Sam Miranda Road Race and Handicap

Sam Miranda Strade Nero road race

The Sam Miranda Winery ‘Strade Nero’ is arguably one of Victoria’s best one-day races. It is one of only a handful (perhaps country wide) to offer significant dirt sections, and many of us enjoy a race with a difference. 

After two hard weeks of racing earlier this month, at the last two rounds of the National Road Series, my legs had felt slow and heavy for days. I was having doubts about helping my team mates produce a result this weekend. However some wise words from my coach on Saturday morning gave me hope and motivation. The first 10km I spent watching for dangerous breaks instead of trying to force one as I might normally. 5km later a break moved away with every team represented, but only one rider from our team. With no apparent way to bridge, watching the break slowly increase its advantage was agonising. I pushed to the side of the bunch but still there was no apparent way forward. It was time to take a risk. I stepped out onto the rough verge, and did what was required to get by the bunch and across to the break.

After bridging and working with the others to see who was chasing, we all got to work forcing the pace and opening up a time gap. Once our advantage had extended to over three minutes the group relaxed. This was the break for the day. With the likes of Brodie Talbot, Mitch Cooper and Nathan Elliot in the peloton, we maintained a solid pace so that we could get to the bottom of the climb with a sustainable advantage. Stu Smith took all of the sprint points while Dave Kelly and Sam Crome fought out the KOM points. I sat and waited for the day’s main climb, still unsure of how my legs would go when everything heated up. 

We turned right and saw the dirt ahead, everyone was together at the time but that wouldn’t be for long. Stu Smith took the dirt head on and I did what I could to stay there, soon joined by Jacob Restall, Dave Kelly and Mark Jamieson. By the top of the climb the five of us were still together and we started our descent. At the base we were joined by Tyson Chambers but lost the powerhouse of Dave Kelly to a rear flat. Without words all five of us rolled hard to hold off the chasers, all until 5km to go when Stu Smith was the first to attack. It was covered instantly. Next to go was Mark Jamieson at 2km to go, he was left to hang until Restall covered the move with 1km to go. No one wanted to lead out the sprint, but Jamieson was in front and kicked at 500m to go closely followed by Restall who made his move at 350m to go. I followed Stu Smith as he kicked only 100m before the corner. I followed him through and broke late up his inside with  100 metres to go and I gave it one last kick for a very satisfying win. 

Race stats…

Duration: 2:30 hrsDistance: 103kmPower: 285w raw for the 2:30 hrs, with 600w raw for the last 30 sec and 1425 max, 5.8w/kg normalised for the 12 minutes Strade Nero climb and 5.5w/kg normalised best 20 mins (the Strade Nero climb and part of the preceding climb)

Full race…

Best 20 mins...

Sam Miranda handicap

Handicaps are generally the same format: roll hard and hope that the marks fall into pace so that you have an opportunity for a result.

Leaving the Sam Miranda winery in the scratch bunch, we all rolled hard and it showed straight away with time gaps to the bunches ahead falling fast. We caught the 3 and 6 minute bunches in quick succession, for a while there was almost 30 riders rolling through to catch the front markers. With 20km to go we were still 6 minutes behind the leaders so a few people decided to save themselves for the finish. As we rolled past the 10km to go sign more and more people chose to sit on and wait. With only 10 guys chasing and still a 4 minute gap there was no chance that we would be fighting for a win, but fastest time was still up for grabs. I chose to sit with team mate James Rendall (check out his outstanding non-cycling efforts here) and let him expertly guide me to the finale, and that is just what he did. A right hand sweeper met us at just under 1km to go before a small right-left to take us into the final straight. Just like Saturday I wanted to be first into the final bend with such a short straight to the finish line. 

Some days you just have that luck where gaps open exactly where you want them to and other days they don’t. Coming into the sprint it was the former. A gap opened up to my right and Guy Kalma (Wormall) moved forwards. I followed then kicked with 250m to go, putting my bike in front for the final bend and holding hard against the barrier until the line. It was just as I had imagined it from the night before. With James’ help and that bit of luck, we had together taken home fastest time.

It really was a successful weekend personally and for the team. I couldn't have asked for it to go any better. A great weekend’s racing put on by all of the organisers and volunteers. I would like to thank my coach, Tim Clayton, my African Wildlife Safaris Cycling Team and team mates, who often (as they did this weekend) sacrifice their own chances in favour of a team result, and our sponsors including Cannondale, Enve Composites, SRAM, Powerbar, Fi;zi’k, Sportful Clothing and Lezyne.

Race stats…

Duration: 1:56 hrs
Distance: 88km
Power: 270w raw for the 1:56, with 590w raw for the last 60 sec and 1305 max

Full race…

Tour de Perth Stage 2

You bloody ripper!! Stage two of the Woodside Tour de Perth welcomed all 150 riders to Kalamunda with some stunning weather, perhaps become a little warmer than ideal as we edged closer to the end of the race. 116km’s around an undulating course saw the pace on from the start and it continued that way until the very finish. 

As soon as the neutral section had finished attacks flowed thick and fast with a lot of the smaller teams hoping to get themselves in the days move, it wasn't until the first time up the KOM climb did a move start to stick. With four riders up the road the bunch eased on the quicker parts of the course, while Drapac and Avanti hammered it up the climbs hoping to string the peloton out and the consistent attacks by Drapac popped guys lap after lap. After four of seven laps a small group of nine moved away, the break got as far as two minutes up the road and as close as 100m alas they stuck to their guns and stayed away for the win. Meanwhile back in the peloton everyone was constantly jostling for position as the road headed up and down, surges came more and more often as another attack moved up the gutter only to be bought back half a minute later. Eventually the elastic band broke on the second last climb of the day and the peloton shattered, guys were taking risks to make it back to the bunch and ended up in a ditch while others like myself sat up with the knowledge that I was happy with my performance and it was time to spin the legs in order to get ready for tomorrows time trial. 

The stage was won by Tim Roe of Budget Forklifts solo 22 seconds ahead of Travis Meyer in second place. The best AWS result was Rhys Gillett taking 10th following James Rendall’s 5th place yesterday. The team is off to a good start so far this year and the morale within keeps improving as we progress. Tomorrow see’s the tour travel to Rottnest Island for a 20km Time Trial, although the cream has risen to the top the time trial will ultimately decide the overall placings. Legs are feeling good so hopefully I can pull out a good time as well. A tough and certainly draining day all round but thats why I love this sport.

Tour de Perth Stage 1

A twilight criterium around the harbour-side town of Fremantle set the scene for the opening stage of the Tour de Perth as well as the beginning of the National Road Series calendar. The 6:30pm start meant the race would be predominantly ridden under lights set up around the course, something rarely seen on the Australian race calendar. 

From the gun it was on as always happens in every NRS race but this time it wasn't about establishing an early break or controlling the front of the field, no, it was about staying away from everyone else. Staying safe was paramount and as usual being the opening race of the year everyone was on edge and some even willing to come off just to move up a few places. Holding good position in the top 10 of the field a crash went down behind and close to half the field stopped to take a lap out, next lap around everyone jumped in front and suddenly I was right down the back having to fight my way back to the position I already had. Lap after lap people from the middle of the bunch were either dropping out or dropping themselves, chasing the peloton back took a toll on my legs and with 4 laps to go I threw the towel in and let the elastic band snap, with three days to go and racing more suited to me to come there are more chances for me to do well.

The finish saw a very messy sprint resulting in a crash described by team mechanic Stu Sanders as “one of the worst I’ve ever seen in all my years”, ultimately the race was taken by Will Clarke. One stage down and three to go, hopefully everyone's fallen off and doesn't feel like needing to lay the bike down anymore. 

'The Lions' Ride in 2014

With the National Road Series kicking in less than a weeks time, I decided to get the camera (iPhone) out and give everyone out there a quick run-down of the African Wildlife Safaris Cycling Team (AWSCT)  bike for 2014 including all the customisations we as riders are able to choose from. 

Frame: Cannondale SuperSix EVO

The frame of choice for the AWSCT is Cannondale’s SuperSix EVO frame in a red colour scheme to match the team kit. Cannondale as with all bike manufacturers have many technical terms for certain aspects of their frame like Cannondale’s ‘Speed Save’ fork and rear triangle along with Cervelo’s BBright concept, all truth be told this is the best bike I have ever ridden. 

I’m riding a 48cm frame, combining the small triangles with a short wheelbase the SuperSix EVO handles like its on rails and responds as soon as requested. Cornering becomes as simple as just leaning in and follow the front wheel knowing you're heading in the right direction. With such a small frame stiffness and comfort start to butt heads, but somehow Cannondale have combined the two to almost perfection. The ride is fast and smooth, without loosing the feeling that you are in fact riding a bike, you feel all the lumps and bumps in the road but there’s on teeth shattering judders or shakes when out on dead roads. With such a comfortable ride, my first time on the bike I was afraid I was going to be spending 2014 on a noodle, as soon as I kicked for the first time upon my steed I took off and it was love. Yes the bottom bracket is stiff but most manufacturers are putting a lot of technology into their bottom brackets, the biggest surprise was the stiffness of the head tube. As well as attributing to the responsiveness of the frame, the quick whip as soon as you pull on the bars and put the power down it’s almost a case of just trying to hold on as the bike just wants to keep accelerating. 

An absolutely awesome frame by Cannondale and a great base to build a bike on.

Groupset: SRAM Red 22

Being a Shimano man through and through, I immediately discounted SRAM as a group set all up until I rode it for the first time and I was an instant convert. SRAM’s ‘zero-loss’ and ‘double tap’ technologies are brilliant. Being a sprinter a good downshift is paramount to the craft, the SRAM zero-loss shifting moves under minimal effort and the crisp, solid changes gave me the confidence to keep pressure on the pedals while changing with the knowledge that I each tap of the shifter will put me in the next cog no fuss. With whispers of new technologies coming from the SRAM factory before the end of the year, I’m excited to see what they bring next. 

Wheelset: ENVE Classic 45 with Ceramic Speed upgrades

A dream set of wheels for any cyclist the AWSCT is rolling on ENVE’s Classic 45 clinchers as training wheels with one small difference. Ceramic Speed has swapped all DT Swiss hub bearings for their ceramic bearings, not only does this decrease internal rolling resistance but ceramic bearings last up to 5 times longer than normal steel bearings. With such a quality wheel set to train on there is no need to change to race wheels when we get to club races, however when racing the Australian National Road Series we have the option to change to some of the worlds most sort after wheels. ENVE’s collaboration with world renowned aerodynamicist Simon Smart created the ENVE SES line and when competing against the nations best the AWSCT will be rolling on these SES tubular wheels, the best part is it feels like cheating. I’ve never ridden anything like them, crosswinds don’t seem to have an affect on handling and they roll like nothing else. 

Contact Points: Fi’zi:k

Contact points are by far the most important part to any cyclist as it determines the position and really just how comfortable you are on the bike, this is also where each of the guys on the team got to pick and choose parts to personalise their bike. Fi’zi:k’s new spine concept technology was used as a guideline for each of the riders before incorporating personal preference. The spine concept takes into account flexibility and categorises you into Snake (flexible spine), Chameleon (medium spine) or Bull (rigid spine), which from there suggests the most suitable cockpit components for you. For myself I am on the Cyrano R3 handlebar made for Bull as it offers the shortest drop and reach which is a preference among most sprinters. My saddle of choice is the Antares R1 with braided carbon rails which falls under the Chameleon category but personally offers the correct sit bone width for me. To top it off the AWSCT has been provided with Fi’zi:k Cyrano R3 stem and seatpost combinations to unify the build. 

As well as contact points on the bike Fi’zi:k has provided their top of the line Uomo R1 high performance shoe worn by many of the professional riders such as David Millar and Rohan Dennis just to name a few. With a mouldable insole for comfort, carbon sole providing strength and a Kangaroo Leather/Nylon Mesh upper for cooling and a bit of national pride, I can see why these shoes are chosen by some of the worlds best. These shoes are noticeably stiffer than market competitors especially when it comes to those all out efforts, while still offering comfort for those long days in the saddle.

Computer: Powertap Joule GPS

That’s right, it’s not a Garmin. There are other manufactures of bike computers out there and the Powertap Joule GPS is on par for your everyday rider but if you do more than just upload your ride to Strava hoping you went faster than your mate then, the Joule is what you want. I’ve found that the Joule offers more on bike feedback and data whilst riding, and when paired with Powertap’s Poweragent (free download from Powertap website) after ride analysis becomes even more in-depth. It may also be a small thing but the curved screen doesn't collect your sweat when riding and seeing as it isn't a touch screen, when you wipe sweat away you dont get the change of screens or accidentally pause your ride, after all a computer is a computer but these small one percenters make training with the Powertap Joule GPS just that bit more enjoyable and easier than their market counterparts. 

Accessories

I’ve taken you through the big picture parts but its some of the small parts that set us apart from the rest. For example, Lezyne has provided bidon cages, saddle bags, pumps and repair kits to make sure that when we puncture, everything is taken care of to get us back on the bike in mere minutes. Gommitalia has provided the rubber that keeps us stuck to the road with their Logo tire for training, which I also use for club racing due to its reliability and stickiness. For big races the AWSCT glues Gommitalia Espresso tubulars to its ENVE SES wheels for the best performing race wheels. 

Ultimately in my eyes the AWSCT can only be described as one of the countries best equipped teams, while still a young team there is no shortage of talent so watch out for the ‘Lions’ this year, I already feel like it’s going to be a good one. I hope this quick run down has given an insight into the bike behind the African Wildlife Safaris Cycling Team. Keep an eye on this blog as I’ll be writing something new after each Victorian Road Series and National Road Series race I participate in over the year starting Wednesday 26th March with the opening NRS round in Perth.

Cub in the Lions den at the Australian National Road Championships

Tucked in and concentrating - jxpphotography.com

For many riders the Australian National Road Championships started a lot longer ago than some may think. Personally I’d put in 3 hard months of good nutrition, hard training and good habits to give myself the best chance at improving upon previous national road championship results. Joining the African Wildlife Safaris Cycling Team for the 2014 season I felt like a 'cub' in the 'lions den'. Concentrating on the Time Trial for this years nationals, after last years 5th place in the Criterium championships a few doubts had been cast over my thought process but I had faith in myself as did my coach and easily my biggest supporter, my father. With them on my side I knew everything would work out come the 2nd week of January. 

Let the race of truth begin - Kirstie O'Callaghan

Arriving at the accommodation on Tuesday afternoon post riding a lap of the time trial course everything was done and I felt confident of a good result. Wednesday morning came around so quickly and the nerves started to set in, I knew what I had to do. Early morning spin for 20 minutes, get to the races 2 hours before my start so I had time to sit down and make sure everything was ready to go when the time came, register, kit up, warm up and before I knew it, the countdown had started. Start easy and slowly apply pressure to get me up to speed before tucking in and watching the power numbers hover at what I was aiming for. A slight rise to the only left hander of the day, and it was time to get comfortable for a tailwind run out to the turnaround. I knew that with the wind behind me there was no way of winning the time trial but I could certainly ruin my chances my by pushing harder than needed, not knowing any splits I rode my own race and after the turnaround it was time to concentrate on getting back to the finish as quick as possible without blowing up. 10km to go, 5km to go and I could see the corner in the distance marking 2.5km to the finish line. I could feel my legs burning and starting to fade, I just willed myself to push and the final 2km are just a blur in my mind. I crossed the line and knew I had given everything and no matter the result I knew there was nothing more to be done, rolling back to the car I couldn't believe it when I heard Matthew Keenan calling me to the hot-seat, I took my position atop the podium and waited, rider after rider crossed the line and still I sat, higher and higher ranked riders finished behind me until the final 10 came through. Six of the final 10 riders finished quicker, giving me 7th place behind the country’s best riders, a place that I am very happy to be considering the talent in this years U23 race. 

Straight back to the accommodation and the recovery began. Fifteen minutes in the ice bath followed by an hour in the recovery boots and a massage, all accompanied by a lot of food, a protein shake as well as plenty of electrolytes and water. With the U23 road race on Saturday it was all about recovering and preparing for the U23 blue ribbon event, a race which only 12 months ago I was pulled from after only 4 laps of the gruelling and infamous Bunninyong circuit.

Three man break climbing Mt Bunninyong - jxpphotography.com

Saturday morning was busy with such an early start and a lot of preparation to get done before the race, a 6am wake up was on the cards. Eat, pack, coffee, check bikes, roll to start line, eat, relax and one final look over the bike before go time.  A few fireworks the first time up the climb yet no break, it wasn't until the second time up the climb where a small group of 5 including teammate Jeremy Cameron jumped away taking all of the pressure off myself to work and in the end the entire team benefited greatly from strong tactics. Lap after lap went by and my legs still felt good, riding strong position up the front of the bunch I knew come the time when one team wanted the break back I was ready and my legs felt good. With 5 laps to go and only one minute between the break and the peloton Avanti Racing Team took to the front and bought the race back together a lap later, with only three ascents of Bunninyong to go I took my chance and put time into the somewhat dwindling peloton. Robert Jon McCarthy and Patrick Sharpe joined me on the quick descent back into the township. McCarthy wasn't looking to work instead opting to wait for his SASI teammate Harry Carpenter the break was not going to succeed, the second last time up the climb, the break became the main group after being joined by seven more riders. The group of 10 rolled easy turns with no one wanting to take up the pace making before the penultimate climb before dropping down into the finish. The final ascent was a solid pace before Bradley Linfield attacked across the top of the climb taking with him four other riders and myself 20 metres off the back after being boxed in by two riders who were clearly not up for the chase. I regained contact with the lead group moments before the 5km to go banner, there were a flurry of attacks up until the final kilometre. With a quick finish lined up for all involved there was a clear favourite and yet again Caleb Ewan showed why he is arguably one of the best young talents in the world taking first place, followed Bradley Linfield and Robert Power to round out the podium while Harry Carpenter finished off a successful nationals campaign with 4th position followed by myself in 5th. 

On the front of the break - Kirstie O'Callaghan

Coming into a new team at African Wildlife Safaris for the 2014 season, I put all my eggs in the one basket in hope of reaffirming the decision to add me to the roster as a late inclusion. With a 7th in the Time Trial and 5th in the Road Race, I personally couldn't have imagined a better result after such a roller coaster year. These results wouldn't have been possible without the support from my friends and family, my coach Tim Clayton, the entire team at African Wildlife Safaris and nevertheless the sponsors providing everything I need to help me race harder and faster as well. A big thank you to African Wildlife Safaris Cycling Team, Cannondale Bikes, Enve Composties, Monza Imports, SRAM Australia, Fi’zi:k, Ceramic Speed, Cycleops, Powertap, Lezyne, Drift Innovation, Sportful Custom Cycling Clothing Australia, Powerbar and the Amy Gillett Foundation. Photos courtesy of Jarrod Partridge (jxpphotography.com) and Kirstie O'Callaghan

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We look forward to seeing you at our next big race, the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.