Monthly Archives: January 2014
TDU stage 6
The final stage of the 16th Tour Down Under was 18 laps of a 4.75km circuit around Adelaide. The wildlife here was a bit different from stage 5. This guy had set up his tent and sign early in the morning. He was so excited, I didn't have the heart to tell him that … Continue reading
TDU stage 5
I caught a bus out of Adelaide to meet friends but when I saw that the teams were also leaving Adelaide at the same time, I was sorely tempted to tell the bus driver to let me off and grab a ride with one of teams! Some of the animals to watch out for … Continue reading
TDU stage 4
Today's stage start was in Unley, a short walk south of Adelaide. I went for a tea at a local coffee shop before heading to Unley and was pleasantly surprised to see Cameron Wurf of Cannondale pick the table next to me to sit down for his morning coffee. I arrived in Unley to … Continue reading
TDU stage 3
Remember that father-daughter duo I met yesterday at the stage finish? They were nice enough to let me tag along with them for today's stage! Normally the team vehicles all park about 100 meters behind the start line but today the road was just too short for that, so the lead up to the start … Continue reading
TDU stage 2
You never know what sort of a spectacle you'll find at a stage departure but today's was certainly entertaining! The winners from the women's race, Santos Women's Cup, were on hand. The sign on got underway and it wasn't long before I was in mid conversation with the couple next to me. This … Continue reading
TDU stage 1
The sun was blazing in Nuriootpa for the start of stage 1 this morning. Alongside B and K, an Aussie couple I met at Saturday's team presentation, I set up my familiar Canadian flag over the barricade for the first time since September and waited for the sign on to begin. While we had … Continue reading
TDU rest day
I was up and out the door early today to head to the beach where Sky was hosting a group ride. It was a mild mob scene! I stood back and didn't try to push my way through. After photos, we hopped on our bikes and hit the road. But, Kathryn, you're thinking. … Continue reading
TDU People’s Choice Classic
The Tour Down Under may not have officially started but the racing got under way tonight, first with a women's race and then the men's. The three stage Women's Santos Cup kicked off with a criterium on a 2k circuit in Adelaide. While I am familiar with the big names in women's cycling, the … Continue reading
Tour Down Under team presentation
Now in its 16th year, the Tour Down Under has drawn the world’s top teams to Adelaide, Australia. Nevermind that on the day I arrived Adelaide was literally the hottest city on the planet, the riders have been out all over town for training rides and checking out the city. The first rider I was … Continue reading
New Zealand National Road Championships
Hurray, the off season is over! And my first race of the year is the New Zealand road championships, meaning that Jack Bauer is racing! The atmosphere at the sign in was relaxed and casual. As is so often the case with cycling races, I had great access to the riders and many … Continue reading