Robert 'Bear' McLachlan (Drapac Porsche) (Image credit: Shane Goss)
Victoria's Drapac-Porsche cycling team heads the list of over 1000 cyclists that are expected to participate in this weekend's Blayney to Bathurst (B2B) Cyclo Sportiff in New South Wales. The Professional Continental team's roster will be lead by Australian National Road Series Champion Rob McLachlan, who is hoping to go one better than his second place finish to Shaun Higgerson in 2005.
Drapac will also bring Under 23 Criterium Champion Dean Windsor, NSW Under 23 Road Champion Rob Williams and Stuart Shaw.
The squad, which has finished second in the past two editions of the B2B Cyclo Sportiff, will be faced with some stiff competition at the event, which incorporates the NSW Hill Climb Championship and Mt Panorama Criteriums.
Rival UCI team FRF/NSWIS is bring 10 riders to the Central West for the event, including 2005 third placegetter and KOM winner Peter McDonnell. McDonnell who has won the Grafton to Inverell classic will be backed by Joe McDonnell, John Ebeling, Anthony Bennett, Tyler McLachlan, Robbie Carter, Luke Cridland, Chris Jory, Brendan Brooks, Brendan Jones and David Treacy.
The two UCI registered squads will be faced with another strong rival, with Tatts Cup round winner Glenn Stojanow returning to defend his title on the 110 kilometre B2B course.
National Junior Road Champion Michael Matthews or a strong squad entered by the Velo Canberra team could also cause an upset at the weekend's event.
The B2B Classic Weekend of Cycling is aimed at applying the City to Surf fun run concept to cycling, with cyclists of all abilities taking on a personal challenge. B2B organisers are attempting to provide the particular environment that each participant wants, be it a social family atmosphere or more competitive.
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The long course B2B leaves Blayney at 8.30am this Sunday, while the short course, which features World IPC Champions Lindy Hou and Tandem partner Toireasa Gallaghe, will set out for Bathurst at 10am.
