Spoke 'n Word Edition #1

Hobart To Kingston, Wednesday, February 27

Word From The Chief

Chief Commissaires are a bit like mothers-in-law - hard to please! However Chief Commissaire for the Skilled Tour of Tasmania Russell Miller said he was satisfied with the proceedings of day one. "There were no real dramas and no riders or teams caused too many problems, so I have got no complaints," Russell said. Lets hope the remainder of the tour receives the same reaction.

South Aussie In Yellow

25-year-old Tea Tree Gully (South Australian) rider Russell Van Hout is the opening day leader of the tour and currently holds a 16-second advantage over Victorian Jayco U23 rider David Pell and a further 2-seconds to his Rio Coffee SA teammate Luke Roberts. The placings in the stage were slightly different with Van Houte winning from Roberts and Ashley Humbert (Francaise de Jeux NSW IS). Pell however picked up 10 seconds in time bonuses to elevate himself to second overall.

Falls & Mishaps

Two prominent riders were involved in separate incidences on day one. Reigning Olympic Madison champion Brett Aitken came off his bike on the descent after the second KOM and defending Tour of Tasmania champ Glenn Chadwick is out of the tour after his bike snapped in half.

Manager's Meetings

All team managers are reminded that compulsory meetings will be held each morning of the tour. Thursday's meet (Day 2) will be held in the Boardwalk Gallery at Wrest Point Casino starting at 8 a.m. Friday's meet (Day 2) will be held in the dining room of the Bayside Inn at St Helens at 8 a.m.

Accommodation - St Helens

The following teams will stay at Queechy Cottages, Giant Tasmania, Tasmanian Institute of Sport No. 1 and No. 2, Francaise de Jeux, NSW IS, Avanti - Blackman Bicycles, Jayco VIS and Jayco U23, Skilled Quest and Norco Appleby. All other teams, officials and media will be accommodated at Bayside Inn. Queechy guests will eat at 5.30 p.m. at the Bayside with the coach picking you up at 5.20 p.m. NB: There will be no return coach, you will be required to make your own way back. Bayside Inn guests will eat at 6.15 p.m.

Petrol

Mobil - opposite Superbarn, 16 Cecilia St, St Helens. You must produce your Tour of Tasmania identification tag, quote your vehicle registration number and sign for. FILL UP BY THURSDAY, 6.30 p.m.

Convoy Order - Day 2

1 - Skilled 2 - IteamNova.com 3 - Japan 4 - Francaise de Jeux NSW IS 5 - Avanti - Blackman Bicycles NSW 6 - New Zealand 7 - Jayco VIS 8 - Jayco U23 9 - Tasmanian Institute of Sport 10 - Tasmanian Instutite of Sport No. 2 11 - Giant Tasmania 12 - Norco Appleby 13 - Skilled Quest 14 - Rio Coffee 15 - Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Club

Sweet Tooth's

Any team managers, riders, officials, media with the tour who are after a snack along the see and fancy some chocolate, contact Media Director Rod Morris - 0401-760-912 Rod has some Cadbury chocolate for sale, with all monies assisting some riders in the Tasmanian junior cycling State team, preparing for next month's Australian Championships in Alice Springs.