By Les Clarke
Talented young Australian sprinter Nic Sanderson says he's keen to prove a point in 2006 after parting ways with Davitamon-Lotto last month. Returning to this year's Bendigo Madison as reigning champion, Sanderson took second in the race with partner Sean Finning and displayed the kind of speed and talent that drew the attention of the Belgian team prior to being signed to ride for them in 2006.
"I'm happy to be back on the podium - it's great here in Bendigo," said Sanderson after the finish on a very blustery night in the Victorian town. In terms of what's in store for 2006 he's not too sure, but knows one thing's for certain - there's plenty to prove this year. "I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing yet, nothing's concrete at the moment," he said, before adding, "I'm definitely keen for a big year and it's time to go out there and prove a point, I suppose."
With the European road season kicking into a bigger gear this month, Sanderson knows he won't be back in the pro peloton straight away, but remains confident of doing so soon. "At this stage it's going to be hard to get back into a pro team for this year. I'm certainly looking for a few big results and hopefully I'll be in the pro peloton in 2007," he said.
Leaving Davitamon-Lotto was a bitter pill, but Sanderson says, "I'm not ruling out riding for a Belgian team again - but I'm certainly disappointed I didn't get the chance to show what I could do as a pro cyclist." Nevertheless, Sanderson is staying positive. "Things would be a lot different if I was older, but I'm 21 and still have my whole future ahead of me," he says.
That future could be in Spain, where Sanderson has previously ridden for the Liberty Seguros under 23 squad. He would be keen to ride with Liberty Seguros again, having developed a rapport with team manager Manolo Saiz. The roster is complete for 2006 and so a ride on the team wouldn't be possible, but after enjoying the services of another talented Australian, Allan Davis in the senior squad, they may just have some room for this fast Aussie in 2007.
