By Paul Verkuylen
Drapac Porsche will reach a significant milestone today when the Australian pro continental squad contests its first UCI sanctioned race in Europe - the 60th edition of Halle-Ingooigem in Belgium. The UCI 1.1 race, which was won last year by Australia's Baden Cooke, is being used by many ProTour riders as preparation for this weekend's national titles as well as July's Tour de France.
The Melbourne-based squad, which includes current Australian champion Darren Lapthorne, is looking forward to lining up against some of the world's best riders, including 2005 world champion Tom Boonen and Tour de France green jersey winner, Robbie McEwen.
McGrory believes that this is a very exciting time for Australian cycling in general, with the development of the team's format for the first time in Australia leading to more young Australian riders being nurtured by the increasing number of Australian based teams.
The Oceania team's race program has been somewhat subdued over the past few weeks, due to end of semester exams. The squad emphasises on a balanced approach to its riders' lives, with each rider required to either work part-time or study, so as to prepare them for a life after cycling, as well as make them more rounded riders, both on and off the bike.
