2004 Jayco Bay Cycling Classic

Victoria, Australia, January 7-11, 2004

Race 1 - Wednesday, January 7: Hastings
Race 2 - Thursday, January 8: Portarlington
Race 3 - Friday, January 9: Geelong - Ritchie Boulevard
Race 4 - Saturday, January 10: Geelong - Botanic Gardens
Race 5 - Sunday, January 11: Docklands

Race 1 - Wednesday, January 7: Hastings

International women's race

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Frances Newton from Great Britain prior to the women’s first leg of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic
Naomi Williams of the TIS/Cyclingnews/Avanti ponders the first leg of the Jayco Bay Classic
Hayley Rutherford from Western Australia before the opening leg of the Jayco Criterium series in Hastings
Rochelle Gilmore from New South Wales happy to be in Hastings for the first leg
Emma Rickards from Victoria comes a cropper on a treacherous corner at Hastings
The main field corner in hazardous conditions at Hastings
Oh Emma not again, another tumble for Emma Rickards as she cringes at approaching riders
Olivia Gollan from New South Wales was part of the winning break at Hastings
Oenone Wood far right holds out Hayley Rutherford centre and Olivia Gollan to win the first leg of the Women’s Criterium series at Hastings
Oenone Wood of the ACT after her victory in the rain at Hastings
The podium at Hastings from left, Hayley Rutherford (2cnd) Oenone Wood (1st) and Olivia Gollan (3rd)
Oenone Wood with her leader's jersey after race one

Men

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Matthew Rex of South Australia wins the B-Grade first leg at Hastings
Matthew Rex corners at Hastings in slippery conditions
Keith Evans from Western Australia in action on day one of the B-Grade criterium series at Hastings
Paul Richards of Victoria was part of the breakaway group in the B-Grade criterium
Matthew Rex in a winning breakaway at Hastings
Warren Cay (#74) of Victoria does some party tricks whilst another rider bites the dust
Many riders came down on a corner, which was more like an oil slick
Chasing riders negate the slippery corner at Hastings
The leading group in the B-Grade criterium at Hastings
The start line of the B-Grade Jayco Bay Cycling Classic Series
Matthew Rex talks about his victory in the B-Grade criterium at Hastings
Steve Cummings of Great Brittain riding for 700c Business Objects team during the Bay Classics
Baden Cooke riding for the Skilled team in the Jayco Bay Classic series
Robbie McEwen on the start line at Hastings and riding for the MAB/Mirvac/Lend Lease/Vic Urban team
David McKenzie on the start line for the Bicycle Superstore team
Hilton Clarke on the SBR team in action on day one
Robbie McEwen leads Brett Aitken with Baden Cooke in tow at Hastings
Robbie McEwen (MAB/Mirvac/Lend Lease/Vic Urban) corners at Hastings on day one of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic
Brad McGee of the Skilled team during day one at Hastings
Riders escape the carnage on a corner at Hastings and flee the scene
Hilton Clarke in third wheel falls head first onto the road ahead of Robbie McEwen on Danger corner at Hastings
Scene two and Robbie McEwen hits the road with Baden Cooke trying out his skills behind him
Scene three and Baden Cooke does a 180 as he avoids an airborne Robbie McEwen on day one
Rory Sutherland of the ACT enters the slide zone at Hastings
Bike upright so to speak but rider not!!
Kristian House (R) narrowly avoids a grounded Rory Sutherland at Hastings on day one
Robbie McEwen (MAB/Mirvac/Lend Lease/Vic Urban) checks for skin off after a fall
Robbie McEwen of team MAB/Mirvac/Lend Lease/Vic Urban suffered from a bad fall on day one
Hector Morales from Uruguay riding for the Bicycle Superstore team in the Jayco Bay Classic series
Chris Sutton on the skilled team and showing some scars from the Battle of Hastings
Chris Bradford on the Giant/CBD Cycles team at Hastings on day one
Kristian House of the 700C Business Objects team at home in the conditions at Hastings
Simon Gerrans of Team Carnegie Caulfield tried to chase down Baden Cooke out in front
Leader Baden Cooke underneath the Jayco banner at Hastings
Matt Wilson of the Skilled team keeping the peloton at bay on day one at Hastings
Baden Cooke of the Skilled team went solo on a breakaway on day one at Hastings
Baden Cooke of the Skilled team used all his skill to avoid a crash then breakaway from the field on day one
The Skilled team on the front of the peloton in the concluding laps at Hastings
Baden Cooke of the Skilled team takes out the first leg of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic
Handshakes all round on the podium with from left Baden Cooke (1st) Mikkeli Godfree (3rd) and Matt Wilson (2nd)
Baden Cooke in the leaders jersey after victory on day one
Cheers boys as winner Baden Cooke pours a glass for onlookers

Images by Karen Forman/Cyclingnews

It was a bit dangerous out there. Stage One winner Baden Cooke being interviewed.
Hilton Clark ended up in Geelong hospital's emergency department after suffering three deep cuts to his face in a crash during the first stage of the Jayco Bay Classic at Hastings.
I can still ride! Hilton Clark can still manage a smile as he debates with manager Mark Heinz and commissaires whether he should continue racing after suffering three major facial wounds in a state one crash
AAP journo Roger Vaughan from Melbourne watches from the sidelines as Bradley McGee cheers on Skilled (and FdJeux.com) team mates Baden Cooke and Matt Wilson. McGee decided to withdraw when he found himself too far back in the bunch to make risking a crash worthwhile, but said he knew

Images by Karen Forman/Cyclingnews.com

The FdJeux.com boys Baden Cooke, Matt Wilson and Brad McGee with Jayco Bay Classic organiser Karin Jones and Phil Anderson after their celebrity race at Moonee Valley.
Phil Anderson flies across the finish line but not fast enough for Cookie
Baden Cooke wins the celebrity race
The jockeys line up and they mean business.
The "plebs" (persons randomly selected from the crowd) wait for the jockeys to hand over bikes and helmets during the relay.
Phil Liggett and Phil Anderson at the Jayco hosted night out at Moonee Valley racecourse, where the Jayco Bay Classic race was a feature of the night. Also in attendance were FdJeux.com boys Matt Wilson, Brad McGee and Baden Cooke who raced against jockeys on mountain bikes on the dirt training track. Baden won.
The FdJeux.com boys Matt Wilson, Brad McGee and Baden Cooke, with Phil Anderson (right) and Jayco Bay Classic organiser Karin Jones, on track at Moonee Valley.

Race 2 - Thursday, January 8: Portarlington

Women

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Elizabeth Williams of Victoria before the start to race two at Portarlington
Belinda Goss (TIS/Cyclingnews/Avanti) on the startline at Portarlington
Olivia Gollan from New South Wales is all smiles prior to the second leg of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic series
A slippery corner for the girls to negate early in racing at Portarlington
A tumble early during the women’s criterium with Rochelle Gilmore (c) in the thick of things
The New South Wales Institute of Sport girls strike trouble on a slippery corner at Portarlington
Chaos on the first corner of the women’s criterium at Portarlington
Rochelle Gilmore gets a helping hand after falling early during the women’s criterium at Portarlington
Natalie Bates of the New South Wales Institute of Sport corners during race two in the Bay Classic Series
Oenone Wood from the Australian Capital Territory in her Leaders jersey
Naomi Williams of the TIS/Cyclingnews/Avanti in action during race two of the Bay Classic series at Portarlington
Rebecca McConnell from Victoria corners at Portarlington during race two
Olivia Gollan corners with Port Phillip Bay in the background at Portarlington
All roads lead to the local pub at Portarlington during racing in the women’s criterium
Riders in the women’s criterium give chase to the leading group at Portarlington
Hayley Rutherford has them covered up the home straight at Portarlington
Hayley Rutherford of Western Australia crosses the line to win race two of the women’s Bay Cycling series
Riders fight it out for the minor placings in race two at Portarlington
Hayley Rutherford after her win at Portarlington in race two of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic
The podium after race two from left, Oenone Wood (3rd) Katherine Bates (2cnd) and Hayley Rutherford (1st)

Men

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Joel Pearson of the Team MGZT Bianchi on the startline at Portarlington
Jorge Libonatti of the Bicycle Superstore team awaits the start to race two at Portarlington
Karl Menzies of the Team MGZT Bianchi all wired up for race two at Portarlington
Hector Morales of the Bicycle Superstore team happy to be a part of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic
Robbie McEwen riding for the MAB/Mirvac/Lend Lease/Vic Urban team during the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic series
Kristian House of the 700C Business Objects team was part of a four man breakaway that was never headed
Brad McGee of the Skilled team on the front of the breakaway group early in race two
Karl Menzies from Tasmania a strong member of the winning break
Hilton Clarke of the SBR team leads Matt Wilson from Skilled into the home straight at Portarlington
Bradley McGee of the Skilled team corners into the home straight
The peloton make their way around the course at Portarlington near Geelong in Victoria
Bay Classic commentators Phil Ligget (L) and Matt Keenan calling the action during the series
The peloton pass under the Jayco banner at Portarlington during race two in the criterium series
Matt Wilson from the Skilled team leads a group into the home straight at Portarlington
The chase group pass under the Jayco banner in pursuit of a four man breakaway
Series leader Baden Cooke of the Skilled team was spot on yesterady in his prediction of a Brad McGee win in race two at Portarlington
Bradley McGee (Skilled) and Rory Sutherland (Victorian State Home Loans) escaped the four man break in the concluding laps of race two
Bradley McGee (Skilled) salutes the crowd to win the second race in the Jayco Bay Classic Cycling series at Portarlington
Bradley McGee with one of his biggest fans on the podium after his victory
Baden Cooke (Skilled) in his leaders jersey after race two of the Bay Classic Series
On the podium after race two are from left Kristian House (700C Business Objects 3rd) Mark Renshaw (Skilled Sprint jersey) Rory Sutherland ( Victorian State Home Loans Best Young Riders Jersey) and Baden Cooke (Skilled Series Leaders Jersey)

Race 3 - Friday, January 9: Geelong - Ritchie Boulevard

Men

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

What a lovely pair!
Tasmanian Karl Menzies of the MGZT Bianchi team looking for another top ten placing at Geelong
Matt Wilson (Skilled) leans into a bend at Geelong
Joel Pearson (MGZT-Bianchi) of Victoria corners at Geelong during race three of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic
Robbie McEwen (MAB/Mirvac/Lend Lease/Vic Urban) looking to stamp some authority on the Bay Classic series
Dean Downing (700C Business Objects) part of the strong Great Britian team in Australia over the summer
A voice we all know Phil Liggett calling the action with Matt Keenan to his left
Bradley Norton (Drapac Cycling Team) in action at Geelong in race three
Baden Cooke (Skilled) looking to hold onto his leader's jersey at Geelong
Three riders broke away early in race three and were never headed. From the front Hilton Clarke (SBR), David McKenzie (Bicycle Superstore) and Matt Wilson (Skilled)
Jeremy Hunt (SBR) of the UK enjoying life in Australia after riding all around Victoria and Queensland in the Herald Sun Tour and the Tour of Queensland
George Vallins (Victorian State Home Loans) sweeps round a bend on the Geelong foreshore
The team from 700C Business Objects and Great Britian on the front of the chasing peloton
David 'Macca' McKenzie drives the leading trio towards the finish
Hilton Clarke (SBR) showing facial wounds from the Battle of Hastings on day one of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic Series
David McKenzie (Bicycle Superstore) looks behind to see Matt Wilson (Skilled) can't bridge the gap to the line and salutes the crowd a winner
Aussie cycling great Phil Anderson chats with David McKenzie after his victory at Geelong
On the podium after race three (L to R): Hilton Clarke (SBR, 3rd), David McKenzie (Bicycle Superstore, 1st) and Mark Renshaw (Skilled Sprint leader)
Matt Wilson (Skilled) tries on his series race leader's jersey after finishing second at Geelong

Women

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Cheryl Walker from Victoria on the startline of the third leg of the women's Bay Classic series
Katie Mactier of Victoria all smiles before the start of racing at Geelong
The peloton makes its into a headwind on the Geelong foreshore during race three in the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic at Geelong
An interested spectator at Geelong keeps a keen eye on the race
Life's a beach for series leader Hayley Rutherford (pink) during race three
Katie Mactier of Victoria corners at Geelong during race three
Riders swing around the top bend at Geelong during racing in the women's criterium
The bunch move under the Jayco banner before a section of the crowd on the home straight at Geelong
'Oh Stanley I do worry about our girl in these big bunches on tight corners'
Hayley Rutherford (pink), series leader, is a marked girl at Geelong
Emma James from New South Wales crosses the line to win race three at Geelong
Aussie cycling legend Phil Anderson speaks with Emma James after her victory
The podium after race three (L to R): Rochelle Gilmore (2nd), Emma James (1st), Katherine Bates (sprint jersey), and Hayley Rutherford (series leader)
Emma James winner of race three in the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic series

Race 4 - Saturday, January 10: Geelong - Botanic Gardens

Men

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

The crowd lined the home straight at Geelong's Botanical Gardens to see some of Cycling's finest riders in action
Hector Morales (Bicycle Superstore) leads a group into the wind and the sun down the back straight
Bradley McGee (Skilled) thinks about his tactics for the race ahead
Graeme Brown (SBR) zips up and prepares for race four in the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic Series
Matt Wilson (Skilled), overall race leader on the startline prior to race four
They were hanging out of the trees to see the stars in action at the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic Series
Jorge Libonatti (Bicycle Superstore) attempts a break late on race four at Geelong
Spectators were in for a treat at the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic Series
The crowd lines the home straight in fading light at Geelong
Baden Cooke (Skilled) takes out leg four of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic Series at Geelong

Images by Jean-Francois Quenet

Baden Cooke (Skilled) puts in a big effort after his win
David McKenzie and Brett Aitken listen as Baden Cooke is interviewed after his win
Race promoter John Trevorrow shows Mark Renshaw what the Geelong hospitality is about

Women

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Olivia Gollan on the start line before the women's criterium at Geelong
Oenone Wood of the Australian Capital Territory awaits chief commissaries' orders on the startline
Frances Newstead of Great Britian leads the field around a bend at Geelong
Katie Mactier of Victoria corners during the Jayco Bay Classic series for women
Cristine Foster (top) of Richmond Cycles in action during the women's criterium at Geelong
Kerrie Baumgartner from Victoria takes a tumble on a sharp corner at Geelong
Jessica Ridder from the New South Wales Institute of Sport untangles her bike after a fall early in the women's criterium
Elizabeth Williams from Victoria in action at Geelong during the Bay Cycling Classic series
Riders speed past a section of the crowd near the Geelong foreshore with bbq shapes a must at the Classic series
The Jayco Bay Cycling Classic series leg four was held around the Geelong Botanical gardens
Sara Symington of Great Britian leads the field into the wind down the back straight
Series leader Hayley Rutherford of Western Australia corners at Geelong in race four
Jenny McPherson from Victoria makes a break down the back straight
Rochelle Gilmore of the New South Wales Institute of Sport wins leg four of the Jayco women's Bay Cycling Classic series
Rochelle Gilmore talks about her victory after the race
The podium after the women's criterium (from left): Sara Symington (Great Britian, 3rd) Alexis Rhodes (South Australia, 2nd) Rochelle Gilmore (NSW, 1st) Katherine Bates (NSW Sprint jersey) and Hayley Rutherford (WA Overall leader)

Race 5 - Sunday, January 11: Docklands

Men

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

Russell Downing of Great Britian riding for the 700C Business Objects team on the startline in Melbourne
Bradley McGee (Skilled) was all smiles before the final leg of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic Series
Robbie McEwen (MAB/Mirvac/Lend Lease/Vic Urban) on the startline at Docklands in Melbourne for the final leg of the series
Four of Australia's Tour de France stars on the startline at Docklands, from left: Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo) Brad McGee, Matt Wilson and Baden Cooke (FDJeux.com)
Trent Wilson (MAB/Mirvac/Lend Lease/Vic Urban) on the startline at Docklands in Melbourne for race five of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic series
Riders fly past Melbourne's Telstradome, home to sporting events such as Australian Rules Football, international cricket and soccer
Robbie McEwen (MAB/Mirvac/Lend Lease/Vic Urban) follows Matt Wilson (Skilled) through a corner at the Docklands
Overall series leader Baden Cooke (Skilled) swings round a corner on the hotdog circuit at the Docklands in Melbourne
Stuart Hill (TAC/Victoria Police) leans into a bend at Docklands
Matt Wilson (Skilled) lays into a bend around the hotdogging Docklands circuit
The field snakes its way around the Docklands in Melbourne
Race commentators Matt Keenan (l) and Phil Liggett, who is glad to be in sunny Australia instead of the English cold, watch for the approaching peloton
Heads are bobbing in the peloton down the back straight at Docklands
Baden Cooke's booty will be going much faster come race time!
Ted Harman (TAC/Victoria Police 65) has to avoid a fallen rider in front of him
Stephen Cummings (700 C Business Objects) hits the deck at the Docklands
Steve Cummings (700 C Business Objects) can only sit and watch as the field ride away
Steve Cummings (700 C Business Objects) gets to his feet but his machine is out of order!
The team from Skilled drives the peloton during the final laps of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic Series
Sprint leader Mark Renshaw (Skilled) leads teamate Baden Cooke and Robbie McEwen (MAB/Mirvac/Lend Lease/Vic Urban) with Graeme Brown (SBR) ready to pounce
Graeme Brown (SBR, left) and Baden Cooke (Skilled) power towards the line in a ding dong battle
Graeme Brown (SBR, left) sneaks home in a photo finish from Baden Cooke (Skilled) in a thrilling finish to the 2004 Jayco Bay Cycling Classic Series
Baden Cooke (Skilled, right) is congratulated by teamate Brad McGee after winning the 2004 Jayco Bay Cycling Classic Series in front of a huge crowd at Docklands
Baden Cooke (Skilled, centre) is surrounded by media and fans at Docklands in Melbourne after his series victory
Series winner Baden Cooke (Skilled) talks with Phil Anderson with part of the Melbourne CBD in the background
The podium is full after the running of the final race in the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic Series
Baden Cooke can't believe it's another victory as he pours a champagne for teamate Mark Renshaw (l)

Images by Leo

Mark Renshaw and Robbie McEwen exit the bottom turn.
Robbie McEwen puts down the power, rocketing out of the bottom turn.
Bradley McGee and Baden Cooke attempt do their double-act in Docklands.
Trent Wilson sits on the wheel of Brad McGee.
Bradley McGee leads Robbie McEwen out of the bottom turn.
Baden Cooke sits on the wheel of Carnegie Caulfield's Nick Kiraly.
Grimaces all round exiting the bottom turn.
Bradley McGee looking dangerous.
Team MGZT gather their troops for the final sprint.
Great Britains's Kieren Page hurting.
Simon Gerrans drives the bike out of the saddle.
Hilton Clarke leads the peloton, with Baden Cooke on his wheel.
Christopher Tymms uses his muscular body to drive his bike out of the bottom corner.
The view from the back straight, just before a rider throws his bike away in disgust.

Women

Images by Shane Goss/www.licoricegallery.com

The startline to the final women's criterium at Docklands in Melbourne
All the colour of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic at Docklands in Melbourne
Riders pass under the Jayco banner during the early laps of the women's criterium
Riders along the home straight outside Telstra Dome stadium in Melbourne
Frances Newstead from Manchester (l), happy to be in Australia out of the English cold
Riders pass a Melbourne icon, one of the many trams that transport commuters all over this cosmopolitan city
Riders flash past the Seven logo, home to Melbourne's channel seven network
A view from Telstra Dome as riders in the women's criterium file down the back straight
Hayley Rutherford (l) defending her leader's jersey on the final day of racing
Elizabeth Williams from Victoria drives the bunch early in the women's criterium at Docklands in Melbourne
A cameraman on the back of a motorbike keeps an eye on the peloton up the home straight
Announcer Rob Gaylard (l) and race organiser Karin Jones (c), hard at work during the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic Series
Race commentators Matt Keenan (l) and Phil Liggett kept the crowd up with all the action of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic Series
Oenone Wood from the Australian Capital Territory put in a brilliant sprint to win the final leg and steal overall honours in the women's series
Oenone Wood, in her leader's jersey, sprays the crowd with champers after her brilliant win in Melbourne
The podium after the final race of the women's series with final leg and overall series winner Oenone Wood (Australian Capital Territory Academy of Sport) in the middle

Images by Stuart Birnie

Now that's a police car!
Rebecca McConnell (Northcote Cycling Club Inc) leads the charge into the corner.
Olivia Gollan (NSWIS) blurs past
NSWIS put on a good show in the dry
Helen Kelly (Rona) feathers the brakes
Treks seem quite popular with the women.
Graeme Brown warming up.
One of the Richmond Cyclery riders warms up.
Chris Sutton (Skilled) shows some previous battle wounds.
The bunch rolls through the corner.
Queensland's Robbie McEwan (Mab/Mirvac/Lend Lease/Vic Urban) is well placed early on.
Graeme Brown (SBR) looking 'lean'.
Robin Tullett (Giant/CBD Cycles) straightens his bike after an off.
... and then gets back on.
... but not before checking himself over for damage.
Officials record the numbers of any riders involved in a crash.
Not your everyday bunch of happy snappers!
Robbie McEwan going 'round the bend.
Trust your tyres.
Miles Olman (Drapac) dives in.
Graeme Brown (SBR) without company again.
Hang on... he's not pedalling!
Tony Mann (FRF Couriers/Caravello) back on black.
Baden Cooke (Skilled) in the bunch.
Baden Cooke (Skilled) holding a wheel.
The last corner before the finishing straight.
Tail view of the final sprint, Brett Aitken, Robbie McEwan and Kieren Page.
Robbie McEwan chatting post-race.
Robbie McEwan signing autographs for fans.
A-grade's winner from the Nederlands, Beritil Klootnijk.
The women stand proud on the podium.
Graeme Brown unleashes a blast of Champagne into the crowd.
Baden Cooke holds his winnings aloft.
... and then uses them in battle!