BMC Software Australian Open Road Championships

Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, January 16-19, 2003

Photos

Day 4 - January 19: Elite Men's road race, 180 km

Images by Kathy Watt/Watt Shotz Photography

Cadel Evans (Vic, Team Telekom) sweeps into a left-hand corner
Cadel Evans (Vic, Team Telekom) climbing style looking quite Zabel-esque
Not the devil in disguise, rather the devil in the raw
This red clad, two-horned being certainly gives the TdF devil a run for his money
Stuart O'Grady (SA, Credit Agricole) drives the winning break containing Allan Davis (Qld, ONCE-Eroski) and Patrick Jonker (SA, Van Hemert Groep)
Stuart O'Grady (SA, Credit Agricole) playing it cool in the closing stages
Il Diablo's attire left nothing to the imagination
The challenging course made it very much a race of attrition
The scenic backdrop was typical of country Australia
One of many Stuart O'Grady (SA, Credit Agricole) fans
Cameron Hughes (Qld, Bicisport) was particularly aggressive early on
Stuart O'Grady (SA, Credit Agricole) narrowly beats Allan Davis (Qld, ONCE-Eroski) to the line, thereby becoming the 2003 Australian Road Champion

Images by Jeff Jones/Cyclingnews.com

Cadel Evans in his new Telekom gear was here for a hit out today, rather than to win the title
Graeme Brown (Panaria) interviewed by SBS before the start. He finished a creditable 14th.
David McKenzie (Flanders-iTeamnova.com) was hoping that today would be his day. Unfortunately for "Macca" it was not to be.
Scott Davis (Panaria) was to play a key role today, ending up as 6th
Allan Davis (ONCE) surprised a few people with his strong second place ride today
Robbie McEwen's Lotto-Domo team issue Eddy Merckx looking every bit as fast as its rider
The Buninyong Blues Band warming up before a long day
Mark Jamieson (TIS, R) jokes with Jay Sweet (SA, L) before the start
The iTeamNova.com boys looking relaxed at the start and hoping for a big ride
How many to go? Asks Cameron Hughes (Qld), who was off the front on the first lap.
A breakaway was established as early as the second lap
The peloton was already strung out in pursuit of the break on lap 2 of the men's road race
Stuart O'Grady (Credit Agricole, 2nd R) was prominent at the front early in the race
Jurgen Landrie (Flanders-iteamNova.com) leads the breakaway group at the top of the climb on lap 4
On a warm summer's day a lone rider struggles up Mt Buninyong in the BMC Software Australian road championships
Mark Roland, Stuart O'Grady (Credit Agricole) and Cadel Evans (Telekom) try to bridge to the leaders on lap 5
The peloton was fragmenting every time it tackled Mt Buninyong
Mark Jamieson (TIS, L) struggled early on, later admitting that he was still tired from the time trial
The early leaders were down to only nine riders on lap 6
Stuart O'Grady (Credit Agricole) bridging up on lap 6, with David McKenzie on his wheel
Scott Davis (Panaria) looking quite comfortable on the climb
The devil reveals to Graham Watson exactly how much is worn under the cloak…
The devil was almost arrested for indecent exposure…
Pat Jonker (SA) riding strongly on the hill
Sean Sullivan (Tas) follows Steve Williams (NSW) up the hill
The leading group had grown to 19 riders by lap 8
Less than four laps to go and the leaders numbered 14
Michael Rogers and Jono Hall led a group in vain pursuit of the seven leaders
Allan Davis (ONCE) cools down after a close second place
Stuart O'Grady (Credit Agricole) was tired but happy as he answered questions after his win
Pat Jonker (SA) was satisfied with his third place
Gene Bates (SA) is presented with his U23 champion's jersey
BMC sales director James Russell gets ready to present the three place getters with their medals
The podium (L to R): Allan Davis (ONCE, 2nd), Stuart O'Grady (Credit Agricole, 1st) and Patrick Jonker (Van Hemert Groep, 3rd). Note: Jonker was still riding in his old team kit.
Onya Stuey! O'Grady raises his arms in the national champion's jersey
Stuart O'Grady (Credit Agricole) proudly displays his gold medal

Images by Tim Paton

Riders exit Fisken Rd
The peloton passes the Crown Hotel
No time to stop at the shops
The peloton heads out of town
The heat made things very tough
A media motorbike chasing the riders

Day 3 - January 18: Elite Women's road race, 102 km

Images by Jeff Jones/Cyclingnews.com

Café Pasha, near the start/finish line was where everyone had their morning coffee
Kate Bates in her Power Plate-Bik gear before the start
Defending champion Margaret Hemsley (Nurnberger/ACTAS-Cycle Cooma) warms up with a teammate
The 50 strong women's field lines up for the start of their 100 km road race championship
Oenone Wood (ACTAS-Cycle Cooma, 2nd R) clearly had a plan for the race ahead
The peloton roll out of the start up Buninyong's main street
The peloton approach the first roundabout, where they turn and head uphill for 3 km
Kate Bates (NSW/Power Plate-Bik) leads the group halfway down the final descent on lap 1
The peloton was still together on the lap 2 descent
Oenone Wood (ACTAS-Cycle Cooma) attacked on the third lap, and was joined by Kym Shirley and Christine Riakos to form the race shaping break
Christine Riakos (NSW) and Kym Shirley (Qld/Itera) chasing Oenone Wood on lap 3
The peloton was already thinning down by lap 3
British rider Angela Dolan climbs Mt Buninyong during the BMC Software Australian Women's Road Championships
Christine Riakos (NSW) leading the breakaway on the climb during lap 4
Hayley Rutherford (WA) puts the hammer down on the climb in pursuit of the break
Riakos, Wood and Shirley halfway up the lap 5 climb
Approaching the halfway point of the race and the peloton was still content to play a waiting game with the break up the road
Over the top of the climb on lap 6 and it was Oenone Wood (ACTAS-Cycle Cooma) leading the breakaway
The leading trio had their advantage cut to just 1 minute on lap 7
Lorian Graham (Qld) leads the chasing group on lap 7, now down to five riders
And then there were four. Olivia Gollan (L) made the junction with the leaders at the end of lap 9, attacking them on the upcoming climb to win solo
The five chasers led by Emma James (NSW) and Sara Carrigan (Qld) could see the break but couldn't bridge it
Olivia Gollan (NSW) throws her arms in the air as she wins the women's road race
Oenone Wood (ACTAS-Cycle Cooma) crosses for second, with Kym Shirley a couple of seconds behind in third
Hayley Rutherford (WA) wins the sprint for 4th
Olivia Gollan (NSW) was the subject of attention after her win
Olivia Gollan (NSW) interviewed after the race
Oenone Wood (ACTAS-Cycle Cooma) describes her second place ride
Kym Shirley (Qld/Itera) was a satisfied third
The podium (L to R): Oenone Wood (ACTAS-Cycle Cooma, 2nd), Olivia Gollan (NSWIS, 1st) and Kym Shirley (Qld/Itera, 3rd and Sprint Champion)
The three place getters, Wood, Golland and Shirley, singing the national anthem
Smiles all round from the very deserving medalists in the BMC Software Australian Women's Road Race Championships. L to R: Oenone Wood (ACTAS-Cycle Cooma, 2nd), Olivia Gollan (NSWIS, 1st) and Kym Shirley (Qld/Itera, 3rd and Sprint Champion)

Images by Watt Shotz

The peloton early on in the race
The view of the town on the first climb
Plenty of NSWIS jerseys in the bunch on the first lap
A couple of young spectators enjoying the action
Spectators in a ute watching the race in true Aussie style
These two fans made use of the detachable back seat in their car…
The peloton in the woods
Oenone Wood (ACTAS-Cycle Cooma) attacks on lap 3, with Kym Shirley and Christine Riakos in pursuit
Horses for courses. These were of the uninhibited type
The riders get a hand on the climb from a BMC representative
Feeling the heat and the effort
Kym Shirley (Qld/Itera) driving the break
Kym Shirley (Qld/Itera) was definitely in her element today: hills!
Kym Shirley (Qld/Itera) was one of the key players in the women's road race
The breakaways near the top of the climb
Mt Buninyong took its toll on the riders very quickly
Alison Wright (ACTAS-Cycle Cooma) was part of the chasing group for a long while
Olivia Gollan (NSW) making the bridge to the leaders
Olivia Gollan (NSW) wins the Australian women's road championship
Olivia Gollan (NSW) smiles with her win
Oenone Wood (ACTAS-Cycle Cooma) crosses for second
Kym Shirley (Qld/Itera) finishes third
Kym Shirley (Qld/Itera) congratulated by Gollan
Kym Shirley (Qld/Itera) receives her bronze medal
The podium (L to R): Oenone Wood (ACTAS-Cycle Cooma, 2nd), Olivia Gollan (NSWIS, 1st) and Kym Shirley (Qld/Itera, 3rd and Sprint Champion)

Day 2 - January 17: Elite Men's time trial, 39 km

Images by Jeff Jones/Cyclingnews.com

The riders faced this 2 km climb as the first thing on the menu
All bikes had to undergo bike checks in order to comply with UCI regulations
Phil Thuaux (NSW) leans on his TT machine
All very nice but does it help you go fast?
Rabobank's Matt Hayman looking ready to do a good time. He finished 5th.
Mark Roland (Qld) was one of the first riders to go
Warming up Australian style
Deaf cyclist Reece-Emerson Van Beek (Vic) sets off on his ride
Andrew Graham (Vic) accelerates away from the starting ramp
Glen Matulich (SA) gives it everything he has
Mark Jamieson (Tas) looking nervous on the start ramp
Mark Jamieson (Tas) tackles the first hill out of town
Mark Jamieson (Tas) caught the rider in front of him for 2 mins in 10 km
Geoff Cooke (NSW) powering along to 6th place
Phillip Thuaux (NSW) rides during the BMC Software Australian Men's Time Trial Championships in Buninyong
George Bunt (ACT) on his way to 21st place
Richard Moffat (NSW) battling the headwind
Nowhere to hide - Chris Bradford (Vic) struggling against the wind
Queenslander Glen Chadwick was the 12th fastest today
Victorian David Pell was fourth best finisher at the Australian championships
Tasmanian Carl Menzies demonstrates what perfect time trialing form is
Mathew Hayman (Rabobank), with Mt. Buninyong in the background, riding into fifth place at the BMC Software Australian Men's Time Trial Championships in Buninyong
Pre-race dark horse Jonathon Hall (NSW) remained exactly that as he finished in 23rd place
Phil Chapman (NSW) putting his sports science degree to good use
U23 rider Jonathan Davis finished in 15th overall
Russel Van Hout (SA) giving it everything he's got
Sean Sullivan (Tas) hammers into the headwind at the halfway point of the Buninyong course
Tom Leaper (Navigators) did not have a good day, being caught and passed by Mick Rogers, who started 6 min behind him.
Peter Milostic (NSW) powered to 7th place
Ben Day (Qld/Boavista) certainly had his day in the sun, as he was 15 seconds up on Mick Rogers at this point
Michael Rogers (ACT/Quick Step-Davitamon) grimaces with the effort of battling the sun and the wind in the Australian TT championships
Michael Rogers (ACT/Quick Step-Davitamon) can just see Tom Leaper ahead, but can't see Ben Day…
Warming down Australian style
Exhausted and disappointed Michael Rogers contemplates what another 15 seconds would have done
Guess what? I won! Ben Day on the phone, finding it hard to believe his victory
The podium (L to R): Mick Rogers (2nd), Ben Day (1st), Adrian Laidler (3rd and U23 champion)
Ben Day congratulates U23 champion Adrian Laidler who also finished 3rd in the event
The place getters with their medals (L to R): Mick Rogers (2nd), Ben Day (1st), Adrian Laidler (3rd and U23 champion)
SBS TV's Michael Tomalaris talks to the Australian TT champ, Ben Day
Michael Rogers (ACT/Quick Step-Davitamon) interviewed afterwards. He was disappointed, but philosophical about his performance.

Day 1 - January 16: Elite Women's time trial, 28 km

Images by Jeff Jones/Cyclingnews.com

The BMC Software Australian Open Road Championships in Buninyong, Victoria, is where it's at
Natalie Bates' time trial machine helped the NSWIS rider to 8th spot
A weight saving aero trick?
Sally Cowman's Trek equipped with all the necessary speed gear
Sally Cowman (Qld) warming up before the start
Sara Carrigan's winning machine looks much the same as all the others, but it's the rider that counts.
Sara Carrigan making sure that everything is right.
Sara Carrigan was plainly focused during her warmup
Natalie Bates (NSWIS) goes through her paces
Margaret Hemsley (NSW/Nurnberger) is recovering from a bad cold, but still managed 4th today.
The ACTAS-Cycle Cooma team warm up for the time trial. Margaret Hemsley is nearest the camera.
Too small - Mick Rogers measures himself up against one of the women's bikes
Greg Boorer gets Mick Rogers' TT machine ready for a test run
Mick Rogers decides he wants the handlebars lower
A modest crowd greeted the women for the first day of the Australian championships
Jessica Ridder (NSW) was one of the first competitors to set off.
The two Bates sisters, Natalie (L) and Kate (R.) - warm up on the rollers
Hayley Rutherford (WA) warming up on her sawn-off tandem
Lorian Graham (Qld) sets off on her ride
Junior star Alexis Rhodes (SA) starts off. She rode well to finish 13th
Amber Malone (WA) on way way through the starting chute
A long way to come for a time trial. Visiting Englishwoman Angela Dolan.
Jenny MacPherson (Vic) gets going for 28 km of pain
Sally Cowman (Qld) tackles the first hill out of town
Claire Baxter (Vic) navigates the back section of the BMC Software Australian women's time trial championships course
Tania Shipton (Qld) tries to keep her rhythm over the hard roads
Hellen Kelly (Vic) powering along the back section
Emma James (NSW) on her way to 10th spot
Oenone Wood (ACT) had a great ride to finish third
Natalie Bates (NSWIS) puts her head down
Amy Safe (SA) started 7th last and finished 7th
Kate Bates (NSWIS) had good form, but was not the best on the day.
Olivia Gollan (NSW) rode very well to finish second behind Carrigan.
Alison Wright (ACT) had a top 10 finish today.
Despite suffering from a cold Margaret Hemsley (ACT) still had the legs to finish 4th
Hayley Rutherford (WA) maintaining a nice aerodynamic position during the BMC Software Australian women's time trial championships.
Sara Carrigan (Qld): There was no question as to who was the strongest today.
Sara Carrigan (Qld) battles into the headwind during her winning ride
An exhausted Sara Carrigan recovers after her ride
Oenone Wood (ACT) warms down on the rollers
Oenone Wood (ACT) interviewed on stage after gaining third place
Bronze Medalist Oenone Wood congratulated by QIS coach Liz Hepple
Olivia Gollan (NSW) was a happy and surprised second place.
Sara Carrigan (Qld) interviewed in her Australian champion's jersey
Sara's the champ and a very relieved one it looks like
The podium (L to R): Olivia Gollan (NSW, 2nd), Sara Carrigan (Qld, 1st) and Oenone Wood (ACT, 3rd)
The place getters in the Australian TT championships, Gollan, Carrigan and Wood, stand to the National Anthem

Images by James Victor

Team ACTAS-Cycle Cooma (Alison Wright, Margaret Hemsley and Oenone Wood) warming up for some impressive performances
Alison Wright (ACT) suffered mechanical problems to finish out of contention
Margaret Hemsley (ACT) ready to start
Amy Safe (SA) accelarates away from the start, and into 7th place
Natalie Bates (NSW) away to a good start
Katherine Bates (NSW) concentrates at the start
Katherine Bates (NSW) accelarates away from the start
Margaret Hemsley (ACT) starts her ride, which saw her take 4th place
Oenone Wood (ACTAS-Cycle Cooma) was the biggest improver to take the Bronze medal in a strong field
Hayley Rutherford (WA) finished in 5th place
Olivia Gollan (NSW) concentrating before the start of her strong Silver medal ride
Sara Carrigan (Qld) focussing before the start
Sara Carrigan (Qld) on the start ramp, in readiness to defend her National Championship
Emma James (NSW) finishing for 10th place
Natalie Bates (NSW) crosses for 8th place
Margaret Hemsley (ACT) put in another consistent performance to just miss out on the podium by 10 secs
Oenone Wood (ACT) sprinting to finish with the Bronze medal
Olivia Gollan (NSW) rode superbly for the Silver medal, catching teammate Katherine Bates in the final 2 km
Sara Carrigan (Qld) looked strong all the way to the finish to successfully defend her Time Trial crown
Sara Carrigan (Qld) with the Gold medal and National champions jersey returning to Queensland
Sara Carrigan (Qld) proud winner of the 2003 Australian Women's Time Trial
A very happy Women's podium (L.to.R.) Olivia Gollan (NSW, 2nd), Sara Carrigan (Qld, 1st), and Oenone Wood (ACT, 3rd)