Torq UK Head Quarters

The only excitement on the 8hr drive from Houffalize to Westbury in Shropshire UK was the ferry crossing over the channel, definitely not as rough as Bass Strait and no sea sickness to speak of.


The white cliffs of Dover







It was great to see Matt Hart (Torq founder and described as the James Bond of British Mountain Biking) again after spending plenty of quality time at Terra Australis. By the time we had arrived in the Shropshire county Matt had already entered us in that evenings local 10 mile (individual time trial). Dan was very impressive only being a minute off the pace on a mountain bike with slicks compared to the time trial rigs and aero helmets.


Dan trying to be aero on his mtb








Matt looking very aero with his new LG time trail helmet





Matt and Anth (Torq Fitness Consultant) took us out on a fantastic mountain bike ride covering many different terrains from slippery rocky descents, granny ring technical climbs to open moorlands with heather and farmland paddocks with sheep. The local Eastridge course was great training being so different to what we are use to back in Australia.


The innocent lamb







Dan's attempt at sheep herding







It was then time for a road trip in the Torq motor home to Dalby Forrest, Yorkshire for the second round of the British National series, which also doubled as a test event for the World Cup bid. The course had a bit of everything, fast flowing single track, steep climbs, technical drops and even a section on the BMX track.


One of the drops at Dalby Forrest © Joolez Dymond





The racing went well for team Torq, with me taking home the chocolates and Dan finishing a close 2nd to a Commonwealth silver medalist. We certainly enjoyed the course and believe it is deserving of a World Cup in the future.


Look Mum no wheels © Joolez Dymond






We ended up staying an extra night in order to make the most of the awesome trails in the area. It has been extremely beneficial for me on this trip to be consistently riding with the guys; it has definitely helped to increase my skill level.

It was sad to leave Matt and his family (Sasha and Milli) as we had an absolute ball. We thank them very much for their hospitality and hope to be back in the UK next, perhaps for a World Cup!

The Classic Race

The transfer to Houffalize in Belgium was a mere 3 and a half hour drive. Again we stayed in a very accommodating farm house just out of town. Our bike sponsor GT had contacted us during the week to invite us for some VIP treatment for this round. We were hooked up with their mechanic to the stars, Mark, his trusty companions Guzzi and Steve.


Mark taking care of our bikes in the GT tent
© Russ Baker







Guzzi the mascot for the weekend









While our support is always strong wherever we travel Mark took it to a new level. Our bikes appreciated the attention and we loved the ease of preparation for this round. It also enabled us to sit back and enjoy the local patisseries’ custard tucker.


A spot of motorpace before the race
© Ben Henderson







The start of the race, heading up a 14% climb
© Russ Baker







One of the steep descents
© Russ Baker





Again the weather was outstanding and belittled the impression that Europe is a cold, wet and muddy experience. For a small town they really put it on. Big crowds, a great course and fast racing for the 18th time is truly World Class and the classic mountain bike race.


Enjoying the custertuckers post race!!!
© Ben Henderson

The Tamer Offenburg

In Offenburg for World Cup #2 our accommodation was set amongst the vineyards and orchards which contribute to the local wines and fiery schnapps. We were also set in the shadow of the local Schloss (castle) Staufenberg.


The setting of our accommodation







Enjoying the view from the Castle






This year the course was significantly different from previous encounters. It was much drier than we had previously experienced which made the technical descents much easier to negotiate and the whole course so much faster therefore creating more of a test of fitness than technical prowess.


Wolfsdrop, a lot tamer, but still steep
© Russ Baker





Dual speed or maybe one speed - Fast
© Russ Baker





It also must have been one of the biggest Aussie assaults on a European World Cup in years with 27 of us competing in the various classes.


The Aussie contingent at Offenburg
© Russ Baker



The crowd was simply inspiring with over 20,000 in attendance and they all contributed to improved results for us from previous years and a great introduction to World Cup racing for Cal.

Going Bundaslinging

Our first race in Europe was a German Bundesliga round not too far from Stuttgart in Munsingen. It was here that team mate Cal Britten and his dad Trevor met up with us for Cal’s second Euro race. It was true Euro, we couldn’t predict the weather conditions for the race. We started off on full wets and slowly progressed to full dry weather tires despite the constant rain interruptions.

The fields were so deep with talent it was a mini World Cup roll call. I was lucky enough to have a second row start while there was confusion with Dans seeding and he had to start from the back row. But this did enable him to pass exactly 100 riders through the race. Cal’s U23 race was a separate race with over 100 starters!

All the Australians got together for dinner, plus some fellow Cyclingnews diarists Mike and Mary. It is always great to have a touch of Australia where ever we travel.

Race morning was extremely cold, but surprisingly dry

Meeting the Big Fella and not forgetting the Little Fella

After an 11 hour flight to Frankfurt the Tuesday morning following South Africa, we picked up the mini-van which is our transportation and storage for the 6 weeks in Europe. It is so ugly that it reminded us of a warthog and hence become its nickname. The first stop in Europe was Korbach which is a couple of hours north of Frankfurt and most importantly is one of the homes of Continental Tires.

Dan and I were keen to be shown around the Continental factory and get an insight into the technical development and manufacturing of our bike tires. The bonus we got though was to meet the employees who are used in their ads and to do our own photo shoot with them to be used back home. We were so well looked after by everyone from Continental that it was difficult to leave. So we stayed one more night to go to the local bike park which happens to be one of Europe’s best.

Tube anyone?








Do you think its riadable? - The ski jump at Winterberg Bike Park








Freestyle - Superman tale whip for my next jump








Surely this isn't for real!








The Continental 4X track at Winterberg Bike Park - Awesome

South African Cycling Safari

As soon as we (I am traveling with Torq team mate Dan McConnell) arrived in South Africa after our 16 hour flight from Melbourne, we sensed the difference in culture and lifestyle, with the segregation between rich and poor very obvious. However we felt safe and found everyone to be pleasant and helpful. But we were intrigued how so many people could afford ‘Pimp my ride’ vans with the most incredible paint work and shiny alloy wheels.


The African women have amazing core strength to carry nearly anything on their heads





We stayed in a guest house called ‘A Room with a View’ and that was certainly no understatement. The view of Pietermaritzberg was amazing from the manicured grounds of the house, which included a pool and tennis court enclosed by some particularly secure walls. The house also came with a maid called Happy who had the most gorgeous smile and looked after us exceptionally well. Initially it felt awkward having someone make your bed, do your dishes, wash your cloths and do all the other domestic duties (although I have dreamt of that at home).


A Room with a Spectacular View






The days leading into the opening World Cup of the season were very relaxed, with shorter sharper training sessions due the big volume from Terra Australis the previous week. A trip to South Africa would not be complete without a safari tour, so fellow Aussies Andy, Rosie and Chris (who were staying next door) went sightseeing to Karkloof Falls and Tala Nature Reserve. Driving around the nature reserve was incredible, to see animals like hippos, ostriches, giraffes, zebras, springboks, buffalos, warthogs and the impressively huge rhinos.


Washing cloths at the top of Howard Falls


Anyone for a recovery ride on a Zebra?


On the edge at Karkloof Falls


A Big Bird


Warthog - The ugliest animal in the world


Giraffes although tall can hide themselves well


Much bigger in real life than you can image


By Thursday it was time to focus on the opening World Cup for 2009. The course was a hard packed clay surface with a series of pinch climbs that looked treacherous if it was to rain. The races went well for both Dan and myself, as we both secured top 40 start spots for Round #2 in Offenburg. We made sure to have two berry shakes from the local café to celebrate.


The best berry shake ever
© Rosie Barnes


Dan and Andy share a berry special moment
© Rosie Barnes

Practice Run, Oceania Champs and the Big Three Zero

24th March 2009
This week has been like a practice run for Europe and being a full time athlete (at least for a little while anyway). I have been getting 9-10 hours sleep a night, when I usually just scrap though with 7. It has been great to get up each morning fully rested, doing Pilates and stretching before going riding, which is doing wonders for the mind and body.









Luke and I arrived in Thredbo on Tuesday (17th March) in order to acclimatize to the altitude, although not that high is still seems to be enough to effect my body. We have had some great days training on the course, as the weather has been magnificent.









After a great build up to the race I felt like I was ready for a good showing to earn some valuable UCI points that I had missed out on at Australia Champs. I had a good start getting the whole shot and leading for the first half a lap. Plenty of attacks come on the main grass climb and I didn’t seem to have the punch needed to go with them. I ended the day with a solid 4th, having consistent lap times, all within seconds of each other and a good swag of UCI points.









With the racing all over it was on to the celebrations. The big Three Zero seemed to have come around too quickly for my likely, but I certainly had a lot my great friends to celebrate with at the Thredbo pub. As most of you know I am not really a drinker, but I gave it a good nudge and had an amazing night, so thanks to everyone that helped me celebrate!

The recovery ride the next day was interesting to say the least, with a hangover, but the scenery was awesome on the fire trail towards Dead Horse Gap.













The practice week of being a full time athlete went really well, so I am now going to give it go for a longer stint of time by travelling around South Africa, Europe and Canada following the World Cup circuit!