|
It was a huge honour for me to be invited to attend the Tour Down Under in Adelaide recently. Specialized had picked a small group of NZ dealers, and together with around 15 Aussie dealers we would cram in as much riding as possible, and watch a couple of stages.
The tour leaders. See our facebook album for more of Steve's photos
Upon arrival in Adelaide, we were whisked into the Square in the centre of the city. This had been transformed into tent/demo city by all of the big bike brands, and really got the atmosphere going! We quickly assembled our bikes, and then it was a quick ride to our hotel, where we had 20 minutes to be ready to ride! Talk about cracking the whip... We rode about 60km, which included an awesome climb up Windy Point (I thought only Palmy could have a place name like that!), and the fastest descent I have ever ridden; try 2km straight down a 3 lane road, steeper than Ngahere Park! I was doing 82km/h and I was on the brakes because of the wind gusts. The locals easily hit over 100 on a fine day....
Next morning it was an early start. Our day's riding was going to be broken into 2 stages; firstly, an easy bunch ride for about 75km, then after lunch, a full-on 'race' back to the hotel. Specialized's Australian 'Professor' Adam Nicholson was really talking up the 75km ride back to the hotel, so much so, that I nearly did not want to take part. "It will be full on. Get dropped and you are on your own!" he said. We were hosted at a magnificent winery for lunch, which consisted of a comprehensive wine tasting, then a huge lunch, then more wine! Just the thing one needs before a fast 75k ride home!
After lunch we rode 5km to the Stage finish. I'd love to tell you exactly what happened, but truth be told there were so many people there, and not being blessed with the gift of height to see over them, I could not see a damn thing. We did, however, get right up close to the action where the riders came to a stop after the finish line. I have never been in an atmosphere like it; all the Police motorbikes, Team vehicles, the lead out 'caravan' (every sponsor gets a vehicle, which they decorate in their livery, and drive about 30 mins ahead of the race, tooting horns and chucking out free stuff, very cool!) , helicopters, P.A. system going berserk, and just sooo many people. Did I mention it was about 37 degrees too?
So, after all the excitement of the big race, it was time for the 'ride' home. Nicholson was not kidding. Right from the get go, it was on! By now it was almost 40 degrees too.... The ride back to Adelaide included about 30km on the 'Freeway' which was a smooth and ever so slightly downhill (think Cheltenham Straight) blast. We sat on 55km along here! Fortunately, I managed to hold on for the duration home, so that was a solid 150km for the day!
That night we were treated to an awesome meal at a fine restaurant. As always, Specialized had planned a surprise for us, in the form of arranging the 3 teams that ride their bikes to come and spend some time with us at dinner! Cool! We met all of the Astana, Omega-Pharma Quickstep and Saxo Bank teams and their team management! Have a look next time you're in the shop. I have all of their autographs on cards Specialized gave us!
Next morning it was another early start, for another big day of riding. This time we were heading for the penultimate stage at Willunga, which was a hill top finish. The ride out was just so awesome; fast smooth roads, decent climbs, and wicked descents! I could live in Adelaide just for the riding. We reached the stage start nice and early this time, and had plenty of time to see the riders up close. We got to talk to Hayden Roulston and Jesse Sergent, as they were going through their pre-race preparation.
After the amazing spectacle of the start, we rode to the town of Willunga, where Specialized had booked a wood fired Pizza café for us. So, lunch was had, and a few amazing glasses of Shiraz were tipped in (purely for re-hydration purposes!) It was great that the stage was a lap style format, which meant we got to see the whole show 4 times! Before the final pass of the riders, we suited up and rode to the top of the hill (a task made slightly more difficult with respect to all the Shiraz...). The crowds were unreal! To find a place to stop and watch was a mission. I settled on a spot 1km from the top, and stood 3 deep with the other spectators. As soon as the Police motorbikes and the 'caravan' and more Police motorbikes passed, it was game on! Holy smoke can these riders climb hills! The speed of the first two riders was amazing; they had a full on sprint uphill for the last 2km! In the end it was Alejandro Valverde ahead of Simon Gerrans.
So, now it was time for the ride home. The rules were much the same as the day before. This time, we were not so lucky though. At one intersection, Mr Nicholson put the hammer down, and before I could click into my pedals, he and 3 others were gone! I resorted to desperation tactics in order to get back on; drafting vans at 60kph off traffic lights, but it was all in vain. He had cleared out, and left all of us that remained to re-group and hammer home by ourselves! Bastard!
For our final day, we had an easy ride of about 60km, nice and flat, easy pace, and along the scenic Glenelg shoreline. What a beautiful city Adelaide is. This was my first visit here, and I have to say it is far and away more of a beautiful city than all of the other cities in Oz I have visited. After our ride, we headed for the final stage. It was a multi lap stage, right in the heart of Adelaide. This was easily the hottest day yet, easily over 40 degrees! The estimated crowd was 150,000! What a stage. Kiwi Jack Bauer had a go at a break early with a couple of Aussies, but was quickly reeled in. Then Olympic Gold medal winning Cam Meyer went away with 2 others, and almost held the peleton off until getting swallowed up in the final 1km!
So, Aussie Simon Gerrans ended up the winner overall for the 2012 Tour Down Under. Yet, in some ways I reckon the Kiwi Specialized dealers had a win too, such was our amazing experience!
Steve Pedley |
Please wait...
