Mactier to take on the men

As part of her preparation leading up towards next year's Commonwealth Games, Olympic pursuit silver medallist, Katie Mactier, will race with the men later this month in the Tattersall's Tour of the Murray River.

Previously known as the Tour of Sunraysia, Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) head cycling coach Dave Sanders told the Melbourne Age that Mactier needs to do 'a good road block' and that the 30 year-old is looking forward to the challenge. "She's had a good season racing tours and other events in the United States, this will be a really good hit-out for her in Australia," Sanders said.

However, Sanders said the thought of Mactier winning a stage is highly unlikely. "It's not going to happen - she's got to get past riders such as Dave McKenzie," he said. "The best in Australia, who aren't racing overseas at the moment, will be there. But she'll be there, Katie will not be disgraced."