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FRF Sports – NSWIS Continental Cycling Team Announcement
It is with regret that we announce our withdrawal from the FRF Sports – NSWIS Continental Cycling Team. Having slowly taken our support from local kids to an international UCI registered continental team, we feel we may have reached the highest point achievable with in-house expertise. The option to employ the services of an expert management team was not one available to us. We are, however, endeavouring to find a new sponsor to continue the work done thus far.
FRF and its entire staff would like to thank all the people involved with the team over the past 7 years, in particular the sponsors:
Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers, Multiplex Living, Australian Fastsigns, Vantage International Freight, Panasonic - Bing Lee, Champion Systems and Rudy Project.
FRF and associated sponsors will continue to support various cycling clubs, individual riders and start sponsorship agreements with Australian and New Zealand Triathletes.
Frank Fortuna
Managing Director
FRF Sports
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Jon Brooks Memorial - Peter Herzig................more
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Sunshine Coast Tour Report by Chris Jory................more
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Eastlink Opening Race Report- Joe Lewis................more
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Traning Camp Report ................more
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FRF Sports May 2008 Newsletter................more
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Brendan Brooks May 2008 Report................more
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Tour of Wellington Report by Chris Jory................more
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FRF Couriers - NSWIS 2008 Team Launch
Report
Photos
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2008 Bay Series Criteriums Report................more
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Brindabella Challenge Report by Joe Lewis................more
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The team show their support for the Ben Mikic Foundation by wearing wrist-bands during the Jayco Herald Sun Tour................Ben Mikic Foundation website
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Tour of New Caledonia Report by Luke Cridland................more
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State Title, Grafton & Goulburn Review by Brendan Brooks................more
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Herzo's Grafton Report
Grafton-Inverell 2007
The FRF-NSWIS team arrived in Grafton with great anticipation of what is one of the most gruelling one day races in Australia (don’t ask a Victorian, their reply will always be Melbourne to Warnambool). Fresh from the Tour of the Murray was tour winner Peter McDonald, along with Robbie Cater, Chris Jory, Jason Hegert, recently crowned NSW road champion Brendan Jones, plus Brendan Brooks, Aussie Joe McDonnell and myself (Peter Herzig).
I awoke to a champagne cycling day in Grafton, though was worried about the ever rising temperature. The race got underway just before 9am with the combined A-B grade field heading off with a slight tailwind. The pace was sedate to start with before a few attacks, and finally a solid break formed after ~40km, containing Robbie. At this point Aussie Joe went to the front to control the race, making sure no one else got away. Meanwhile I stopped for a front puncture and was given Hegert’s spare wheel (which he would later tell me was the slowest wheel and tyre combo ‘in the world’).
At around 60km in Macca called for a pit stop, with no one complaining. It was starting to get really hot as the peloton approached the Gibraltar range. At the base Chris attacked to split the bunch, then soon after Macca attacked himself and left carnage on the roads. This was when I got dropped by the chasing bunch. Macca then proceeded to ride across a 7min gap solo, joining the two remaining riders 20km after the 17km ascent; Robbie Cater and a B grader. Meanwhile I wasn’t getting across to the chase group containing Brendan so I waited for the small group behind me and we got across after some hard chasing, dropping some riders along the way.
At this stage Brendan and I were in a group of around 15, with the now three leaders up the road ~3mins. We kept chasing down breaks coming out of this chase group, as no one seemed to want to work together and we definitely didn’t want to drag Macca and Robbie back. Around 20k before Glen Innes (140k into the race) Cameron Hughes and another rider got away up a long drag. After a while the group started chasing, though we were unable to bring them back.
I later found out that Cameron had attacked the boys after catching them, riding solo for the last 65km of the race to take the win; impressive stuff. Meanwhile Macca had blown his biccy’s with the early attack plus helping Robbie and had been dropped. The chase group continued to drop riders along the way and at Wire Gully I was the final casualty after being unable to match the attacks up this deciding climb. I ended up riding solo to the finish into a strong headwind having only had coke to quench my thirst for the last 1.5 hours. 2km out of town I came up to an FRF-NSWIS rider, it was Macca. I assumed, in my bewildered state that he was cooling down, how wrong I was. I went straight passed him to take 11th place. I later found out that Robbie had out sprinted the other riders for 2nd place, plus also taking out the sprint jersey and KOM jersey; awesome ride Robbie. Brendan came home in 10th spot, securing us 1st in the team’s prize; solid work boys.
I’m now looking forward to Goulburn to Citi next weekend, where I think if we can improve our tactics we can come up with a victory, Cheers
Peter Herzig
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Real Aussie Kids get the Gold at the Australian Junior Road Championships................more
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Peter McDonald's report from the Tour Of The Murray
I wasn't even going to start this tour but a good weekend at the Ballarat G.P. put me in the lead of the Timbercup Series so I decided to give it a crack. Stage 2 was a flat windy 110km race to Braham. I was happy to be in the front group through all the crosswind and was feeling good as the attack started. I managed to get away with one other rider named David Pell with 6km to go and together we manage to get a good lead over the chasing pack. I didn't want the finish to come to a sprint so with 1.5 km to go I made my move and managed to get a 12 sec advantage on my breakaway partner and 23 sec on the bunch. This was a handy lead, but not a lead I expected to keep to the finish, which was still 11 stages away.
By stage 5 my lead was gone, as David Pell had clamed some time bonus to draw level. The Euston Criterium was a fast circuit race and right from the start a group of about 10 rider escaped the pack. Fortunately the Ord Minet team from Queensland were working hard to bring the break back, as their sprinter Grant Irwin was in great form. If Grant could managed to win the final sprint he would be given a 10 second bonus and claim the lead. With 2 laps remaining the break was almost caught, so I took a chance and jumped across. I manage to catch to breakaway group right on the line and finish 5 on the stage but more importantly I put some valuable second between me and my nearest rivals.
Stage 8 a my lead was back down to 6 second, another fast circuit race around Mildura. It was about half way through the race I escaped the pack with 5 other riders. I won 8 bonus sprint during the breakaway which gave me 24 bonus seconds. I had a bit more breathing space over the guys chasing me.
Stage 11 a I had maintained my lead. The circuit race around Loxton had a sharp climb to the finish of each lap, which suit me down to the ground. Chris Jory and Brendan Jones got themselves into the early breakaway group. This was fantastic as I was able to jump across and work with them to establish a good lead. The finish was on top of the small climb, I managed to over power the other breakaway riders to win the stage and establish a tour winning lead of over a minute.
In stage 12 I have my team mates Robbie Cater and Jason Hegert to thank. They both did a fantastic job a setting the pace to make sure I stay in the lead. The final stage was a fast affair as the South Australia.com team control the pace, to help their rider win the sprint finish. This was good for me as I was able to curise along in the peleton and claim the tour win.
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FRF Couriers NSWIS Team Tour Of The Murray
FRF NSWIS rider Peter McDonald won his first domestic Tour over the weekend running out convincing winner of the Timbercorp Tour of the Murray. The tour which crosses 3 states and for the first time visits South Australia. The week started well for the FRF Couriers NSWIS Team comprising of Peter McDonald, Chris Jory, Robbie Cater, Jason Hegert, John Ebeling and Brendan Jones with Pete taking out the 2 nd stage and gaining enough time to take the yellow jersey as race leader. At this stage of the race Pete didn’t hold out much hope of defending his lead in a race which is traditionally one for the sprinters but thanks to great team work from the young squad the team kept Pete in yellow. Rising star Robbie Cater placed 4 times in the top 10 in the following 4 stages narrowly missing out on stage 5 to Pete Dawson from the SA.com AIS squad. Coming into stage 8 Pete’s lead had shrunk to 6 seconds after QLDs Grant Irwin had claimed 3 stage wins and his Ord Minnett Tripleplay team were confident of taking the yellow jersey in the 66km Mildura Kermesse but they didn’t account for Pete attacking after the first intermediate sprint and gaining a break from the field with 5 other riders, as the laps past Pete took out 8 intermediate sprint worth 3 seconds each to increase his overall lead. Towards the end of the race due to SA.com AIS riding strongly on the front the break as brought back and 3 riders escaped with Sean Finning SA.com AIS claming the win and Pete crossing the line in 5 place. With Pete now holding a 27 sec advantage over his rival the team were happy to control the race at the front and let non GC breaks go to contest the stage wins for the next few stages. When the race arrived in South Australia for stage 11 in Loxton Pete found the circuit to his liking and due to some fantastic teamwork Pete was able to ride across to the break containing teammates Chris Jory and Brendan once Pete had made contact Brendan and Chris did all the work to make sure the break stayed away from the chasing peleton. Coming out of the last corner in the uphill sprint Pete sprinted to victory in the yellow jersey in the process increasing his overall lead to 1min 27sec and Robbie rounding off a great team display taking the bunch sprint for 5th place. Stage 12 also in Loxton was a 66km kermesse which contained a 900m 8% climb the team again performed brilliantly with the riders at the head of affairs all day protecting team leader Pete McDonald, at the end of the stage Pete once again showed his consistency by placing 9th on the stage. With Only 1 stage remaining a 44km kermesse, Pete’s victory was almost assured. The final stage in Wakeria was held on a fast 2 km circuit on the banks of the Murray river, with a tussle going on for 2nd place on GC between Grant Irwin and Jack Boberidge which Grant eventually won the team had a relatively easy day with SA.com AIS controlling the bunch for a bunch finish which Peter Dawson won taking his second stage victory, Pete crossed the line in 15th spot taking the overall win and the final yellow jersey as race winner. The week was a great success with Pete also finishing 2nd in the sprints classification John Ebeling 10 th overall and Robbie Cater 3rd in the criterium Championship. Pete also retained his overall lead in the Timbercorp Cup with 1 round remaining in October in Tasmania which will suit Pete down to the ground. The team also increased its lead at the head of the team’s classification in the national series and Pete moved up into a strong position in the individual rankings. The team now has a busy few weeks with Grafton to Inverell Classic fast approaching in which the team will be one of the favorites for victory.
Andy Portess
FRF Couriers NSWIS Team Manager
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Peter Herzig's Report from the Flight Centre Epic MTB marathon................more
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Australian Grand Prix - The FRF Couriers NSWIS team continues to dominate the Australian National Road Series. The prestigious series continues in the tour of the Murray next week. Weekend results at the Australian Grand Prix saw Pete McDonald win the criterium and finish second overall. This win follows up Chris Jory's 2nd overall in the Tour of Gippsland.
Pete's efforts at the Australian Grand Prix have seen him lifted to the leading rider in the Timbercorp Cup - formerly known as the Tattersalls cup, with two events remaining.
| Place |
Team |
Total Points |
Canberra Tour |
Tour de Perth |
Muswellbrook Explorer |
Tour of Gippsland |
| 1 | FRF Couriers - NSWIS | 370 |
90 |
0 |
100 |
180 |
| 2 | Ord Minnett Elite Racing Team | 271 |
81 |
100 |
0 |
90 |
| 3 | Praties Cycling Team | 261 |
180 |
0 |
0 |
81 |
| 4 | Drapac Porsche | 240 |
180 |
60 |
0 |
0 |
| 5 | Savings and Loans | 135 |
63 |
0 |
0 |
72 |
| 6 | South Australia.com-AIS | 110 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
110 |
| 7 | Team Velo Canberra | 72 |
72 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 8 | CycleCity National Race Team | 63 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
63 |
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Pete's report from the Tour of Qinghai Lake................more
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FRF Couriers-NSWIS at the Tour of Gippsland................Click images for full size on cyclingnews.com
  
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Chris Jory's July Report................more
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Chris Jory wins the inaugural "King of the Mountain" after winning two stages of the "Pure Blonde" climb at Lowes Peak................more
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Young Aussie brothers leading the way in USA
By Paul Verkuylen
Two young Australian riders, Angus Morton and his younger brother Lachlan, have shown their climbing potential by taking 5th and 6th in the pro category of the Mt Evans Hill Climb won by Discovery Channel's Tom Danielson. Danielson fell one minute short of taking the record time in the event.
The Morton brothers are no strangers to the event having ridden the race every year for the past three years as part of the 'Real Aussie Kids' development squad, which was set up to help young Australian riders gain experience with top level competition and support. Angus, 18, represented Australia at the junior road world championships in 2006 as a first year junior. This year he was not selected for the squad opting instead to concentrate on his year 12 Higher School Certificate.
Younger brother Lachlan, 15, is also showing some potential for the sport, by matching it with the best professional riders in the gruelling hill climb. Just two weeks ago the young star got the fastest time in the Sunshine Boulder Hill climb, beating the pros by six seconds, just ten days after having surgery to pin a broken wrist.
Bob Cook Hill Climb
Men's Professional, 1, 2 — 1. Tom Danielson, 1:43.04; 2. Scott Moninger, 1:43.53; 3. Michael Carter, 1:50.27; 4. John Eisinger, 1:50.59; 5. Angus Morton, 1:51.19; 6. Lachlan Morton, 1:51.27; 7. Kevin Nicol, 1:51.33; 8. LeRoy Popowski, 1:51.47; 9. Norm Bryner, 1:52.11; 10. Brad Cole, 1:54.56.
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Real Aussie Kids in Colorado................more
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Follow the daily progress of the team in China at the Tour of Qinghai Lake on cyclingnews.com................more
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FRF Couriers NSWIS for China
By Paul Verkuylen
FRF Couriers-NSWIS is focusing on the upcoming 2.HC Tour of Qinghai Lake, having registered a strong showing in May's RAS Tour in Ireland, which saw FRF NSWIS team captain Peter McDonald take third overall and Jason Hegert finished in 12th. The Australian continental team will lineup against the likes of ProTour squad Discovery Channel at the Chinese event, starting on July 14.
The Asia Tour is a major focus for the New South Wales team this season. Team manager Andrew Potress sees the tour as a good development ground for the young riders. "The Asian races, especially Qinghai Lake are good for the young riders to gain experience and exposure," he explained. "Before hopefully moving onto bigger things in Europe."
Andrew sees the team as a development squad for talented young Australian riders. "With Australia having so many talented rider, we wanted to create a means for these guys to progress into bigger pro team, and with the South Australia.com-AIS team being so hard to get a spot in, we wanted to help develop these rider, so they don't get lost in the system," he said.
With ties to the junior development squads, Real Aussie kids and the Illawarra Academy of Sport, the future looks bright for the team. It hopes to increase the budget for next season, with the help of new sponsors, and also wants to expand its racing calendar to include even more racing in Europe, Asia and the United States of America.
Domestically, Victoria's Sun Tour is a major goal for the team, as is gaining a spot in the January's Tour Down Under. The team, along with other domestic squads, Drapac Porsche and Saving and Loans, is currently working with Cycling Australia to achieve the goal of securing a South Australia start.
FRF Couriers-NSWIS' Tour of Qinghai Lake roster: Peter McDonald, Peter Herzig, Brendan Brooks, John Ebeling, Rob Lyte, Robert Cater and Jason Hegert.
courtesy of cyclingnews.com |
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Monthly Report from Jason Hegert
England, Ireland and France
Our first trip away for 2007 started with some training in wet old England before we headed to the Lincoln GP, and it was on from the gun with 180 riders all trying to get to the cobbled climb first. I new I must stay up the front to have any chance, which is what I did but I found the style of racing completely different to the style in Australia or anything I have ever raced before. There was just so many attacks and it never eases off coz someone is always attacking and trying to get off the front. I didn't have a great day and missed the break when it went, I ended up just rolling in with the peleton to finish in the top 40. But I really enjoyed the race even though it rained from start to finish.
Next stop was the RAS tour of Ireland, with another big field of 150 riders.
Again it was on from the gun and the same attacking style of racing as lincoln. We knew that we had to have someone in all the moves and with only 5 guys by the end of a 9 day tour we were all very tired, but we did come home with some good results. Macca was 3rd on GC which was a great effort. All the boys rode really well to keep him up front and where he had to be all tour.
I managed to get equal 11th on GC and 4th U23 so I was pretty happy with my first tour of Ireland, it took a while to pick up the different racing style but by the end of the tour I was really starting to like it, and felt it even suited me.
From Ireland we then headed to the French Alps, which is definitely the most beautiful place I have ever been, it was like a postcard. It had just snowed 2 days before we got there and the high mountains still had a fair bit of snow on them, it really was magic. I think our first ride we all had huge smiles on our faces the whole time, we were in france it was so beautiful and we were in the mecca of cycling. Over the two weeks we rode all the famous climbs of the tour and I don't think anyone could believe we were riding where the tour has previously gone before.
Everywhere we went we had people asking us where we were from and what team we ride for, there were even people taking photos of us riding up the big climbs, so even though we couldn't speak very much french people were more than happy to help us out.
We had some really long hard days with some really big mountains and we all loved every minute of it.
Cheers
Jason Hegert
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FRF NSWIS clean up in Gunnedah. Newspaper Article. ................more
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Photos of Luke Cridland in Europe................more
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NSW State TT championships
Over the past weekend the NSW State TT championships were held over a though 40km course at Calga. FRF Couriers NSWIS had 4 team members taking part with team captain Pete McDonald missing due to a heavy training schedule for the upcoming Tour of Qinghai Lake, it was left to senior riders John Ebeling and Troy Glennan to fly the flag in the elite men’s race. Unfortunalty Troy was a late withdrawal due to illness which left John to fight it out for the title. John had a good ride to finish in 5th place behind winner Michael Tolhusrt the two other podium places were taken by Peter Milostic and Robert Hodgson.
In the under 23 race Robbie Cater showed that he is coming in to form for the Tour of Qinghai lake by taking the title from fellow team member Anthony Bennett the final podium place was taken by Matthew Petit. Robbie’s ride showed how much he is developing as a rider under NSWIS Coach Gary Sutton. Robbie not only rode out to the event but also rode home making his day 200km plus which will be sure to have him firing in China.
Next weekend the FRF Couriers NSWIS Team will be racing in country NSW in Tamworth were 8 of the squad will be competing as final preparation before traveling to China.
Andy Portess
FRF Couriers NSWIS Team Manager
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FRF Couriers – NSWIS Training Camp in France................more
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England, Ireland and France Review by Brendan Brooks................more |
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June Report from Anthony Bennett
The first half of the year has come and gone
for me the first half a year was all about building up the kms and getting
in some hard racing to use as a base for the 2nd half of the year where I
will be wanting to get results.
The year started out well with a start in the national pointscore
championships on the track where I had a good ride working for my state team
mate who won the race.
I then took a few weeks off before getting back into the road training
which took a while before any sort of form was to be seen. I picked up a 2nd
place at the Macarthur crit in April which was apart of a 1,2 for the team.
Canberra Tour and the Oceania road titles came soon after but the mountain
ranges did not suit the form I had and so i did what I could for the team
while still with the race.
The first half of the year ended for me with a win the the Sydney Road
Titles for the U/23s which I managed to get up in the bunch sprint.
The mid season break is over now and alot of racing coming up with the
state timetrial champs, gunnedah, mudgee, muswellbrook all in july and tour
of the murray later in august. These will be races I will be trying to
achieve some good results in.
Will report again next month
Anthony Bennett
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Illawarra Academy of Sport Rider receives his Argon 18................more
.......Cyclingnews.com story
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FRF Couriers-NSWIS Alps Training
Having a great time in Briancon. Getting in some good training as well. Yesterday we rode over the Lautaret, down into Bourg d'Oisans and up Alps d'Huez. Herzo smacked me up the alp and is climbing really well. On the return journey BB and I lit it up on the Lautaret and took our revenge on the Professor.
We have also ridden over the Col d'Izoard and the Col d'Grannon. The Grannon is only about 3km from where we are staying and is a real tough climb. 2413m, 1000m meters of climbing at 9.5% over 10km. We also have ridden over to Italy via Bardonecchia, Oulx and over the Col d'Montegenevre.
It has been reasonable warm in Briancon about 15-20 degrees. However at the top of the mountains it is freezing. We got hailed on at the top of the Grannon and rained on over the Montegenevre, so both times we froze going down.
Cheers
Pete |
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Pete the Machine gives a stage by stage description of the Tour of Ireland................more
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Peter McDonald scores Podium Position in the FBD Insurance RAS
In what is arguably the best result thus far for the FRF Couriers NSWIS team, Peter McDonald has ridden into third overall in the UCI 2.2 ranked FBD Insurance RAS in Ireland. The 8 day event takes riders throughout Ireland in some tough conditions. Pete was consistent all week and ended up only 24seconds down on the overall leader in an awesome display.
Pete had a solid team around him which saw two other riders finish in the top 20.
A number of international teams formed to race the RAS in what is considered one of the tougher stage races in Europe. Pete has been showing excellent form leading up to the race and has proven that form with what is truly a fantastic result.
The team will now be heading off to France for an intense training camp in preparation for another UCI ranked event – The Tour of Quinghai lake in China. Stay posted for further updates.
Congratulations!!!
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Luke Cridland is currently representing FRF Couriers – NSWIS at the Australian Institute of Sport in Varese Italy................enlarge
I've been over italy for 2 weeks now, racing has been good. I did the tour of berlin last week. Its a 4 day, 5 stage u23 world cup tour. It basically rained everyday. Each stage had around 30k of cobbles. I placed in the bunch each day with a 16th on 135k stage 4 and 25th on the final 195k stage. Hayden Josefski got 3rd in the young rider jersey. 15th overall. It was a dead flat tour so wasn't really my cup of tea. I Had 2 crashes in the one day on a cobble rainy section.
Last w/e we had 2 big Italian one dayers. All in with elite men. All teams were either pro conti or national teams. raced against aqua sappone and liquigas, russian and G.B national teams.first day 196 starters. 50 finishers. finished 19th on a reasonably hilly 175k in more driving rain first aussie. picked up a prime and was away in all the moves of the last 20k but nothing stuck, so had to make do with a bunch sprint. next day was the coppa della pace. another big italian one dayer on the beachside town of rimini. 170k. with 66k of flat laps to start then another 110k of a 12k circuit up a 4.5k hill 10% hill then basically back to the bottom each time. former winners include paolo salvadelli, ricardo ricco, jorge jackshe and franco pellizotti. high class field again with all pro conti and national teams. i went for the early break duties and soon got in the move after 30k. with 10 riders. so swapped off for the next couple of hours till there was only 5 of us left with 50k to go. picked up a heap of G.P.M.'s (koms) then eventually was day over for our break after 140k. hopped off pretty satisfied then left it for the other boys. an 8 man break formed near the end and stayed away. no aussies. pat shaw first aus at 26th or so. dean windsor back about 2 mins at say 40.th. not many finishers, only 3 of the 6 finished.
I had mapei vo2max testing. got to 450 watts (7.3w/kg) and weighed in at 59.5kg. 6% body fat. The Mapei doc said i was in top 20% of all tested pros over last 15 years.
Next up we have thuringen rundfarht in Germany. It's a 7 day u/23 world cup tour. Only national teams can race which means it will be ridiculously hard. Then I'm off home.
Luke Cridland |
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FBD Insurance RAS
The FRF Couriers NSWIS cycling team are currently competing in the prestigious FBD Insurance RAS in Ireland – a UCI 2.2 event. The stage race is known for it’s tough courses and big fields. Team rider Peter McDonald is continuing his awesome form this year by being placed 4th overall after 3 stages of the race. He has had a couple of top ten finishes in bunch sprints. With a few climbs to come Pete is poised nicely to give the general classification a real shake up. With the other four team members working tirelessly to help Pete he will be in for a real shot. |
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Race Report: Lincoln GP England
140km 10 laps of a 14km circuit around the town of Lincoln - each lap includes a short but steep cobbled climb to the start finish line.
Race day for the Lincoln started with warmth and sunshine, however by race start the clouds had rolled in and the tempreature had dropped to about 10 degrees. The first lap is a race to the cobbled climb and with the pace on it wasn't suprising to see a few crashes as riders tried to hold position at the front of the pack. The first time up the hill saw a small group escape the main field. This break was soon reined in and three laps into the race another dangerous group moved clear over the top of the climb. It was a this stage myself and about four other riders saw a chance to jump away from the main pack and cross to the break of ten. After chasing hard for half a lap we hooked up with the break which continued to move clear of the main field. Before long the break was established and had a comfortable lead.
The number of riders in the lead group was getting smaller every lap as riders were dropped on the climb or during the numerous attacks on the flat road at the top of the climb. With two laps remaining the break was down to eight. At the top of the climb two riders slipped clear and managed to maintain a lead over the other six. As part of the chasing group I was doing my best to get the other riders to work together to bring back the leaders, however at this stage of the race the others seemed more interested in trying to go it alone. The constant one twoing from the chase group allowed the leaders to stay away to the finish. After trying to cover a number of attacks and counter each move I was running very low on energy and grovelled up the cobbles to the finish in 6th place.
For full race coverage and pictures go to www.britishcycling.org.uk
Cheers Pete
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Pete McDonald smashes the ATTA time trial record at Calga................more
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RIDE Magazine's story on the FRFCouriers-NSWIS Cycling Team................more
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FRF Couriers - NSWIS Macarthur Criterium & Easter Training Camp April 2007 Update.................more |
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Brendan Jones wins U/23 Roadman of the Year at the recent NSWIS Cycling Awards – Congratulations Brendan!.................more |
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FRF Couriers - NSWIS announced as major contenders in the upcoming FBD Insurance RAS in Ireland.................more |
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Peter Herzig races the Sunshine Coast Tour
After finishing 2nd to David Betts I was keen to take out the Sunshine Coast Tour in 2007. The format was a little different to the inaugural event with 5 stages; 2.5km prologue, 100k road race, 8km mass start hill climb, 44k road race and a 100k road race to finish over the four days of Easter. I surprised myself during the prologue by taking out 3rd position, only 2 seconds down on the leader. In the road stage the next day there were plenty of attacks but it came down to a bunch finish on a descent at ~70+km/h, I finished in the pack. The following morning was an early start with the Montville hill climb. I was keen to make up time on this stage, though with a windy day it wasn't easy. I attacked around half way up the climb after a couple of teams had spent there lead out trains. It was tough out the front but I dug deep and finished with a 16 second lead, giving me the yellow jersey by 12 seconds.
Unfortunately the same afternoon I punctured, just as a break went. After chasing to get back on the break was well established and I ended up loosing 1min 40s. The next road race it was all or nothing. I managed to bridge across a gap to a break and all riders worked together, gaining time over the first 3 on GC. I suffered another puncture, but was able to rejoin quickly. A group went away with 20km to go but I was unable to bridge the gap solo after trying a few attacks, ending up 6th on the stage and 7th overall. It was an awesome weekend of hard racing and would recommend the sunny coast tour to anyone looking for some quality competition over Easter next year.
--- Peter Herzig
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Gunnedah Crit - A Trip to the Country.
When a good mate of mine Andrew Freddo Riordan suggested
that we drive up to his home town Gunnedah for the
inter-club criterium I thought to myself, yeh why not.
Gunnedah boasts a very strong Tri and Cycling Club which
do a great job a staging the annual event. The races
start around midday with the under 11s race. Freddo's
three nephews lined up for the race, having cleaned all
the mud off their BMXs. The boys were slightly
disadvantaged on their BMXs but at least there was no
danger of a flat with the solid rubber tyres, too many
bindies on the farm to risk regular tyres with tubes.
Unfortunately the pace was too hot for the boys but it
didn't seem to matter much as the course ran around the
local pool, once finished it was straight in for a swim.
The main race started around 4 and after staying
together for the first prime, the race began to split. 3
of us managed to get away from the main field. Arron
Little from Tamworth proved very strong working well
with me to increase our lead. Sam Spoke also from
Tamworth rode well in the break despite not yet reaching
his 15 birthday. As the 3 of us laped the field I used
the opportunity to sneak through a gap the others
couldn't follow me through, to escape. I managed
to get a good gap and ride the last two laps solo to
victory.
--- Pete McDonald |
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FRF-NSWIS Team wins the
Gladiator Criterium.
Peter MacDonald as part of the
FRF_NSWIS team has won the Classic Tiles Gladiator
Criterium at Dunc Gray Criterium circuit on 11 March
2007.........more
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FRF
Couriers - NSWIS get local media talking in Goulburn.............more |
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Excelpro continues it's support of local cycling by sponsoring
the Hector Salas Memorial Criterium at Penrith Lakes
On behalf of the Penrith
Panthers/FRF Courier Cycling Club, we would like to
thank you for sponsoring the Hector Salas Memorial
Criterium held last night.
With 126 riders, we were able to raise $1749.25 all of
which is being donatated to the Cancer Council of
Australia.
Results and photo's will be on the website later today.
Left is a photo of the A Grade Winners.
Regards
Penrith Panthers Cycling Club
www.penrithpanthers.cc |
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Commonwealth Games
Cyclist Visits Hurstville Public School Children.
Maltese Commonwealth Games cyclist
David Treacy recently visited students at Hurstville
Public School to thank them for their support. They
provided encouragement for Treacy to compete in the
160km road race event despite suffering from a broken
collarbone. “The kids are great. The letters they wrote
me, and the support they gave me, provided me with the
strength to compete. I would not have been able to do it
without them. I just wanted to let them know how much it
meant to me” Treacy commented. Treacy also took the
opportunity to promote the benefits of cycling (sport),
exercise, andhealthy eating. The children were also
amazed by the Commonwealth Gamesmemorabilia and the
state-of-the-art machinery used by his team FRF Couriers
– NewSouth Wales Institute of Sport. “I also wanted to
show the students that with hard workand dedication,
anything is possible, not only in sport but also in
other areas of life” Treacy said. “I hope I can make the
children proud of me by making the 2008 Olympics, which
is a reality with the support of my FRF Couriers-NSWIS
team.” Joining Treacy in this squad are many other
talented St.George and Sutherland Shire cyclists.Left is
a photo of the children with their supportive letters
and Treacy. |
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Team FRF Couriers - Excelpro at the Cronulla
International Grand Prix
Team FRF Couriers-Excelpro rode to their full potential
on Sunday showing a big presence through out the entire
race. The boys were in all the action from the gun,
chasing breaks and driving the bunch from the start.
Eventually Peter McDonald made the break of the day
along with international riders Matthew White and Graham
Brown along with some very strong Australian based
riders. The break worked well whilst the bunch,
including Robbie McEwen had no answer. Coming into the
last lap Peter McDonald got on the front and set a
fierce pace for the entire last lap ensuring no breaks
went and set up a sprint finish for eventual winner
Graham Browne who powered past Joel Pearson on his
Colnago President.
more............
(courtesy cyclingnews.com)
more photos............ |
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JOHNNY WARREN JAMBEROO
CLASSIC
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On
January 7, 2007, The Johnny Warren Jamberoo
Classic is entering its fourth year and serves
as a fundraising event for the Sydney Cancer
Foundation. What started out as a friendly ride
for SBS cycling program Cycling Central, the
event now serves to honour the late Australian
Football legend Johnny Warren who lost his own
personal battle with cancer in 2004. The 2006
event has received support of Cycling Australia,
meaning the event is covered for insurance
purposes, as well as businesses in the Kiama and
metropolitan areas, which will all ensure that
the 2006 event is bigger and better than ever.
Organisers are aiming to attract 200 riders for
this event, which starts at Waratah Park in
Loftus and conclude at Jamberoo Pub or
'Johnny's Pub', which is owned by the Warren
family. The start time will be 7.30am with
anticipated stops along the way at Otford,
Wollongong and Shellharbour, the estimated
finish time will be 12.30pm at Jamberoo Pub
where old friends can catch up for lunch, a few
drinks, enjoy the friendly atmosphere, take a
trip down memory lane by viewing Johnny's life
story thanks to an exclusive photo gallery and
be treated to a guest appearance from a
prominent Australian folk musician.
Michael Tomalaris
Journalist/Presenter/Producer
+61 2 9430-3043
+61 (0)414 586052
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MILOSTIC NEWS
" Another year another Grafton. We
have just returned from our 6th Grafton to Inverell,
they never get any easier just some aren`t as hard as
others. We had very favorable condition`s this time with
21c and a slight tail wind,an extreme contrast to last
year`s relentless headwind.By day`s end I had finished
10th and kept my record intact, Six start`s six top 10s.
I don`t have a photo this time but here are a few
figures of interest.
This all =one tired and hungry rider
(Hamburgers and hot chips for tea I thought I deserved
it). Next stop Goulburn Camden. Till then bye for now."
Congratulations also to Peter McDonald
who took out third place. Not bad that makes a win
and a third place for Peter. Peter won the Grafton
Inverell in 2004. |
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More
success for Cody Stevenson at the Australian Cycling
Grand Prix - NE
Cody took out Race 2 the
33km Criterium at Ballarat, on August 19, 2006......more
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FRF COURIERS -
CARAVELLO IN CHINA
FRF couriers-Caravello depart for Qinghai
Lake.............more
(courtesy of cyclingnews.com)
(scroll down)
Tour of Qinghai Lake - 2.HC China, July
15-23, 2006. Official Site.........more
Tour of Qinghai Lake - 2.HC China, July
15-23, 2006. Stage 1.........more
Cody Stevenson so close in Stage
2.............more
(courtesy of cyclingnews.com)
Tour of Qinghai Lake - 2.HC China, July
15-23, 2006. Stage 3.............more
(courtesy of cyclingnews.com)
Tour of Qinghai Lake - 2.HC China, July
15-23, 2006. Stage 4............more
(courtesy of cyclingnews.com) |
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FRF COURIERS -
CARAVELLO IN CANADA
Tour de
Beauce - 2.2 Canada, June 13-18, 2006.........more
(courtesy of cyclingnews.com)
Tour de
Beauce official website.......more
Photos of the team in action.......more
(courtesy of
cyclingnews.com) |
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Cody Stevenson Diary
Canada
"Tour de Beauce" .......more
(courtesy of
cyclingnews.com)
The Men of the Ras!
Day 1 - Rain, 140 guys, a
bit of wind...oh and did I mention rain?
It chucked it down the whole day, I don't actually think
it stopped raining until 10km to go, and by this stage a
group of 15 had spearheaded off the front including
Joe. The day had been full of attacks as is usual the
first day of a tour, but it took until about 90km into
the stage before anything significant got away. The
finish was up a hill that had a dodgy corner at the
bottom. There were 15 in the front and Josh and I
thought we should have a hit out in the bunch kick, as
we rounded the bottom turn the front group was in
sight. We figured we wouldn't catch the front so we
just followed the wheels and then Josh hit out with 250
to go I was on his wheel and we began to catch a few
remnants of the front group. At the finish Joe had
taken 3rd on the stage and Josh and I had run 8th and
9th. Not a bad first day! Joe also got a jersey, so he
was up on the podium! ............more
................photos
See video footage of team FRF in Europe....more
Newspaper
clippings......................more
Irish Daily Mail
25/05/06................more
Irish Daily Star
26/05/06................more
Irish Daily Examiner
25/05/06.......more |
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FRF Couriers - Caravello
Competing Abroad
FRF at the Lincoln
GP..............more
Preview of Rutland
..........more
FRF at
Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic ..........more
Cody Stevensons latest diary entry from Europe..........more
FRF/Caravello
in the FBD Insurance RAS..........more
See Photo Gallery for
action shots of the team in Europe.....
more
Story on Sydney
Morning Herald (team sponsor) .......more |
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Stage winner Joshua Marden gave his
outline of how the stage went. “It was tough, given
the conditions and the wind, but that is the same
for everybody. Everybody has to do it,” he said.
“We studied the finish the night before and I knew
that if I was in a break, I had a good chance being
a sprinter. So that is how it worked out. I had
two guys in the break to help me, they could shelter
me most of the day and then coming into the finish,
they were able to lead it out for me.”
“I will try again this week, if it
comes down to a sprint we have a very good chance
because we are a strong sprinting team. Myself and
another guy are good finishers.”
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FRF/Excelpro sponsors the Penrith Panthers Cycling Club
The Penrith
Panthers Cycling Club recently unveiled a new kit with
several new sponsors including: FRF Couriers, Carrol and
O'Dea Lawyers, Powerbar, SMH.com.au, Vantage Freight, Vuelta
Wheels, Selle Bassano, Vittoria Cycle Shoes, Speedplay
Pedals. Below Frank Fortuna, CEO of FRF/Excelpro
models the new uniform.
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CINELLI TRACK
SERIES.
The Cinelli
Track series, conducted over 12 weeks, commences at Tempe
Velodrome on 5th January 2006..................more |
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NEW FRF
COURIERS-CARAVELLO CONTINENTAL TEAM LAUNCHED...........full
story
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Richmond Cyclery Team ride Cinelli at Bay Crits
(click to enlarge photos) |
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Richmond Cyclery team members
Robert Tighillo and Dominic Gatto took part in the Elite
Mens Division at the Jayco bay Series recently in Melbourne.
Both men performed well in what was a stellar field that
included National Road Champion Robbie McEwen, Baden Cooke,
Mark Renshaw and Wil Walker. The Richmond Cyclery team
was formed by Grant Rice owner of Richmond Cyclery. The team
rides Cinelli frames and rolls on the Vuelta Wheelsets. They
had recent success in the Tour of Bright, where Robert
Tighillo took out Stage 4 of the race. Reports from
Melbourne say that Tighillo has also been claiming a number
of wins recently in locally based criteriums. |
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Colnago
– Caravello win 35th Tour of New Caledonia!!
Colnago –
Caravello team rider Peter McDonald recently took the yellow
winners jersey in the Tour of New Caledonia. The tour was
over ten days with Pete holding a 1min 48s advantage over
the rest of the peloton. The Colnago – Caravello team
consisted of Peter McDonald, Brendan Brooks, Jason Hegert
and George Bunt. The team was closely supported by the FRF
Couriers/Randwick Botany team of Josh Marden, Robbie Cater,
Stuart Shaw and Cameron Wise.
The Tour of
New Caledonia was well represented by a number of Australias
top teams including MGZT who had top Australian riders
Robert McLachlan and Shaun Higgerson. The team worked well
together to defend Pete’s yellow jersey through out the tour
to record a well deserved win.
Team
manager Dominic Caravello was with the team every step of
the way and was very proud to see Pete cross the line first. |
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GOLD TO BOTH
RBCC/FRF & COLNAGO CARAVELLO AT NSW CLUBS TEAM TIME TRIAL
CHAMPIONSHIPS |
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Randwick Botany/FRF Elite Women's team
From left, Emma James, Laura Bortoluzzi, Brittany Orr and Tanya Newton.
The girls rode fabulously at the NSW State Team Time Trial
Championships which were conducted at Gunning (Near Goulburn) on Sunday 24
July 2005.and took the gold medal coming in 30 seconds ahead of
silver medalists, Canberra CC.
Congratulations also to the Randwick Botany/FRF Elite Mens team of Shaun
Higgerson, Josh Marden, Chris Jenkins and Nathan Page who took out the
Bronze medal in their division.
Overall Randwick Botany/FRF had a great result
with the Masters 2-4 team taking Silver. The tally was three State
medals on the day, Gold, Silver & Bronze...........more
pictures & story |
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Colnago Caravello
Mens U17 team are the new Mens U17 NSW State Team Time Trial Champions .
Congrats to the U17 Boys who took out the gold medal. |
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CONGRATULATIONS
LUKE DAVISON & LAURA BORTOLOZZI |
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Congratulations to Luke Davison, Junior U15 Men Cyclist
of the Year for 2004. Left, Luke receives his award
from Kerry Ruffels, President of Cycling NSW.
Congratulations to Kerry who was voted in on 12 April 2005
about 15 mins prior to this photo being taken.
Congratulations also to Laura Bortolozzi who was awarded
in-absentia, the 2004 Roadwoman of the year award. Click on
photo for full size view. |
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CONGRATULATIONS DAVE TREACY |
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Congratulations to Dave Treacey who finished 3rd in the
International Tour Ta Malta. Dave is hopeful that this
excellent result will get him a berth on the Maltese team
for the Commonwealth Games. The Tour was covered by
The Times (timesofmalta.com). To read the story,
click here. Dave confirmed in an email to us on 12
April that he was meeting with the Maltese Olympic Committee
that date. We wish you every success Dave, and hope
that you are on the team. |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO
OUR LATEST STATE CHAMPIONS |
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To see results on Cycling NSW website,
click here. |
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Congratulations to
Caravello rider Pete "The Machine" McDonald who took Gold in
the Elite Men's division of the NSW Hillclimb championships.
Congratulations also to RBCC's Josh
Marden who took second place. Josh finished only
11 seconds further behind Pete. Congratulations guys. |
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NZ 
