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It was be hard to top last years
race when Jack Bobridge infiltrated a large break and
proceeded to drop everyone to claim one of the most remarkable
victories. With Bobridge announcing his retirement will a new
champion be crowned or will one of the three former winners -
Simon Gerrans, Luke Durbridge or Travis Meyer pick up another
green and gold jersey?
2016 Results
1 Jack BOBRIDGE
2 Cameron MEYER +2:52
3 Patrick LANE +3:53
4 Nathan HAAS +4:56
5 Jay MCCARTHY +4:56
6 Simon GERRANS +4:56
7 Samuel SPOKES +4:56
8 Robbie HUCKER +4:56
9 Patrick SHAW +4:56
10 Matthew CLARK +4:56
Past Winners
2016 Jack Bobridge (SA)
2015 Heinrich Haussler (NSW)
2014 Simon Gerrans (VIC)
2013 Luke Durbridge (WA)
2012 Simon Gerrans (VIC)
2011 Jack Bobridge (SA)
2010 Travis Meyer (WA)
2009 Peter McDonald (NSW)
2008 Matthew Lloyd (VIC)
2007 Darren Lapthorne (VIC)
2006 Russell Van Hout (SA)
2005 Robbie McEwen (QLD)
2004 Matthew Wilson (VIC)
2003 Stuart O'Grady (SA)
2002 Robbie McEwen (QLD)
2001 Steve Williams (NSW)
2000 Jeremy Hunt (GBR)
The Route
18 laps of the 10.2km course around Buninyong. The infamous
climb of Mount Buninyong Road is the main feature on each lap,
topping out after around 2.5km in to the lap.
The Contenders
Full start list available
here.
Simon Gerrans and Orica-Scott
Having missed out on the title for the last two years expect a
well drilled Orica-Scott squad as they look to put one of
their riders on the top step. The team has numerous options
but proven performer Gerrans is likely to be their main rider.
When thinking of the rider the course suits the name that
immediately comes to mind is Simon Gerrans. After several
outstanding seasons when the team first launched Gerrans
hasn't had luck on his side the past two years with crashes
ruining a number of his goals. Mount Buninyong is no obstacle
to an on form Gerrans and there is few in the field he cannot
out sprint.
While former champion Luke Durbridge gives the team an option
from a longer-range move. Durbridge took his stunning solo win
after making the early break in 2013. Don't be surprised to
see him try the same but he will be closest watched.
Michael Hepburn has proven he can perform well on the course
in the past and put in one of his best performances on the
road to date at the Bay Crits. While fellow TT powerhouse
Damien Howson could also be a contender himself but is likely
to put his engine to use controlling the race.
Don't forget young guns Rob Power a medallist in the under 23
road race who after missing most of 2016 is back and looking
to continue his rise to the top. Caleb Ewan a former under 23
champion and silver medallist in the elite race would be hard
to beat in a sprint but knowing his speed teams will look to
drop Ewan.
Cameron Meyer
A former winner in the time trial and criterium Meyer has been
chasing the road race for a number of years and would love to
complete the set. Took some time away from the sport last year
but his return on the track has been nothing short of a return
to the Meyer before 2012. With two Six Days in his legs, World
Cup gold and the Madison National title it is clear Meyer is
ready to ride. Always performs well here with four top 10
finishes including silver last year.
Nathan Haas and Lachlan Morton
Dimension Data has three riders in the race with Nathan Haas,
Lachlan Morton and Ben O'Connor who is in his first year
professional. They might not have the team strength of
Orica-Scott but expect to see the talented three race smartly
to try and steal the title.
Haas just missed the podium last year in fourth where he out
sprinted a select group including Simon Gerrans, Jay McCarthy
and Sam Spokes. A former star of the National Road Series he
continues to improve every year and in his sixth year
professional a national title could be right round the corner.
A strong climber and with a quick finish going to the line
with him will be dangerous.
Morton is a rider who has never excelled on this course with
two DNF's and a best finish of 35 but the older and wiser
Morton has a new motivation. Would likely prefer a hillier
course and will need to make sure he gets away solo with a
decent gap if he hopes to hold on to the line.
IsoWhey Sports SwissWellness
With their strength in numbers expect the eyes of the peloton
to turn to IsoWhey Sports SwissWellness to use their numbers
to try and stop Orica-Scott.
2016 bronze medallist Pat Lane will be chasing another repeat
performance this year after surviving what was one of the
toughest editions in history to not only finish but stand on
the podium.
Tim Roe could be a wild card, when on form he can climb with
the best but would likely prefer a harder climb than Mount
Buninyong. Robbie Hucker claimed his first top 10 last year in
eighth before going on to win the Tour de Taiwan.
Neil Van der Ploeg might not be your first thought as a
potential winner but the popular rider has finished on the
podium in the past and has two top five finishes to his name.
Anthony Giacoppo and Sam Crome are both riders who will be
vital to the success of the team with their early work.
Jay McCarthy
A rider that often sneaks under the radar Jay McCarthy was a
one of Australia's top under 23 riders before turning
professional. 2016 was something of a break through season for
the Queenslander after finishing fifth at the Nationals he won
a stage of the Tour Down under before leading the race for a
day. A strong climber who can also sprint from a select group.
Adam Hansen
One of the most popular riders in the peloton as much for his
performances off the bike as his aggressive riding style. A
bronze medallist in 2009 Hansen is also a former time trial
champion and will be looking to add the road race to his name.
Without teammates Hansen will have to ride a smart race but
has shown he can be in contention on this course.
Sam Spokes
The past two years Spokes has spent in the elite category has
seen him with consistent performances in Buninyong with fifth
in 2015 and seventh in 2016. A strong all round rider who can
sprint, climb and time trial. Spokes' biggest challenge will
be his lack of team support but he will be motivated to
produce another top 10 finish
Brendan Canty
Brendan Canty spent 2016 with Drapac and moves to the
Cannondale-Drapac squad this year with his first World Tour
contract. Only been competing for three years Canty claimed
the young riders jersey at the Tour of Oman and won a stage of
Österreich-Rundfahrt last year in a sign of his talent.
Finished 50th in 2015 and while his 11th last year might not
sound remarkable only 15 finished with many more experience
riders pulling out.
Other names to watch: Chris Hamilton, Calvin Watson, Jai
Crawford, Adam Phelan, Troy Herfoss, Ben Dyball, Nathan Earle
and Cameron Ivory. |
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