Spoke 'n Word Edition #3

St Helens to Launceston, Friday, March 1

Manager's Meetings

All team managers are notified that Saturday's (Day 4) meeting will be held at the Villas and not at the Launceston Casino as originally planned. The meeting will still start at 8 a.m. before the tour entourage heads to Burnie for the start of Stage 4. Stay tuned for the venue of Sunday's final meeting - Race Director John Trevorrow will confirm.

Wedded Bliss

By now, most of you should be aware that there will be a wedding in Latrobe this afternoon, in direct opposition to our criterium. As such the criterium race start has been bought forward to 2 p.m.

All team managers and tour convoy drivers are directed that there will be strictly no parking in the St Patrick's Church ground. Please park inside the Latrobe Football Ground instead.

At the end of the criterium, all tour riders and personnel are then asked to gather at the front gates of St Patricks to offer the newly weds, Melissa Chilcott and Matthew Carter wedded bliss. Lets make their marriage one to remember.

The New Smiling Assassin

Move over Cadel Evans, there is a new "Smiling Assassin" on the scene. Twenty-one year old Simon Gerrans from Mansfield in Victoria had a grin from ear to ear as he won the toughest stage of this year's Skilled Tour of Tasmania. There's not much of him, but boy he can ride a bike.

Race Director & Chief Commissaire Can't See Eye To Eye

The Tour's Race Director John Trevorrow and Chief Commissaire Russell Miller are at loggerheads - but don't worry it won't affect the remainder of the race. John believes Scottsdale sells the best meat pies in Tasmania - Russell disagrees, believing the fare at Swansea was far better.

John also bought every pie on offer in Scottsdale so we're not sure who else got to sample the pastries.

Want A Chance To Win $50?

If you can pick the winner of the GC by the end of Sunday's Tour and are prepared to outlay $5 - you could end up winning $50. While mulling over a few quiet ales on Thursday night in St Helens a few of the tour identities started running a pool. Each pool is limited to 10 different selections and the third one has just started. If you're interested in showing your skills as a cycling selector, contact Media Director Rod Morris or ring 0401-760-912.

What Else Have I Forgotten?

Don Wilson - manager of the Skilled Quest team rang home yesterday to say hello to his wife and ensure he wasn't getting up to too much mischief. Only thing was, Don forgot to wish his wife happy wedding anniversary. Don't worry Don, you take some Tassie chocolates back to sweeten the blow.

Gala Dinner

Saturday night's gala dinner promises to be an affair to remember and certainly enjoy. The night will also act as a tribute to the late Jack Kinnane, a stalwart of Tasmanian cycling, who died recently. The function will be held in the Banquet Hall, starting at 7 p.m.

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 SATURDAY NO LATER THAN 6.00 p.m.

It's A Long Way Without A Snack

Two days of the tour to go and if haven't bought your share of chocolate yet, don't panic there's still some left. All monies raised from the choccy will help some of Tasmania's young cyclists get to this month's Australian Junior Track Championships in Alice Springs.

To get some chocolate contact Media Director Rod Morris - 0401-760-912.

Criterium Sprints

Race Director John Trevorrow has advised that there will be three intermediate sprints in the Stage 5 criterium. The sprints will be at 15 mins, 30 mins and 45 mins. And another reminder, the criterium will start at 2 p.m. and not 2.30 as previously advertised.