calvin WATSON (Frankston VIC, 06.01.1993)

The win has captured Australian media attention and being compared to great Australian sporting acheivements such as the 1983 America’s Cup victory or cricketer Sir Donald Brandman’s career succcess. Even though there is talk of a national public holiday in Australia and the win by Cadel Evans is being coverted as an Australian success, the Tour de France racing is still a team based challenge with other Australian cyclists including Tour de France veteran Stuart O’Grady of Team Leopard working first to secure the success of his own team riders.

None the less, fellow Australian cyclists share a deep sense of pride, most share a friendship with Cadel and have ridden in World Championships and Olympic races together.

The win will, without doubt, stimulate both cycling in Australia, a country already recognised as a strong sports cycling nation. Also in other disciplines and in recreational and commuter cycling – the positive coverage and media attention will inevitably rub-off on the popularity of cycling.

Look forward to seeing yellow clad cyclists in the coming weeks as well as the Team BMC colours black and red.

Congratulations Cadel Evans, Team BMC and the support team and family for making history.

57 seconds behind in position three in the general classification after the  Alpe d’Huez stage the challenge of Cadel Evans was to win back the 57 seconds and make up time finishing second overall in the stage. Frank and Andy Schleck, not know for their time trialling were evidently tired after the last few race days and as Team BMC Racing rider Cadel Evans has done throughout this years tour he has riden with determination to achieve an overall 1 minute 34 second lead over Andy Schleck with Team Leopard team mate and brother Frank Schleck in third at 2 minutes 30 seconds behind.

In the final stage into Paris to the finish line on the Champs-?lys?e, traditionally the yellow jersey holder is not challenged and it is a sprint stage so while the win in not confirmed, it is certain.

Cadel asks for sun as he rides down the Champs-?lys?e to become the first Australian cyclist in history to win the Tour de France after two second place finishes in the Tour de France (2007 & 2008).

The word is out that a Public Holiday could be on the cards to celebrate this monumental victory which will inevitably drive the interest and popularity of cycling in Australia.

Well done Cadel Evans!!

Photo ? BMC/Tim de Waele

In this set are the highlights from stages 9 – 13 where the peloton continued from Issoire and travelled 208km to Saint-Flour followed by the 158 km stage 10 from Aurillac to Carmaux, the stage 11 167km stage led the riders from Blaye-les-Mines to Lavaur, the 211km stage 12 from Cugnaux to Luz-Ardiden and then 152km from Pau to Lourdes.

The General Classification riders seem to be waiting in the rungs as they tackle the spectacular mountain stages in which Thomas Voeckler still keeps a hold of yellow. The reining UCI road race world champion Thor Hushovd took a fantastic stage win into Lourdes, Mark Cavendish keeps his green jersey points lead and Aussie favorite Cadel Evans maintains a consistent and strong profile as he sits in third between the Schleck brothers.

Cadel Evans is looking focused and relaxed this year

Contador makes his way to the sign on prior to stage 9

The sunflowers were out on display despite the rain

Thomas Voeckler on his way to the yellow jersey

The BMC bus during the transfer on stage 10

Andre Greipel takes out stage 10 ahead of Cavendish

Mark Cavendish took out his third win on stage 11

Samuel Sanchez makes his way through the thousands of fans to win on Luz -Ardiden

Cadel Evans keeps pace during stage 12

The main group ride together near the top of Luz-Ardiden

Thor Hushovd climbing his way during stage 13 to hold on for a great win

Thomas Voeckler remains in the yellow jersey, but for how long

Purchasing: If you would like to purchase any of these photos or a complete set, please email Mark Gunter and include the photo number: mark@markgunter.com.au. The format and details will be confirmed after the 2011 Tour de France. PLUS a poster will also be published after the race: Email now to reserve your copy.
 
 
Author Profile: Australian sports photographer Mark Gunter has won the Cycling Australia Photographer of the Year for four of the past eight years and his photos regularly appear throughout international press. Mark is one of the 240 accredited photographers following the 2011 Tour de France and presenting the highlights of this years race on Bicycles Network Australia and daily updates on the Mark Gunter Tour de France Facebook page.
 
An extensive collection of photographs are available online: www.markgunter.com.au

In this set are the highlights from stages 4 – 8 where the peloton first tackled the continued from Lorient and travelled 172km to M?r-de-Bretagne followed by the 164 km stage from Carhaix to Cap Fr?hel,
226 km stage from Dinan to Lisieux, 218 km stage from Le Mans to Ch?teauroux and the 189km stage from Aigurande to Super-Besse Sancy. Thor Hushovd keeps his 1 second lead on Cadel Evans though is due to give it up while Cadel Evans is being closely followed by the Schleck brothers and Alberto Contador.

Mark Cavendish is looking focused during this years tour

Contador thought he had the win during stage 4, but Cadel Evans just held on for the win.

Cadel Evans is looking the form this year. Fingers crossed.

Mark Cavendish gets his win duirng stage 5.

Thor Hushovd holding onto the yellow jersey after stage 5.

Edvald Boasson Hagen takes out stage 6 in front of Goss and Hushovd.

How long can Hushovd hold onto the leaders jersey?

Stage 7 saw the riders taking it very easy on the long flat stage.

Cavendish makes it two wins!

Maybe Hushovd has seen the light as he remains the tours leader after stage 7.

Rui Costa was in the break all day, and held the field off to take out stage 8.

Alexandre Vinokourov  puts in a big solo attack with 25km to go, but he couldnt catch the leaders.

Not so fast uphill. Cavendish and Greipel make there way up the main climb of the day.

Children watch the closing stages of stage 8 on a caravans tv set.

Purchasing: If you would like to purchase any of these photos or a complete set, please email Mark Gunter and include the photo number: mark@markgunter.com.au. The format and details will be confirmed after the 2011 Tour de France. PLUS a poster will also be published after the race: Email now to reserve your copy.
 
 
Author Profile: Australian sports photographer Mark Gunter has won the Cycling Australia Photographer of the Year for four of the past eight years and his photos regularly appear throughout international press. Mark is one of the 240 accredited photographers following the 2011 Tour de France and presenting the highlights of this years race on Bicycles Network Australia and daily updates on the Mark Gunter Tour de France Facebook page.
 
An extensive collection of photographs are available online: www.markgunter.com.au