Epic. That's the first thing that came to mind, when I started this blog - the 2011 Tour of Gippsland was E.P.I.C and I loved every minute of it. Riding for the Lakes oil Team was the most fun I've had in a long time, mainly because we were all on a learning curve or just struggling in general. But we took it in our stride, and woke up every morning with a smile on our faces, ready to go. 

Nothing more than media hype, but have a listen to this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v​=s7las7vH3nU

A Today Show guest, who usually reviews make-up and fashion has a dig at Cadel Evans for being classed as a hero, when "he didn't save anyones life".

'Mia' as she's known, sheds light on how naive she really is. When offered a book on Cadel Evans' history, she brushes off the offer and continues to dig her hole a little deeper.

I'd say she's rendered herself as "excess staff" on the Today show?

After an array of setbacks in the past 5 months, it seems my life has levelled out a bit, making things quite mundane. But rest assured, this brief period of perfection won't last too long - my racing calendar has now begun!

What lies behind a rider, when you see him claiming a win, or struggling at the back of the peloton? All you see in front of you is the rider himself, but behind him lies so much more. More than most could comprehend...

Damn, I'm knackered... I looked outside today to see what the weather was doing, and had a pre-written SMS on standby to fire off to my training partner. One look outside, and I hit 'send'. "No ride today, legs are tired. Too wet out". Now what to do...

Did you know that a massage after your ride may not be the best thing for you?

A large percentage of riders and massage therapists  may think otherwise, but a certain Tessa Hinds from 'Black Rock Physiotherapy' knows a little more than you or myself... In fact, she even wrote a paper on it for a British University; of which was recently referred to by a group of Canadian scientists, to confirm Mrs. Hinds knowledge. Can't argue with that!

When you think of Australian cycling, you think of Cadel Evans. But when Cadel thinks of cycling, he thinks of the Tour De France and his chances of finally winning the Grand Tour. Born in 1977, Cadel Lee Evans has had an illustrious career in professional cycling, from his early days in XC MTB – riding for Volvo Cannondale, to his transition to road racing, and subsequent successes.

What is involved in running a National Road series Tour? It seems like a circus has come to town, when race day arrives. But behind the scenes, there’s so much more… Madeleine Brialey from Caribou Publications knows more about this aspect than most! Having worked for the organiser of the Australian National Road series for 4 years, Brialey has seen her fair share of relative chaos.

The 2011 Natational Road series has already commenced, with points being offered in past events such as the Canberra Tour, and Tour of Toowoomba. However, these events seem to fly a little under the radar - compared to events such as the Lakes Oil Tour of Gippsland. This first major tour of the year rolls out on July 27th, but already there's an increasing interest in the race route...

It blows me away to see how unaware cyclists are of their surroundings. What surprises me the most, is that they have complete disregard for their very own safety. Their own life! What brought this on, was my drive to work today. A short 11km jaunt down Beach Rd, in a constant 60km/h zone. It seems pretty straight forward - until you come across cyclists. Be it one, be it a peloton...

Stage 12 of the Giro d’Italia was taken out in exemplary style yesterday, with Mark Cavendish stomping home for the win – almost a bike length ahead of closest rival, Davide Apollonio from Team Sky. The 184km stage from Castelfirdado to Ravenna was hotly contested by an aggressive peloton, but HTC Highroad kept their cool for the entire stage, with the end result placing Cavendish over the line first.

Following the leak of an internal UCI document, the World Anti Doping Authority has launched a private investigation into the incident that ultimately led to the publishing of a “Suspicion List”. The aforementioned list ranked 198 professional cyclists in order of suspicion, from zero (not concerning) to ten (highly suspect) based on a ‘variety of blood values’ taken before the 2010 Tour De France. The list was leaked over a year after being compiled, and ended up being published in French newspaper, L’Equipe.

The 3^rd stage of the 2011 Giro d’Italia has seen the passing of Leopard-Trek cyclist, Wouter Weylandts. The 26 year old died at the scene but was only declared dead upon arrival at Hospital. The details of the incident are yet to be clarified, but reports suggest that the Belgian was unable to avoid an accident after what is believed to be a mechanical issue with his bike ( unable to freewheel).

The event unfolded on the Passa del Bocco, between the villages of Reggio Emilia and Rapollo, Italy. As Weylandts descended the 19km mountain pass, reaching speeds in excess of 80km/h, it is believed “his left pedal locked” and he was unable to prevent the pedal from touching the tarmac as he rounded a bend. Some reports suggest he fell 20m off the edge of the road, but TV footage can’t confirm this.

After recently having won the 2010 World Cycling Championships in Geelong, we chose a select few questions from our readers and passed them on to the Champion himself. But before we go there, here’s a brief overview of the man wearing the Champions Stripes for the next year.

“When it rains, it pours” and with the latest allegations against Contador, it seems the Spaniard is getting soaked. Barely a week after clarifying his positive test result to the banned substance ‘Clenbuterol’ Contador now has to explain how plasticisers have been detected in his urine samples.

Thor Hushovd – World Champion? If you didn’t see the race unfold, then here’s a brief rundown. If you did watch the event of the year, here’s a flashback. The peloton rolled out of Melbourne CBD and headed for the iconic West Gate Bridge, where a crucial move was initiated by Matthew Brammeier of Ireland – he was joined in his attempt by four other riders, all equally as determined to grab the reigns.

400 times below the required amount to be detected” - but still Alberto Contador is in hot water, after WADA (World Anti Doping Authority) informed the UCI of the Spaniards positive test result to the banned substance ‘clenbuterol’. A non steroidal drug, ‘clenbuterol’ is found in many asthma prescriptions, as a decongestant as well as a bronchodilator.

Sometimes even found in equine applications, although more as a liquid, ‘clenbuterol’ increases aerobic capacity over quite an extended period of time. Even a small dosage, between 10 – 30 micrograms a day, can have a substantial effect on one’s respiratory abilities. The drug is also claimed to aid in weight loss, by increasing both ones heart and metabolic rates – thus burning more calories even in a resting state.

With the U23 Men’s Time Trial run and won today by no other than Americas’ Taylor Phinney, attention now turns to the coming days of racing in Geelong, Australia. Thursday will see the world’s strongmen of cycling fight it out for the World Time Trial Champion stripes, this time in the Elite division.

Favourites for the event are the recognizable names of; Fabian Cancellara, Gustav-Erik Larson, Tony Martin and young Tasmanian, Richie Porte. Although not speaking too highly of his chances of clinching victory in the race against the clock, Porte did comment on his workings alongside Australian Coach Neil Stephens...

Radomir Simunek

Former cyclo cross World Champion, and renowned legend of the sport, Radomir Simunek has passed away after losing his battle with cirrhosis of the liver. In his 48 years, the Czech became well known for his ruthless approach to training and racing – something which earned him the Junior World Championship in 1980, Amateur World Title in 1983 and ultimately the Professional World Title in 1991; something which no other rider has been capable of achieving.

A Tour De France rider.

A win on Stage 13 in front of millions of viewers worldwide.

A podium in both Milan San Remo and Tour of Flanders.

A possible selection to represent Australia alongside the likes of Cadel Evans.

Removed from the selection process for the Australian Worlds Team due to ongoing rehabilitation after extensive knee surgery.

Here is my interview with the one and only...

Before his dream was broken.

Bradley McGee has led no ordinary life by any standard. Born in 1976, it took Brad a mere ten years to realize his dream – to ride his bike. And at that young age, the concept was really as simple as that. Although when McGee threw his leg over a bike, he would never had fathomed just how far his dream would take him. And to this very day, it continues to grow. With new challenges being presented, and conquered, it seems as if the pattern of success isn’t about to be interrupted…