UCI World Championships 2010, Geelong: Early Thread

[auscyclefan94]

ACF94 at least you live in Melbourne. You get to see your hero live. Makes up for the disappointing team selection in a way.

I will be in my full body, green and gold lycra suit for the worlds.

Seriously, how can you say Renshaw should be in there? I don't see him being an influence especially as there are other guys who are better workhorses in Aus and renshaw won't be there when the "**** is hitting the fan".

Blaxland is on the money with freire and gilbert. If there is a sprinter who will be near the front @ the final climb, it is Oscar.

I will try to take some photos and post them on the forum if I can but no promises.

 

[Jono L.]

I can't wait for this. Hold a preliminary team vote and good old Simon will be picked. .

That never happened.

 

[Galic Ho]

That never happened.

Yeah think again champ.

It is well documented (it was just after the worlds when Cadel came back to Aus and was spruiking his book). The team riders were asked which rider they wanted to back for the win. Gerrans had 8 votes, Evans had 1. We all know who voted alone and who won the bloody race. Heck, the team manager admitted the team had a vote. You need new sources dude.

Oh and while I'm at it. History often repeats itself. It will happen again this year though the logical vote should be to back Cadel. I hope the team figures that out.

 

[Galic Ho]

I will be in my full body, green and gold lycra suit for the worlds.

Seriously, how can you say Renshaw should be in there? I don't see him being an influence especially as there are other guys who are better workhorses in Aus and renshaw won't be there when the "**** is hitting the fan".

Blaxland is on the money with freire and gilbert. If there is a sprinter who will be near the front @ the final climb, it is Oscar.

I will try to take some photos and post them on the forum if I can but no promises.

His reputation and ability. As I said, I had 3 HTC guys down as deserving a place. Hayman, Hansen and Renshaw can all do the same job. Renshaw is a big guy, he can pull a break back in if needed better than most, it's just we don't see him do it often. HTC leave that up to guys like Martin and Eisel. I'd say Rogers might get that job but the Australian team strategy in recent years has been to put Rogers into early breaks. I guess Cooke is the workhorse but an injury as mentioned above does not inspire confidence especially with his recent history and race form.

 

[Galic Ho]

Yeah spot on Galic Ho but maybe Porte will be tired following The Time Trial.....either way i cant wait till it starts...

Maybe but it isn't like he will come anywhere near challenging Martin and Larsson for second and third. Then again, maybe he will. Nah...scrub that idea.

I thought with the Meyer brothers and Bodridge only a few years away from challenging for a spot on the team it would make sense to blood Porte now while they can. Plus he wore the Maglia Rosa and his name was mentioned quite a bit in the news here and in cycling circles. He could have used some extra exposure.

 

[auscyclefan94]

Yeah think again champ.

It is well documented (it was just after the worlds when Cadel came back to Aus and was spruiking his book). The team riders were asked which rider they wanted to back for the win. Gerrans had 8 votes, Evans had 1. We all know who voted alone and who won the bloody race. Heck, the team manager admitted the team had a vote. You need new sources dude.

Oh and while I'm at it. History often repeats itself. It will happen again this year though the logical vote should be to back Cadel. I hope the team figures that out.

I have no doubt in my mind it happened. Stories like that out of nowhere and that type of "move" by stephens does not surprise me. I guess his style is why I have always had a bad feel about him.

I imagine it would of been pretty awkward and tense once Cadel and the team got together.

gerrans is over rated imo, yes he has won gp plouay, had some top 10's in some other classics and won 3 stages of gt's but I think he needs to win against some proper opposition. i could be wrong about him but the wins he had in gt's were all against riders who are not in the class of rider he will be against in melbourne/geelong. gp plouay had some reasonable opposition but he broke away from all the sprinters. His ardennes classics results were all last year where he placed in a sprint of the leftovers to get those results.

he is a very good rider but over rated.

 

[Ferminal]

My nine from the 15 preliminary riders chosen. Haussler as leader with Evans as the backup. Three HTC boys, Rogers, Renshaw and Hansen (they chose Hayman). Two Saxo boys, O'Grady as road captain and Porte (they chose Baden Cooke), Sulzberger as a workhorse because he busted his **** off last year and Gerrans as a consolation, because he can be used to bluff.

Haussler is apparently still injured. Thanks Cavendouche! I'd have replaced him with McEwen. I'd have left out Goss and Davis. Goss is better than Davis, but seriously, the results they have aren't going to win a rainbow jersey. Chris Sutton was another option. Who here thinks there will be a group sprint? Hence, Davis and Cooke are a waste. The team needs workhorses who will bury themselves for Cadel. I won't hold my breath on that, but maybe his change of fortune and attitude in 2010 will endear the team. Gerrans was an option last year but he choked. He's been out of form this year. Maybe he'll find some in the Vuelta. I also read Cooke has been taken off Saxo's Vuelta squad, so why in gods name was he included on the team ahead of Renshaw and McEwen, who can both sprint better than he can and are proven loyal workers with results the last few seasons?

I'm annoyed because it looks like a political job not a sensible 'We want to win on home soil' decision was used to finalise the team. Honestly if Evans had a bad season, I would not be surprised if they tried to yank him.

I'm concerned about guys like Cancellara, Hushovd, Freire and Gilbert. Italy has a few options and so do the Russians. Why not throw in Ryder Heyjedal as well. He could be a threat with his form if Canada make a decent show. I can only see Evans matching these guys hence the team should be built around him in Hausslers adsence. Davis and Goss are secondary leaders according to the selectors. That says everything about how they think the race will go. We (Aussies who paid attention) all know who the team voted to support last year when he was in better form than this year...Gerrans.

If they didn't pick who I would have...they didn't, then McEwen should have been given the privilege of riding on home soil in could arguably be his last pro year as a cyclist. They chose Baden Cooke over him and Alan Davis. Seriously, when was the last time those boys rode for Saxo and Astana at a race anyone here paid attention to and did very well? Compare those two to the guys left out and the foreign challengers...it doesn't add up and I fear, barring a miracle (they don't happen often) that our home soil advantage will be squandered. Sadly this is typical of Aussie sports administrators.

ACF94 at least you live in Melbourne. You get to see your hero live. Makes up for the disappointing team selection in a way.

I think you're fairly close in your analysis.

My team would be almost the same as you list here, the big question mark would be Gerrans possibly making room for another workhorse (Hayman). However, we know that Haussler and Porte cannot be selected for other reasons. In this case, Gerrans holds his spot, Hayman comes in for Porte, and Goss for Haussler. The selections of Cooke and Davis are... astonishing.

To clarify the position on Gerrans, he's not a race winner nor a strong teammate and on this years form I don't think he should have been selected. The only way he could win was to pull off a miraculous sprint from a group of 20-30, but there's no way he can outsprint Freire and a couple of others. Having him as a secondary protected rider behind Evans serves no purpose as he will just drop off in the final couple of laps.

He needs to be in the break to justify his selection, that leaves Rogers back in the field helping out. Of course he could have a strong Vuelta and come into form at the right time, perhaps that's what the selection is hedged on.

 

[Jono L.]

You need new sources dude.
.

I'm pretty happy with my sources

 

[Galic Ho]

I'm pretty happy with my sources

Fair enough but the sources I heard were from the horses mouth. Evans was heard quoting along those lines last October on national radio. ACF94 could fill you in with all the other pleasantries and Cadels bowel movements. He probably listened to every separate radio interview and I know on more than one occasion he relived the whole thing for the forum. Fans tend to do such things.

The team vote was also confirmed by the team coach/manager/DS. He said the team did vote as Cadel described. Cadel was the backup and come the final selection only he had enough left to go once the Italians slaughtered everyone else for Cunego after which Cancellara attacked. Gerrans was dropped there. Cadel was about 5 seconds behind the front few and had to make a decision to either bridge or nurse Gerrans. We all know what happened next. The team vote was to work for Simon and if he couldn't deliver then Cadel was hopefully going to be there as well. Which was what I was trying to say was likely to happen again. Cadel is a proven thing. His engine is enormous. Gerrans is not so much. Has to be in the right place at the right time. Cadel you can bank on being at the business end, Gerrans, not so.

@Ferminal. You're right. Gerrans isn't a race winner, but he can pull the odd result out in a GT. If he is in good form he'll nab a stage win in the Vuelta or come close. I'm more concerned about his ability in stage and one day classics than stage hunting in GTs though. Freire is in for a record 4th Rainbow jersey and if I am not mistaken, this is supposed to be his final season or the lead up to his final year. I look at the shorter races to get an idea of who can possibly perform. Gerrans has been expected to step up and 2010 was always a hope but Sky don't seem to be clued in for whatever reason and Simon naturally hasn't been either. He's 30 now and has a few top 10 showings from 2009. I don't think he's cracked the top 10 for any one day race this year which is worrying for this season form and his progress as a rider. I thought Cunego has had trouble finding his niche as a rider but Gerrans seems to be worse off. Cunego has won major races, Gerrans hasn't and is likely to have a whole team banking a lot on him performing. But he is a good team mate morale wise and can be a strong worker if properly motivated (but I'm not sure annointing him joint leader is a good move) which I know is a contradiction in itself but it has merits. I also know someone who thinks he is a whinger. Can't win em all over can you? Vuelta should be good if not for some training.

 

[Jono L.]

Fair enough but the sources I heard were from the horses mouth. Evans was quoted on national radio.

Just curious do you know where I'd be able to find what he was quoted on?

Or do I need to buy a copy of his book ?

 

[Galic Ho]

I have no doubt in my mind it happened. Stories like that out of nowhere and that type of "move" by stephens does not surprise me. I guess his style is why I have always had a bad feel about him.

I imagine it would of been pretty awkward and tense once Cadel and the team got together.

gerrans is over rated imo, yes he has won gp plouay, had some top 10's in some other classics and won 3 stages of gt's but I think he needs to win against some proper opposition. i could be wrong about him but the wins he had in gt's were all against riders who are not in the class of rider he will be against in melbourne/geelong. gp plouay had some reasonable opposition but he broke away from all the sprinters. His ardennes classics results were all last year where he placed in a sprint of the leftovers to get those results.

he is a very good rider but over rated.

I'll keep my post short this time. I agree 1000%. Yes I can count and no I didn't add an extra zero. I am being ironic. Or maybe I am just bonkers.

 

[Galic Ho]

Just curious do you know where I'd be able to find what he was quoted on?

Or do I need to buy a copy of his book ?

I never bought the book. It was a gimmick. Don't tell ACF94 I said this. ****** it, he lives in Mexico, what can he do to me? Dob on me to Julia! Haha.

I am remembering from last October, late October, around the 18th or 20th and into the first week of November. The news came out in bits and pieces over the space of a fortnight. I haven't seen anything since then published. There were some snippits in the Herald Sun and one of the Adelaide newspapers. I forget which, because I live in NSW I don't read them often. There were also a lot of Evans radio programs. I believe he first mentioned it on a Perth radio station. I do remember ACF94 mentioned an Evans radio interview every day he went to a new city. He also advertised freely for Cadel and his book on this forum. I'd ask him if he has verifiable primary source.

I have a very good memory but I cannot provide you the specific primary sources because I didn't record them at the time (I never do, I just remember the juicing details) be it written or oral. No doubt there will be a source on one of the old threads here because that is where I found the newspaper links but you'd have to sort through hundreds which is a waste of time. I do remember some people, I was one of them questioning Cadel's motives about his book release at the time (the SBS readers didn't like this). Those people came around. Cadels behaviour once back in Australia was more of a talking point on forums than team dynamics in Mendrisio.

One of the few things that really didn't make headlines was the team tactics and it wasn't really discussed. It was kind of hush hush, because looking back, who would want to admit they didn't vote to support above all others the guy who won the rainbow jersey? Riders didn't speak and as such forumist had nothing to gossip and speculate about. It would be embarassing and to a degree humiliating for many people. Which is why it took Cadel to mention it. He didn't sound phased because he won anyway. Cadel seemed to mention it in light of why the win meant so much. Just another obstacle that presented itself. A barrier to entry if you will.

 

[Spare Tyre]

IIRC, in a video interview with Oz Cycling Gerrans denied the team vote thing.

 

[Jono L.]

One of the few things that really didn't make headlines was the team tactics and it wasn't really discussed. It was kind of hush hush, because looking back, who would want to admit they didn't vote to support above all others the guy who won the rainbow jersey? Riders didn't speak and as such forumist had nothing to gossip and speculate about. It would be embarassing and to a degree humiliating for many people. Which is why it took Cadel to mention it. He didn't sound phased because he won anyway. Cadel seemed to mention it in light of why the win meant so much. Just another obstacle that presented itself. A barrier to entry if you will.

There was no vote, and it didn't matter regardless, they could be chasing for Gerro or for Evans, what does it matter? They both got fed and both got delivered with a chance to win.

The whole idea that Evans was being pushed into the corner came from Stephens throwing out a little cheap shot saying that although they had 3 designated leaders (Evans, Gerro, Davis) Gerro was the official leader. But it didn't change the tactics or how the race unfolded. Heck I reckon it was a smart idea because Evans seems to ride best with a chip on his shoulder. But, not vote between the riders.

 

[Polyarmour]

Proven leaders!!!! WTF have you been smoking? I guess you're new around here. Evans is the only proven leader there out of the four chosen who can win a bloody race that isn't the Tour Down Under. Who said anything about putting 9 leaders on a team? You did, not me. I mentioned the only ones who have shown an iota of form. There are four. Three are not leaders. The other guys with form weren't picked. God knows why.

Maybe you should go back onto old threads and the start of this one and see who the forum thinks will challenge. Only Evans has a chance against those guys and even then that is pushing the optimism levels far too high. The squad is for lack of better words a BS squad and mark my words, it will all be left up to Cadel once more. Cadel should apply for Swiss citizenship and race with Cancellara because then he'd be taken seriously.

I knew he was injured. Had not heard he had not yet recovered. Oh well. $h1t happens.

My apologies Galic. You see, when you originally referred to the "4 proven performers" in your post I just presumed you were referring to the 4 cyclists who have been selected by Shayne Bannan to be the 4 leaders of the Australian team. Yes that's right Galic, so not only were you not aware that Haussler had ruled himself out, you were also not aware that the Australian team has been selected on the basis of 4 leaders to cover all contingencies and 5 workers to support them. Now you may not agree with the selection and you may not think they're leaders, but there is no doubt that that is why they're there. And insulting me doesn't disguise your ignorance of what is going on.

Here are the articles if you want to catch up before firing off your next salvo.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/two-fold-tactics-for-australian-worlds-team
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/bannan-confident-in-badens-new-role

 

[auscyclefan94]

IIRC, in a video interview with Oz Cycling Gerrans denied the team vote thing.

Evans also denied it with an interview with matt keenan. Does not mean it did not happen. With his interview with ride mag, he first denies it and then almost half admits it happened because he got told that gerro was the leader

If you watch on the first climb of the last lap, Evans hangs back because he did not want to drag people across to the group gerrans was bridging up to but gerrans couldn't take the pace so when cadel saw that he was struggling so bridged across which was annoying because he had to waste energy due to the team vote.

 

[Jono L.]

Evans also denied it with an interview with matt keenan. Does not mean it did not happen.
.

How logical

 

[Polyarmour]

24 hours is a long time in cycling hey Galic?

There won't be a lead group sprint. There will be 5 guys max at the line. The whole Aussie team selection is a joke. There are only 4 proven performers this year on that team. The rest are just wasting time. To think that this WC is on home soil and they (selectors) picked an entire dud team.

Yes that's an entire dud team. But wait, then we have this:

I'll put it this way, only 4, maybe 5 of the preliminary 15 riders were fit for the team. The rest are dead weight.

And finally this:

I guess the only ones I am not happy with are Davis and Cooke

So we've gone from an entire dud team to a couple of guys you're not happy with. Mate I may not have been around here long, but having 900+ posts to your name counts for diddly squat if they're all of that standard.... or this..

Maybe but it isn't like he will come anywhere near challenging Martin and Larsson for second and third. Then again, maybe he will. Nah...scrub that idea.

Yes and maybe my uncle is actually my auntie.

 

[Galic Ho]

Yes that's an entire dud team. But wait, then we have this:



And finally this:



So we've gone from an entire dud team to a couple of guys you're not happy with. Mate I may not have been around here long, but having 900+ posts to your name counts for diddly squat if they're all of that standard.... or this..



Yes and maybe my uncle is actually my auntie.

Right. Get back to the shed for sharpening.

Of the top of my head only 4 or 5 riders really are suitable. That was two weeks ago and it hasn't changed. I named them. The rest obviously fill the places as workers. Not too bright are you? Do the math. When you get 9 spots you use them, even if you only have 4 or 5 really in form riders. Don't sit there and tell me Great Britain wouldn't jump at the chance to get an extra 5 boys at the WC.

My problem was the extra four filler riders. Did you see what Ferminal proposed? That Goss was Hausslers replacement. There were reasons some of the guys were selected and others weren't, even for pre-selectionTechnically and physically speaking, Australia really does only have 5 guys who have shown the form this season to warrant an automatic selection. The rest are all debatable and if you were following properly whilst engaging your brain you would have realised I conceded that all but two of the fillers had merits that warranted their selection as workers. I stand by what I said. The automatic obvious choices should have been Evans, Rogers, O'Grady and Sulzberger. Everyone else who wasn't injured was debateable. I have only been trying to figure out the selectors thinking in order to gauge the possible race strategy thet will use, because I believe they need to mix things up a great deal over what recent history has given.

 

[Galic Ho]

My apologies Galic. You see, when you originally referred to the "4 proven performers" in your post I just presumed you were referring to the 4 cyclists who have been selected by Shayne Bannan to be the 4 leaders of the Australian team. Yes that's right Galic, so not only were you not aware that Haussler had ruled himself out, you were also not aware that the Australian team has been selected on the basis of 4 leaders to cover all contingencies and 5 workers to support them. Now you may not agree with the selection and you may not think they're leaders, but there is no doubt that that is why they're there. And insulting me doesn't disguise your ignorance of what is going on.

Here are the articles if you want to catch up before firing off your next salvo.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/two-fold-tactics-for-australian-worlds-team
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/bannan-confident-in-badens-new-role

You really are a tool and a dull one at that. Please, by all means do tell us who on the selectors board you know or why your patriotism has blinded you. You're a moron plain and simple. Who'd you pick to win the Giro and Tour? Simeoni and Armstrong? You insult yourself with your posturing and blindness.

I made it pretty clear to those with an IQ over 90 what was going on. Yes they are covering all bases but doing so foolishly. Gerrans cannot win. He is a choker. I backed him last year, won't do that again especially given his season. He simply doesn't have the engine. Worse, this years racing looks cleaner and he's performed worse. Wonder why? Would you like me to provide documentation on his V02max and Evans. Cadel is the real deal. Simon gets into situations against sub par riders and gets lucky.

Goss cannot win, he doesn't have the skill and results against the big names. Davis certainly cannot win, he is a one off wonder for the month of January. ACF94 put it nicely, he comes 4th at best in a sprint contested by mediocre names. You call that covering bases? Do you really think Spain, Italy and Belgium will not be able to field someone who can thump him into the ground in the remote and nigh on impossible chance he is in the final 5 going for the win? I call it BS!

Can I make it any bloody clearer? Three of the designated leaders have neither the form nor consistency in big, serious races against the worlds best for me to even think for a second they can go with the big moves in the final two laps. Even Rogers chokes in those situations. Beijing anyone? Remember Cadel trying to bridge over to the lead 5 group on the last lap? Why? He knew Rogers would choke. Cadel should be the only strategy and the others should be there to make his job easier. Sure send Rogers or Gerrans up into a break, they may be able to pull something off, but that is it.

Go and look up Freire's results. Three times WC! He's motivated for a fourth. Gilbert! Look at his one day racing results for the last few seasons. Compare to our team. No bloody contest. Foreigners have the upper hand. Compare the names to those the big countries will back. Their riders form and palmares and that of our four leaders. Only Evans is worthy of comparison, thus he is the logical and obvious guy to back. I hope for everyone's sake that announcing four leaders is actually a well thought out ruse to blindside other nations, because covering all bases with three of those guys is just bloody moronic because they're simply not up to the task.

I am not wrong. You don't just pull a miracle out of nowhere. You have to have the skill. Skill shows over years. Evans has it in truck loads...the rest so so. No shame in calling it as it is...oh, wait, I forgot, some Aussies like lies and shun the truth. Get back to your Labor party barracking pronto.

 

[Galic Ho]

There was no vote, and it didn't matter regardless, they could be chasing for Gerro or for Evans, what does it matter? They both got fed and both got delivered with a chance to win.

The whole idea that Evans was being pushed into the corner came from Stephens throwing out a little cheap shot saying that although they had 3 designated leaders (Evans, Gerro, Davis) Gerro was the official leader. But it didn't change the tactics or how the race unfolded. Heck I reckon it was a smart idea because Evans seems to ride best with a chip on his shoulder. But, not vote between the riders.

Of course a vote matters. It not mattering would be like telling me that it doesn't matter who the leader of a party running for Govt in last weekends election was, they'd simply figure it out when they won. Publically it doesn't matter if the team voted, but internally and psychologically it matters a great deal.

I thought the race strategy was pretty obvious. They were backing Gerrans and Cadel was the backup. You are right, mentally that does help Cadel. I'm not bagging what happened at all. Evans has been a better and happier rider since then so all is good. I still think they voted and I can understand everyone backing Simon last year, but this year...not a chance. Gerrans is still trying to figure out what type of rider he is at 30 years of age. You don't gamble a WC podium on home soil on that when you have one of the top 3 riders in the world already wearing the WC jersey.

 

[blaxland]

I will be in my full body, green and gold lycra suit for the worlds.

Seriously, how can you say Renshaw should be in there? I don't see him being an influence especially as there are other guys who are better workhorses in Aus and renshaw won't be there when the "**** is hitting the fan".

Blaxland is on the money with freire and gilbert. If there is a sprinter who will be near the front @ the final climb, it is Oscar.

I will try to take some photos and post them on the forum if I can but no promises.

I will be their in half green and gold and the other half in red and white....supporting and drinking to the riders....Follow the cow bells and horns...Watch out for V.Nibali aswell,I spoke to an Italian ex pro the other day who said the Italian will all be supporting him.

 

[Polyarmour]

You really are a tool and a dull one at that. Please, by all means do tell us who on the selectors board you know or why your patriotism has blinded you. You're a moron plain and simple. Who'd you pick to win the Giro and Tour? Simeoni and Armstrong? You insult yourself with your posturing and blindness.

I made it pretty clear to those with an IQ over 90 what was going on. Yes they are covering all bases but doing so foolishly. Gerrans cannot win. He is a choker. I backed him last year, won't do that again especially given his season. He simply doesn't have the engine. Worse, this years racing looks cleaner and he's performed worse. Wonder why? Would you like me to provide documentation on his V02max and Evans. Cadel is the real deal. Simon gets into situations against sub par riders and gets lucky.

Goss cannot win, he doesn't have the skill and results against the big names. Davis certainly cannot win, he is a one off wonder for the month of January. ACF94 put it nicely, he comes 4th at best in a sprint contested by mediocre names. You call that covering bases? Do you really think Spain, Italy and Belgium will not be able to field someone who can thump him into the ground in the remote and nigh on impossible chance he is in the final 5 going for the win? I call it BS!

Can I make it any bloody clearer? Three of the designated leaders have neither the form nor consistency in big, serious races against the worlds best for me to even think for a second they can go with the big moves in the final two laps. Even Rogers chokes in those situations. Beijing anyone? Remember Cadel trying to bridge over to the lead 5 group on the last lap? Why? He knew Rogers would choke. Cadel should be the only strategy and the others should be there to make his job easier. Sure send Rogers or Gerrans up into a break, they may be able to pull something off, but that is it.

Go and look up Freire's results. Three times WC! He's motivated for a fourth. Gilbert! Look at his one day racing results for the last few seasons. Compare to our team. No bloody contest. Foreigners have the upper hand. Compare the names to those the big countries will back. Their riders form and palmares and that of our four leaders. Only Evans is worthy of comparison, thus he is the logical and obvious guy to back. I hope for everyone's sake that announcing four leaders is actually a well thought out ruse to blindside other nations, because covering all bases with three of those guys is just bloody moronic because they're simply not up to the task.

I am not wrong. You don't just pull a miracle out of nowhere. You have to have the skill. Skill shows over years. Evans has it in truck loads...the rest so so. No shame in calling it as it is...oh, wait, I forgot, some Aussies like lies and shun the truth. Get back to your Labor party barracking pronto.

I think this argument started out at different point and has evolved into something else. I was only stating Bannan's reasons for the team selection which were on the public record.

As far as Evans is concerned I agree. These are the Cycling Australia results for all the riders for 2010. You take one look and you can see Evans has the pedigree and the others are just not in the same class. Evans' comments about the course not being suitable for him are probably a smoke screen. Plan A should be and probably will be based on getting him to the line. However you also need a Plan B and an Plan C in case the wheels fall off. Gerrans is probably a bit lucky to have a spot but there you go.

Cadel Evans
1st Overall Points Classification Giro d’Italia ITA
1st Fleche Wallone BEL
1st Stage 7 Giro d'Italia ITA
2nd Stage 15 Giro d'Italia ITA
2nd Stage 16 Giro d’Italia ITA
2nd Stage 20 Giro d’Italia ITA
3rd Stage 3 Tour de France FRA
3rd Stage 1 TT Giro d'Italia ITA (NED)
3rd Stage 3 Santos Tour Down Under ProTour SA
3rd Stage 6 Tirreno - Adriatico ITA
4th Stage 5 Santos Tour Down Under ProTour SA
4th Stage 1 Critérium International Corsica
4th Stage 14 Giro d'Italia ITA
4th Stage 21 Giro d’Italia ITA
5th GC Santos Tour Down Under ProTour SA
5th Liege-Bastogne-Liege BEL
5th Overall GC Giro d’Italia ITA
6th Stage 8 Tour de France FRA
6th Stage 19 Giro d’Italia ITA
6th Overall Critérium International Corsica
8th Stage 3 Critérium International Corsica
11th Stage 2 Critérium International Corsica
leader for one day on Stage 8 Tour de France FRA
leader for one day on Stage 3 Giro d'Italia ITA (NED)
leader Points Classification Stage 9, 15-21 Giro d'Italia ITA

Allan Davis
2nd Stage 2 Tour de Pologne POL

2nd Stage 1 Tour de Picardie FRA
3rd Stage 3 Eneco Tour NED
3rd Stage 1 Eneco Tour NED
3rd Stage 3 Tour de Pologne POL
3rd Stage 1 Tour de Pologne POL
3rd overall Tour de Picardie FRA
6th Stage 6 Santos Tour Down Under ProTour SA
6th Stage 2 Santos Tour Down Under ProTour SA

Simon Gerrans
3rd Stage 3 Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Del Sol ESP

Matthew Goss
1st GP Ouest France FRA
1st Stage 1 Tour of Denmark DNK

1st Philadelphia International Championship USA
1st Stage 9 Giro d'Italia ITA
2nd Stage 4 Tour of Denmark DNK

2nd Stage 2 Giro d'Italia ITA (NED)
3rd Overall Sprint Classification Tour of Denmark DNK
6th Stage 2 Tour of Denmark DNK
7th Stage 6 Santos Tour Down Under ProTour SA
9th Stage 5 Paris-Nice FRA

Baden Cooke
3rd Stage 3 Tour of Qatar QAT
4th Stage 5 Tour of Oman OMA
5th Cancer Council Classic SA

Matthew Hayman
10th Stage 10 Giro d'Italia ITA
7th Stage 4 Tour de Pologne POL
25th Paris-Roubaix FRA

Stuart O'Grady
2010 5th stage 3 Tour of Oman OMA

Michael Rogers
1st Overall GC Tour of California USA

2nd Stage 3 Tour of California USA
2nd Stage 5 Tour of California USA

2nd Stage 7 Tour of California USA
2nd Overall Critérium International Corsica
3rd Stage 6 Tour of California USA
3rd Stage 3 Critérium International Corsica
3rd Montepaschi Strade Bianche ITA
4th Stage 4 Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Del Sol ESP
4th Stage 6 TT ProTour Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco ESP
4th Overall Tour de Romandie ProTour SUI
4th Prologue Tour de Romandie ProTour SUI
4th Time Trial Tour de Romandie ProTour SUI
6th Stage 3 Santos Tour Down Under ProTour SA
6th Stage 1 Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Del Sol ESP
7th Stage 6 Tirreno-Adriatico ITA
7th Stage 1 Critérium International Corsica
10th Stage 4 Tirreno-Adriatico ITA

Wesley Suzlberger
1st Grand Prix de Plumelec-Morbihan FRA
2nd Young Rider Classification Santos Tour Down Under ProTour SA

 

[LukeSchmid]

Michael Rogers was also 1st GC Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Ciclista Del Sol

 

[Polyarmour]

Michael Rogers was also 1st GC Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Ciclista Del Sol

You're right. It's not on his profile at Cycling Australia?? He's had a very good year.