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Stage 7, Bateau Bay-Gosford, 100 kms:Wednesday, October 27, 1999 |
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It won't be the distance that will test the field on this stage, but the
three words that strike fear into most cyclists 'Via Bumble Hill'. This
hill has been a feature of the Classic for many years and has inflicted
pain on every rider that has ever raced up it. Although only 3.8 km in length,
it is the severity of the climb that makes it so feared and over the years
many race leaders have lost their yellow jersey on this particular stage.
Even the great Jan Ullrich in 1993 succumbed to a powerful Polish trio headed by Thomas Broznya. Ullrich subsequently lost the race lead for four days. And last year, Robbie Hunter failed to match the power and pace of his major rivals over the top and he too lost his leader's jersey. The 100 km stage, named in honour of the late Darren Smith, remains the most sought after stage to win. 'Smithy' rode his way into the National team with a great stage win over Bumble Hill. It was significant gesture for Wyong Shire Council to honour the Gold Coast rider by not only placing a plaque in memory on the apex of the hill, but to also name a cycleway in the heart of Wyong Shire in his honour. The stage is a 'beauty' with a fast and undulating 48 kilometre dash to the start of the 'Rumble up Bumble' and then the tough undulations and another steep KOM climb before dropping the final four kilometres into Gosford. It can certainly change the complexion of the race. From the archives - Jens Zemke in 1996 |
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