World under 23 road time trial champion, Jack Bobridge is a late signing for the 2010 Jayco Bay Cycling Classic. The youngster described as one of the most promising talents of his generation by Lance Armstrong has decided to bypass his signature event at the Nationals, creating the opportunity for him to ride in the 21st edition of one of the most popular events on the Australian cycling circuit.
“This is the best field we have ever had for the Jayco Bay Classic, ” a delighted Race Director John Trevorrow said when revealing his latest acquisition.
“It was disappointing to lose Stuart O’Grady and Mark Renshaw to illness but to be topped up in compensation with Jack Bobridge and another world champion, Brett Lancaster is pretty special.”
“It shows the standing in which the event is held by the riders and those around them.”
As it happens, Bobridge will be a direct replacement for O’Grady, riding as part of the SASI Team O’Grady outfit, whilst Lancaster will line up for the Jayco VIS team alongside another of the country’s outstanding juniors, Leigh Howard and former Jayco Herald Sun Tour champ, Matt Wilson. The field also includes Tour de France green jersey winners Baden Cooke and Robbie McEwen and two time Olympic track gold medallist, Graeme Brown, who always produces some fireworks around the Geelong circuits.
Meanwhile other Jayco Bay Classic riders have been honing their preparations in Tasmania.
Matt Goss (Degani Cycling Cafe) along with Howard was part of a six man breakaway that dominated the Launceston Cycling Classic on 27 December whilst Budget Forklifts, Scott Law has been the star of the scratch races at the Christmas Carnival Series.
The 18 year old has tended, for some reason, to fly under the radar of many observers until now, but on his form in Tasmania which has included wins in the premier scratch events in both Launceston and Devonport and a second at Latrobe, the 2010 Jayco Bay Classic might be his breakthrough competition.
