Spoke 'n Word Edition 2

Swansea to St Helens, Thursday, February 28

As John Tells It

Tour Director John Trevorrow was more than happy with the racing on day 2. "It was a good day's racing and I congratulate everyone involved, the riders, the team managers, mechanics and masseurs and tour officials - we had a fun day on the road," John said.

Defending Champ Back In Race

Glenn Chadwick (#61, Skilled Quest) is back in the race, despite not finishing Stage 1. The Chief Commissaire Russell Miller and Tour Director John Trevorrow consulted all team managers and agreed to allow Chadwick to resume his place in the peloton (at the last placed time). Chief Com. Russell has emphasised however that this decision will not set a precedence for the remainder of the tour or future races. Chadwick broke the derailler on his machine on Day 1.

Gold Medal On Track To Crayfish On The Road

Sydney's Gold Medal Olympian from 2000, Brett Aitken quickly forgot about the fall he suffered on Day 1, winning the Swansea to St Helens stage in a bunch sprint. The first 61 riders across the line were credited with a time of 2.48.17 - not bad for 130 km! Aitken (#1, Skilled) won from Luke Roberts (#69, Rio Coffee SA) - his second successive stage second - and Jamie Drew (#9, IteamNova.com). Winning at St Helens normally carries an extra bonus - the little East Coast village is renowned for its crayfish and other seafood delicacies. Tour leader Russell Van Hout (#66, Rio Coffee SA) was credited with 16th position in Stage 2 while his overall lead has been narrowed to 7 seconds from teammate Luke Roberts and David Pell (#36, Jayco U23).

Move Over Michael Schumacher

Channel Ten media guru Ian Gates didn't finish in the intermediate sprint at Scamander - but he was still the most impressive mover on the road. "Gater" was powering along on the left hand side - albeit on the grass bank - when he was forced to move to the other side of the road - to the right hand gutter in fact. In the space of 50 m, "Gater" had performed an almost unbelievable manoeuvre. "If he was on a bike his road skills would have won him points," Chief Commissaire Russell Miller commented.

Party Time

The things some of us have to sacrifice to make the Tour go ahead. Commissaire driver Kim Holmyard and Judge Jason Philpott "celebrated" their 25th and 8th wedding anniversaries on the eve of the tour - despite the fact their wives were still back in Launceston. On Day 2, masseur Libby Cooper enjoyed her birthday - we won't embarrass her by telling you how old she is, but its somewhere between 52 and 54 I think.

And two riders will celebrate birthdays cycling from St Helens to Launceston on Friday (Day 3). Stephen Cunningham (#70, Rio Coffee SA) will turn 31 and Robert Licciardo (#75, Carnegie Caulfield) is the "old man" of the tour, turning 45 on March 1.

Quotes Of The Day (Stage 2)

Joint Nominations From Stage 2 Winner Brett Aitken And Tour Director John Trevorrow.

When told post-race that the Chief Comm. Thought the time of the stage was rather slow, the Sydney Gold Medal Olympian quickly retorted, "I'm quite prepared to swap my pedals with him anytime." Trevorrow raised some eyebrows when he suggested a rider who had stopped for a "comfort break" may have embarrassed a cow. We think, he may have meant a bull.

Manager's Meetings

All team managers are reminded that compulsory meetings will be held each morning of the tour. Friday's meet (Day 3) will be held in the dining room of the Bayside Inn at St Helens at 8 a.m. Saturday's meeting (Day 4) will be held in the Tasman Club, First Floor of the Launceston Country Club Resort - Same again for Day 5 (Sunday).

Accommodation - Launceston

All teams and accompanying tour officials will stay at the Launceston Country Club Resort and Villas on both Days 3 and 4. Dinners will be held in the Banquet Hall between 5.30 and 9 p.m. For those staying at the Casino, continental breakfasts will be served in the Lynx Café between 6.30 and 8 a.m. A hot breakfast can be purchased at own expense. For those staying at the Villas, breakfast packages will be provided. Team managers need to contact Karin Jones on 0408-375-238 for collection.

Petrol

Mobil - TRC complex - 121-131 Paterson St. You must produce your Tour of Tasmania identification tag, quote your vehicle registration number and sign for. FILL UP FRIDAY & SATURDAY NO LATER THAN 6.00 p.m.

Happy Easter

True its not Easter yet, but if you want some energy reviving chocolate or simply want a snack between St Helens and Launceston, see 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.

You're All Invited

When the Tour hits Latrobe on Saturday afternoon, please be aware that there will be a wedding at a nearby parish.

No doubt the Tour of Tasmania is going to make the wedding an affair to remember for the bride and the groom, but all Tour personnel are asked to make it memorable for all of the right reasons. Parking in the church parish is a complete no-no for Tour personnel, but there will be ample parking in the adjacent football ground.