Gordon McCauley Targets ‘the Warrny’

2012 Tour of the Murray River Stage 10 - Gordon McCauley
2012 Tour of the Murray River Stage 10 – Gordon McCauley (image courtesy jxpphotography)
Legendary New Zealand cyclist Gordon McCauley will embark upon an historical mission when he tackles the gruelling 262km Campolina Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic on Saturday, October 13.

The amazing McCauley, 40, first contested the classic with the New Zealand national road team in 1997 and finished 12th. He says he is still recovering.

McCauley has won New Zealand?s national road championship five times. He has represented his country at four Commonwealth Games, winning a bronze medal in the time trial in 2006 in Melbourne.

The Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic holds special significance for the veteran, who was aware of the prestigious race from a young age. His great foster grandfather, A.N Ralston, features on the honour roll for the fastest time after completing the epic race in nine hours and 30 seconds off scratch in 1901. “He had trophies all over the place and there was a photo of him after the Warrny, so I’ve always had a wee bit of fascination with it,” McCauley said. “I think every rider in the Southern Hemisphere would like to win the Warrny.” McCauley will be riding with Drapac Professional Cycling after contacting director sportif Agostino Giramondo to see if he could be included in the squad. He was confident he could match his younger competitors, joking that he has “done a zillion kilometres” during his decorated career. “I wouldn’t come if I didn’t think I could win,” he said. “Since I’ve known I’m going to ride the race, I’ve done quite a few rides over 200kms. “You basically have to have really good endurance levels. “Everyone can go pretty hard for 100kms, you see that in the SCODY Cup. “But I really think for majority of the field, to ride over 180kms, you have to be in really good condition.” He highlighted two-time winner and reigning champion Joel Pearson as a rider who knew how to conquer the course. “He has already won it twice but I’m sure he wants to win it again because it’s just one of those iconic races,” he said. “Barring the national road titles, it’s probably the most important one-day race in the Southern Hemisphere.” McCauley – who went and looked at the classic?s Raglan Parade finish line when Drapac stayed in Warrnambool for the Budget Forklifts Tour of the Great South Coast in August ? is hoping for some wild weather. “It’s not brutally hilly, not like the Tour of Tasmania,” he said. “Hopefully it will be cold and wet, because that will suit me. “I’m just hoping that I’ve got the older legs.” The Kiwi will also compete in the Shipwreck Coast Classic, to be held in the south-west on Sunday, October 14. Both events have attracted record fields, with 229 to contest the Melbourne to Warrnambool and 155 ? including 48 women ? to compete in the supporting event. Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty was looking forward to the classic, which has been running for 117 years. “The Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic is a time-honoured race which the Victorian Coalition Government is proud to support,” he said. “It is encouraging to see the event continue to grow, attracting the best athletes, and producing numerous cycling champions who take on the gruelling 262km trek. “The Victorian Government is pleased to support the 2012 Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic and wishes every competitor all the best for a successful race.” Riders will be vying for a range of jerseys, including the SEW Eurodrive Sprint, Crino Cycles First Female and Lady Bay Resort King of the Mountains. Warrnambool City Council will present a jersey to the first Warrnambool rider home while Aussie Farmers Dairy has sponsored the two Lakes and Craters hill climbs near Camperdown. The 262km classic journey starts at Werribee Racecourse at 7.30am before finishing in Warrnambool?s Raglan Parade at about 2pm. The SEW Eurodrive Sprint jersey will also be up for grabs in the 116.7km Shipwreck Coast Classic, as will the Lady Bay King of the Mountains. Allansford?s Cheeseworld will present a jersey to the women?s champion in the supporting event, which has a stunning course that features the Great Ocean Road. Both races offer a total $25,000 in prizemoney. They are part of Cycling Australia?s Subaru National Road Series.  

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