Hodge currently leads the Jayco Tour of Tasmania and is also a hot favourite to win the Olympic selection race late in the month. But these are not the only reasons Salzwedel is impressed.
"Stephen is a great leader and a great personality and he has the skills and influence to motivate even second-string riders." Salzwedel realises that a strong leader on the road is vital to the team's chances in Atlanta. Five men will compete in the road race for Australia with two competing in the 42 km ITT.