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Lachlan Morton

Jul 18, 2014
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I didn't see a thread on Lachlan so I thought I'd start one to see what is up with him. He was previously with Garmin but he didn't like the travel, schedule and lost his motivation. Then he was able to to find his love for cycling again (Thereabouts) and wanted to race. He was lucky enough to get signed with Jelly Belly where he could ride with his brother again. Now after his victory after Utah he said he has not been contacted by any WT teams yet. So does anyone know if he wants to go back to the WT? It seems like if he were motivated he would be a very solid rider. But he will still have to deal with the travel and everything he hated before. Would he be willing to sign with a team if his brother were not to go with him? He seems like a really talented kid but also kind of a free spirit. Anyone have any info on him?
 
He does want to give the WT another shot.

And it's understandable that he hasn't been contacted by a WT team yet. The Tour of Utah just finished. It's not like offers were going to rain the day he took yellow for the first time.
 
Jul 18, 2014
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GenericBoonenFan said:
I know he doesn't want to give WT a second go but he should. A talent like him can't stay riding those level races in the US. Is he domiciled in the US or in Australia?

USA. He lives in Colorado. His parents has moved there as well.
 
Jun 30, 2014
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yaco said:
I doubt a WT team will take a chance on Morton - He is a flight risk like Borbridge, though Morton is WT level - He can get a gig with a European PCT.
I could see BMC giving it a shot, have have as a leader in the US stage races and let him race a few smaller stage races in Spain and the Vuelta (he seems to hate cold weather).
About Bobridge he's only WT level, or at least a strong ProConti rider, when he's racing in the heat, so what were the first 3 races that Trek let him race in Europe after the Herald Sun Tour? A snowy L-B-L, Romanie and the Giro, both races that are known for often having pretty bad weather. :eek:
With the right schedule (mostly races with hot weather) he could be a pretty cheap rider that is able to give you some results, otherwise he's just able to fight for the awesome Maglia Nera.
 
Re: Re:

Mayomaniac said:
yaco said:
I doubt a WT team will take a chance on Morton - He is a flight risk like Borbridge, though Morton is WT level - He can get a gig with a European PCT.
I could see BMC giving it a shot, have have as a leader in the US stage races and let him race a few smaller stage races in Spain and the Vuelta (he seems to hate cold weather).
About Bobridge he's only WT level, or at least a strong ProConti rider, when he's racing in the heat, so what were the first 3 races that Trek let him race in Europe after the Herald Sun Tour? A snowy L-B-L, Romanie and the Giro, both races that are known for often having pretty bad weather. :eek:
With the right schedule (mostly races with hot weather) he could be a pretty cheap rider that is able to give you some results, otherwise he's just able to fight for the awesome Maglia Nera.

With respect, Bobridge was a WTF signing for Trek given his season priority was going to be the teams pursuit on the track at the Olympics so his availability was always going to be a question mark. As to whether either party can say they're satisfied with how things have panned out is very much open to question but thankfully, its only a 1 year deal and Trek can give him the heave ho at season's end.

As for Morton, his family is sufficiently wealthy that he doesn't have to wonder how/where his next pay cheque is coming from .... and thus his attitude has clearly been indulged all his life. His talent is unquestioned, his work ethic and dedication is another matter. It clearly seems he's content beating up the 2nd division amongst US Conti riders than taking the risk of potential failure when racing the big boys regularly
 
Re: Re:

dirkprovin said:
Mayomaniac said:
yaco said:
I doubt a WT team will take a chance on Morton - He is a flight risk like Borbridge, though Morton is WT level - He can get a gig with a European PCT.
I could see BMC giving it a shot, have have as a leader in the US stage races and let him race a few smaller stage races in Spain and the Vuelta (he seems to hate cold weather).
About Bobridge he's only WT level, or at least a strong ProConti rider, when he's racing in the heat, so what were the first 3 races that Trek let him race in Europe after the Herald Sun Tour? A snowy L-B-L, Romanie and the Giro, both races that are known for often having pretty bad weather. :eek:
With the right schedule (mostly races with hot weather) he could be a pretty cheap rider that is able to give you some results, otherwise he's just able to fight for the awesome Maglia Nera.

With respect, Bobridge was a WTF signing for Trek given his season priority was going to be the teams pursuit on the track at the Olympics so his availability was always going to be a question mark. As to whether either party can say they're satisfied with how things have panned out is very much open to question but thankfully, its only a 1 year deal and Trek can give him the heave ho at season's end.

As for Morton, his family is sufficiently wealthy that he doesn't have to wonder how/where his next pay cheque is coming from .... and thus his attitude has clearly been indulged all his life. His talent is unquestioned, his work ethic and dedication is another matter. It clearly seems he's content beating up the 2nd division amongst US Conti riders than taking the risk of potential failure when racing the big boys regularly

Some riders just aren't made for what it takes to ride the WT and maybe Morton is one of them, if he's happy living and riding in the US then good luck to him as long as he's enjoying himself, if he wants to have another go at the WT great but I reckon he would need to ride another successful season to show WT teams that he's committed to making it back. But he needs to be sure he wants to make that commitment, no point heading back to the WT just to be unhappy again.

Bobridge is a funny rider, I was amazed Trek signed him for this season considering his year was always going to based around the Olympics, I would of thought if he was going to be signed by a WT team then next year would of been it if at all. Still surprised he actually finished the Giro, doubt he gets a contract with Trek next season but hope he lands somewhere for next year as on his day he can pull out a good result and is a bit to good to be racing the NRS.
 
Re: Re:

StryderHells said:
dirkprovin said:
Mayomaniac said:
yaco said:
I doubt a WT team will take a chance on Morton - He is a flight risk like Borbridge, though Morton is WT level - He can get a gig with a European PCT.
I could see BMC giving it a shot, have have as a leader in the US stage races and let him race a few smaller stage races in Spain and the Vuelta (he seems to hate cold weather).
About Bobridge he's only WT level, or at least a strong ProConti rider, when he's racing in the heat, so what were the first 3 races that Trek let him race in Europe after the Herald Sun Tour? A snowy L-B-L, Romanie and the Giro, both races that are known for often having pretty bad weather. :eek:
With the right schedule (mostly races with hot weather) he could be a pretty cheap rider that is able to give you some results, otherwise he's just able to fight for the awesome Maglia Nera.

With respect, Bobridge was a WTF signing for Trek given his season priority was going to be the teams pursuit on the track at the Olympics so his availability was always going to be a question mark. As to whether either party can say they're satisfied with how things have panned out is very much open to question but thankfully, its only a 1 year deal and Trek can give him the heave ho at season's end.

As for Morton, his family is sufficiently wealthy that he doesn't have to wonder how/where his next pay cheque is coming from .... and thus his attitude has clearly been indulged all his life. His talent is unquestioned, his work ethic and dedication is another matter. It clearly seems he's content beating up the 2nd division amongst US Conti riders than taking the risk of potential failure when racing the big boys regularly

Some riders just aren't made for what it takes to ride the WT and maybe Morton is one of them, if he's happy living and riding in the US then good luck to him as long as he's enjoying himself, if he wants to have another go at the WT great but I reckon he would need to ride another successful season to show WT teams that he's committed to making it back. But he needs to be sure he wants to make that commitment, no point heading back to the WT just to be unhappy again.

Bobridge is a funny rider, I was amazed Trek signed him for this season considering his year was always going to based around the Olympics, I would of thought if he was going to be signed by a WT team then next year would of been it if at all. Still surprised he actually finished the Giro, doubt he gets a contract with Trek next season but hope he lands somewhere for next year as on his day he can pull out a good result and is a bit to good to be racing the NRS.

Borbridge ( assuming he's not resigned by Trek ) needs to spend time at PCT level in Europe - See what he can produce in that company - Yet to be convinced he is WT standard.
 
Deserves a bump and a lot of publicity for his latest endeavour. He started his Tour as the roads re-opened behind the race, aiming to ride not just all 21 stages but all the transfers as well, carrying a tent to sleep in and his own tools, and eating at cafés etc as he passes them. No support vehicles, no masseur, no peloton to share the wind-breaking duties, no special treatment, just a bike and a debit card. His aim is to reach Paris before the race does, which means 240km/day, no rest days. In aid of a Qhubeka-type bikes for kids in Africa charity.

 
I do not know about elsewhere in the world, but I would suggest Lachlan’s adventures will do more to inspire people in the US to climb on their bikes than anything one might do in the professional peloton. He has really found a niche that has managed to keep him employed while doing what he genuinely enjoys.
 
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I do not know about elsewhere in the world, but I would suggest Lachlan’s adventures will do more to inspire people in the US to climb on their bikes than anything one might do in the professional peloton. He has really found a niche that has managed to keep him employed while doing what he genuinely enjoys.
Nah, he's only popular with cyclists. He's probably more likely to inspire them to buy gravel bikes...
 
Nah, he's only popular with cyclists. He's probably more likely to inspire them to buy gravel bikes...
I’m under no illusion that Lachlan’s name ID or influence has enormous reach here in the states. I only contend that more non cyclists are likely to watch a Thereabouts film, or a Rapha short film of Lachlan’s exploits and be inspired to get on a bike (yes- probably a gravel bike) than they are to be inspired by Pogacar winning his second tour, or Cavendish winning a sprint stage after several years off peak form. The nuances and format of pro tour racing are so foreign to the average American, that they cannot appreciate the skill and talent required to succeed at that level, but they can relate to the humanity and adventurous spirit that is so evident in Lachlan’s exploits.
 
View: https://twitter.com/EFprocycling/status/1409277498517491716

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I’m under no illusion that Lachlan’s name ID or influence has enormous reach here in the states. I only contend that more non cyclists are likely to watch a Thereabouts film, or a Rapha short film of Lachlan’s exploits and be inspired to get on a bike (yes- probably a gravel bike) than they are to be inspired by Pogacar winning his second tour, or Cavendish winning a sprint stage after several years off peak form. The nuances and format of pro tour racing are so foreign to the average American, that they cannot appreciate the skill and talent required to succeed at that level, but they can relate to the humanity and adventurous spirit that is so evident in Lachlan’s exploits.

I think Morton's exploits will resonate only with outdoorsy people or cyclists, whereas we saw LA's, and even LeMond's, TdF wins set off mini-cycling booms. But you're right about, say, Cav winning a sprint stage -- Honestly anything cycling-related other than a TdF winner with a great backstory doesn't register with ANY non-cyclists, let alone Americans. It's just the way the sport is.

What seems to be getting people on bikes, in both Europe and the US, is electric bikes. I'm very curious to see if any of them transition to good 'ol pedal power. I think some will, and there I think you're right about adventure films maybe translating into enthusiasm for cycling in general. However, I'm more convinced that e-bike riders will just buy gravel e-bikes...

Don't get me wrong, I think what Morton's doing is really cool, and I certainly know how hard it is. But I do think Cannondale's willingness to sponsor his non-WT exploits is based on his ability to move high-end product.
 
I’m under no illusion that Lachlan’s name ID or influence has enormous reach here in the states. I only contend that more non cyclists are likely to watch a Thereabouts film, or a Rapha short film of Lachlan’s exploits and be inspired to get on a bike (yes- probably a gravel bike) than they are to be inspired by Pogacar winning his second tour, or Cavendish winning a sprint stage after several years off peak form. The nuances and format of pro tour racing are so foreign to the average American, that they cannot appreciate the skill and talent required to succeed at that level, but they can relate to the humanity and adventurous spirit that is so evident in Lachlan’s exploits.
I think this sort of stuff resonates with people who aren't so into the prestige, pressure and pretentiousness of pro cycling and its effects on wider cycling culture. Probably also a bit of a reaction to the popularisation of mountain biking too. No "the rules", no dentists on cervelos and pinarellos, no bignoting local crit alphas, no obnoxious motocross revheads on mountain bikes. Just vibes. And Rapha? Genius marketing for a brand that was previously everything this sort of alt cycling culture isn't to get ahead of the curve

Gravel and ultra cycling are kinda analagous to trail running in that sense, although all are being fast commercialised and elite events are becoming increasingly competitive as pro athletes migrate from other disciplines.
 
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I think this sort of stuff resonates with people who aren't so into the prestige, pressure and pretentiousness of pro cycling and its effects on wider cycling culture. Probably also a bit of a reaction to the popularisation of mountain biking too. No "the rules", no dentists on cervelos and pinarellos, no bignoting local crit alphas, no obnoxious motocross revheads on mountain bikes. Just vibes. And Rapha? Genius marketing for a brand that was previously everything this sort of alt cycling culture isn't to get ahead of the curve

Gravel and ultra cycling are kinda analagous to trail running in that sense, although all are being fast commercialised and elite events are becoming increasingly competitive as pro athletes migrate from other disciplines.
Gravel will go the same way as Enduro did. They were all about keeping it away from the UCI and pros, but then the money turned up.
 
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