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Back with a bang: The Rory Sutherland diary 2007
Talented Australian Rory Sutherland will be tearing up the US domestic circuit this season with Professional Continental squad Health Net presented by Maxxis. With the best part of six years European racing under his belt, look out for the 25 year-old from Canberra to notch up some big victories in '07.
Stay tuned to Cyclingnews for the inside scoop on Rory and his Health Net crew as they match up against ProTour opposition at the Tour de Georgia and beyond...
The momentum is rolling
Tour de Georgia - Stage 1 - April 16: Peachtree City to Macon, 153km
Here we are again, another week-long stage race has begun. This time we're down south at the Tour de Georgia. I have this idea with writing my daily tour diaries, and that is: everyone gets to see the results, read the 'actual' race reports and see the photos, so why be bombarded by yet another report. So, I generally write a very small bit on the race, and the rest is on other 'stuff'! Anyway, that's the idea! Here's today's example.
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Unlike the Tour of California, this tour seems to be a lot more relaxed already. No crazy kamikaze moves, but still a hard-ridden race. It's not too often that a breakaway group stays clear on the first of seven stages, however, today was a little different. I think the sprinters' teams may have underestimated the size of the tail wind. Five strong guys swapping off at 50kms an hour with a roaring taily, and two teams on the front with seven guys swapping off at 55kms an hour... with a six-minute gap, you do the math. Anyway, the group stayed clear, and our longest serving Health Net member, Doug Ollerenshaw, did us proud and rolled in 2nd on a very tough finishing circuit. So we've started with the right foot forward, and the momentum is rolling!
Again in this tour as in Tour of California, my room mate, confidant and coffee supplier is Tim 'il Capitano' Johnson. Basically, Tim's role in our team is one of on the road control. He's the one making most of the calls, speaking to the director, and looking after the interests of us riders. For me, Tim's also the guy who keeps my head in the right place! Apart from all that, Tim is also my morning coffee supplier. He's taken the role on well and introduced me to the wonders of decent morning drip coffee, the 'roadie cup' and also the wonders of Peet's coffee blends. So yes, I'm now addicted to coffee.
Tomorrow's another day, and with that, more chances for me and the Health Net boys. Nathan's back from injury woes and looking the business, Ryder's rearing to get to the climbs, and the rest of the boys and myself are chomping at the bit to do our jobs, get up the road, and try and chalk up a win.
See Tim, I can also write nice things ;-)
Till tomorrow,
Rory
www.teamhealthnet.com
