Saturday the 14th of October took Ventou up to the top of Arthur’s seat for the queen stage of the herald sun tour. With 23 seconds separating the top 6 riders, it was always going to be a tough day in the saddle for the boys with three efforts up the climb lasting about 20minutes each. While not the longest climb in the world it was still going to make or break the top six. Rhys Pollock started the day in the yellow and although not the strongest climber, he has a strong team around him who were looking to protect him up the accent for as long as possible.

Up the top of the climb there was a buzz I’ve never experienced. I have never been to a stage with such a climb before and I must say it was amazing. Driving up the mountain at 7 in the morning people were setting up their deck chairs to take advantage of the best positions on the hill while up the top crowds were gathering already with many cyclists riding down from Melbourne. To think what it would be like watching a stage of the tour at a mountain top finish where 500,000 spectators are lining the stage would just be amazing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 (A few helicopters above who where filming for the live SBS coverage is not something you usually see associated with racing in Victoria)

Coming over the climb for the first time the yellow jersey had already fallen off the front group but still well supported by his team they chased over the top of the climb and were able to regroup. The second time over the climb Cam Peterson made a daring break off the front and powered down the other side and with only one more climb to come. The crowd support for all the riders was fantastic. From Cam coming over first to the groupetto everyone was here to cheer some of Australia (and the worlds) best road cycling talent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(A star studded group crest the hill with Cam Myer, Matty Llyod, Jack Bobridge and 2011 winner Nathan Haas)

The final climb started and from the top of the mountain it was unclear as to who was in the front group. Slowly, minute by minute the helicopters watching the race from the air came closer and closer and got louder and louder. While in the end the young Russian Silin came across the line first for his maiden pro win the real battle came 16 seconds later as Nathan Haas shadowed and then outsprinted Bobridge to take the yellow jersey which he would then hold in Carlton on Sunday to take overall honors for 2011. All in all an amazing days racing and it can be said that cycling and its supporter base is alive and well in Australia.

Ventou will be back out on the roads again very soon with the Tatura 200 on the 5th of November. So if you’re up Goulburn Valley way I highly recommend entering this professionally run charity event. Ventou is supplying the uniforms for the event and will be up there to help support a great cause.

On Friday the 7th we ventured down to Victoria Park in Ballarat for the Australian Masters Championships. Friday was Criterium day for the 4 day carnival with 200 riders pulling up to the start line in the various age groups.

(A fuel performance rider waits for the start)

There was some fast and furious racing on the long, flat circuit. The course made it very hard for the break always to succeed with most breaks dangling off the front for a few laps before being pulled back in. This however meant there were some exciting sprint finishes and with speeds of up to 60km/h I can tell you these guys and girls aren’t just out there for a leisurely stroll. If anything the older these cyclists get the more they are willing to punish the opposition.

Ventou athlete, Brad Daly finished 5th in his category after a dominating performance in the time trial the day before. Brad averaged 44.7km over the distance in masters 6 which would have won him the masters 5 category.

(A commanding performance by Brad daly in Masters 6)

(A southern vets and Hawthorn riders in their respective kits from a few
years ago. Still looking good as new)

It was good to see a number of Ventou kits floating around, both new and old and speak to a few clients we haven’t seen in a while. Lots of good feedback about the clothing and many of them picking up some bargains at the tent to keep them going till their next custom clothing order. Next up we will be at the Herald Sun Tour this coming weekend. We will be at both the Arthurs Seat and Carlton finishes so feel free to drop by and say hi.

(A Shespoke rider on the top step of the dais)