Talia to start Tour de Suisse tomorrow night
By Jarrod Appleton
Talia's biggest race of the year to date starts tomorrow. Janine and I are on the ground in Europe for the race. We're going to be spoilt attending this race because for the first time both the women and men race on the same day. And the biggest stars of the sport are competing.
We visited Talia in Girona a few days ago and she said she is feeling good on the bike. Her team, Liv Alula have her listed as number 81, so their favoured rider for the general classification. This is a big step for Talia and it's important to consider a few things to have perspective on what is and isn't achievable.
Talia is only 20 and she's up against the world's best who are in their prime (25-35). Because she's new to the team Talia has not had a structured race and training program this year unlike her GC rivals. For example she hasn't done altitude training blocks whereas her rivals will have done two. Talia's still finding her way with a new life style, new continent, new team, new equipment etc. Whereas for her opposition it's business as usual.
You may be able to watch the race on YouTube. I don't think SBS is covering it which is surprising considering the star studded line up. You might need a VPN if it's georestricted. Here's the link to the YouTube Channel.
Recent Junior Racing
By Tim Ross
Round 3 of the Victorian Schools MTB Series was raced at Ballarat on Sunday 7th through the grounds of Mt Clear Secondary College. About 170 racers from U9 to U19 competed including 4 representing MMBCC.
In U11 Novice Logan Hughes placed 4th with his brother Hunter a big improver in 8th.
Ben Ross placed 5th in U17. Alastair competed in U13 Race category, but a flat on his second last lap meant he had a slow walk back to base.
Round 3 of the Vic Junior Road Series was raced at the State Motorcycle circuit at Broadford over the past weekend, with Ben being MMBCC’s sole representative. Open to age groups from U11 to U17 (Ben), the tour included a time trial (6 laps, 13.8km for U17) and two road races (20 laps, 46km).
The road races (one each day) were done in alternate directions, good to see the organisers spicing up their offering!
Racing on his dad’s bike, Ben surprised himself with a mid-field finish (11th of 19 starters) in the Time Trial. He placed 14th of 18 starters in both road races.
Racing as a ‘bottom-ager’ in U17 is a tough gig but the series is providing valuable experience. While this is good for Ben, it’s not such good news for those of his elders who’ll be racing against him in our Thursday night handicaps over the summer.
Upcoming Events
The Snowy Riverina 3-hour Series culminates at Wagga on Sunday 21st June (this Sunday); a Halket and a trio of Rosses are riding.
Also this weekend is Eastern Cycling Club’s Kermesse at Gruyere, near Coldstream. The next one at Gruyere is Sat 11 July.
Around The Bay In A Day is on Sunday 18th October with a range of ride options from 50 to 220km plus a family ride option around Albert Park Lake.
For those who can’t quite bring themselves to get out on the road over winter, there are spin classes at Wardy’s Mansfield Gym on Monday at 6am plus Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm.