News for October 22, 1999

Sunderland and CBCC

Australian rider, Scott Sunderland is lining up for the Commonwealth Bank Cycle Classic which starts tomorrow in Sydney (it's going to be a busy week for us). The recently re-signed Palmans rider has not ridden the race for 10 years and confesses to being a little nervous about it. The race is somewhat different to European stage races in that the stages are generally much shorter, with 156 km being the longest this year. However, there are often split stages - a short ~100 km road stage in the morning, followed by a fast 30 - 35 km criterium in the evening. This dramatically reduces the riders' recovery time and takes it's toll by the end of the 10 day, 15 stage race.

According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, Sunderland says that he finds the short stages more challenging, as the pace is often very high and concentration must be kept at maximum. He is aiming for a stage win, though he also would love to win overall and must be considered an excellent prospect to do so.

British news

According to Cycling Weekly, Jeremy Hunt hasn't actually signed for French 3rd division (but moving to 2nd) team Saint Quentin yet, but is in negotiations with them.

The Linda McCartney team is keeping an eye on World TT silver medallist Michael Andersson (Acceptcard) and Danish rider Dennis Rasmussen (Chicky World). It also seems that Matt Stephens will join David McKenzie and Ben Brooks as the riders from the current team on the continental squad next season.

The team will start the next season with the Tour Down Under and the Tour of Langkawi and they have, hopes for a wildcard in the Tour of Flanders (but who hasn't).

Rittsel confirms with Jack & Jones

It is now certain that Swedish rider, Martin Rittsel will sign for Danish team Jack & Jones next year. He was released from all contractual obligations by his current team, Ballan, after they could not resolve their financial problems.