Great win to Luke Durbridge in only his 3rd pro race and coming off a track program. Also must have arrived somewhat disappointed not to make the 4000 team pursuit team with two of his GE team mates. His win was set up with the time trial win but defending it was not easy with only two team mates left in the race. I think it is best summed up by team director Lionel Marie;
Sports Director Lionel Marie, who oversaw the small squad’s victory, shared this sentiment.
“It makes me happy to see the riders so happy, and I’m very proud to be part of this win,” said Marie. “It’s really amazing to realize that with only three guys -- one in his first race of the season, one who is still learning and one who is having knee problems -- we were able to pull off a win. Daniel has such big potential, and he is learning more every day. Pieter was the guy that held everyone together. Luke is a class act They each went out and did what they needed to every day to secure this win.”
Still quite a few GE knockers around the forum but the pendulum is swinging a bit now after a pretty successful March. Unfortunate injuries to Julian Dean, Sebastian Langeveld (was looking great) and earlier Mitch Docker added to World Cup and Olympic preps for Meyer, Howard, Bobridge and Hepburn adds up and credit to the team and directors for still being so competitive.
Surely a win is just around the corner for Alby. Leigh Howard was interviewed last night at the World Cup track champs before he goes out to defend his Madison World Championship with Cam Meyer. He said that Sunday will be his last ever race on the track and he will then become a "full time" road rider. Watch for him to do something special later in the year.
Not sure what is coming tonight from them in P/R, Howard in his interview suggested that since losing Langeveld it leaves them with numerous alternatives. I am hoping Cooke is the man with the legs and can have a strong race.