Bicycling Australia - March - April 2024

PEAK ROAD PERFORMANCE WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MAR / APR 2024 ISSUE 246 MEL HOSKINS Our Tribute To A Champion Rider & Loving Mother WHEEL REVIEWS How Do The Latest Alloy & Carbon Hoops Stack Up? HEADING WEST AusCycling RoadNats Go To Perth For 3 Years TEST LAB: S-WORKS AETHOS, PINARELLO’S GREVIL RACER, THE 2024 ORBEA ORCA + FEMALE KIT EXCLUSIVE LUKE PLAPP HIS TRIPLE NATIONAL TITLE, THE OLYMPICS AND MORE FLYING FELICITY One-On-One with rising star Felicity Wilson-Haffenden

THE MAKES YOU FASTER Our goal was simple: Make the fastest bike we have ever made. Engineered in Germany and built on its WorldTour heritage, the new IZALCO MAX is just that. We optimised aerodynamics, enhanced stiffness and improved handling. The result? A bike that is uncompromisingly fast. By saving 6.6 watts at 45km/h, it is 1min 47 seconds faster over 45 km than its predecessor. To enable you to get extra power on the road, the bottom bracket is optimised for stiffness, and the fork for lateral stiffness. A higher bottom bracket and steeper head tube enables better handling, especially at high speeds. With the IZALCO MAX, there are no slow rides. It is truly the essence of speed.

NEW

A classic fit For over two years, we’ve partnered with Bicycling Australia to support the Classics. Together, we’re doing our best to keep everyone safe on the road – no matter how they choose to tackle it.

23 March 2024 snowyclassic.com.au 4-5 May 2024 mudgeeclassic.com.au 19-20 October 2024 bowralclassic.com.au Date to be announced clareclassic.com.auIMAGE: TOUR DOWN UNDER ONLINE BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU ENEWS SIGN UP TO OUR BI-WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER DIGITAL SEARCH BICYCLING AUSTRALIA IN ZINIO SOCIAL MEDIA @BICYCLINGAUSTRALIAMAGAZINE @BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA @BICYCLINGAUST @BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA EDITOR Nat Bromhead [email protected] ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP MANAGER Harry Kooros [email protected] COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT Taylor Geraghty [email protected] PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE Luke Buckley [email protected] PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Matthew Gunn [email protected] DESIGNER Lauren Esdaile PHOTOGRAPHY Peter Maniaty, Lee ‘Hollywood’ Turner, Luke Meers, Nat Bromhead, Coco Louise Henry, Pat Jonker, Sirotti. CONTRIBUTORS Dr Michael Hanslip, Colin Levitch, Marcus Leach, Sarah Hunter, Lee ‘Hollywood’ Turner, Peter Maniaty, Coco Louise Henry, Anthony Tan, Steve Thomas PROOFREADER Mick Fletoridis EVENT DIRECTOR Vanessa Burges [email protected] MARKETING Jasmine Sutherland GROUP PUBLISHER James Yaffa PUBLISHER Yaffa Media Pty Ltd 17-21 Bellevue Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010 Australia Editorial Phone: (02) 9213 8251 Editorial Email: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTIONS [email protected] Website: www.bicyclingaustralia.com www.greatmagazines.com.au FREECALL: 1800 807 760 SUBSCRIPTION RATES 1 year/6 issues: A$75.33 1 year PLUS (print+digital): A$84.00 DISTRIBUTION Australia: Ovato Retail Distribution New Zealand: Ovato Retail Distribution PUBLICATION DATES Bicycling Australia is published six times a year in January/February, March/April, May/ June, July/August, September/October, November/December. Copyright © 2021 ISSN No 1034-8085 Editorial contributions are welcome. Please send to: [email protected] Material in this publication may not be reproduced without permission. While the publishers have taken all reasonable precautions and made all reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of material contained in this publication, it is a condition of purchase of this magazine that the publisher does not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in this publication, or from the use of the information contained herein and the publishers make no warranties, express or implied, with respect to any of the material contained herein. The Bunch ISSUE 246 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM 6 MARCH / APRIL 2024

SUBSCRIBE VISIT GREATMAGAZINES.COM.AU/BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA OR CALL 1800 807 760 AND QUOTE AUTO-RENEWAL Renew or subscribe to Bicycling Australia with auto-renewal for just $9.80 PER ISSUE (print + digital copies) SUBSCRIBE & SAVE 30% + FREE DIGITAL COPY! YAFFA 15578 Conditions: This offer is only available to readers with an Australian postal address. By subscribing via auto-renewal you give Yaffa Media authorisation to charge your nominated credit/debit card account or direct debit bank account regular amounts, in regular instalments, as set out in the terms of the subscription you are purchasing, until you request it to be stopped, or your card or account expires. You may voluntarily stop your subscription at any time by providing Yaffa Media’s customer service department ([email protected]) with written notice. For full terms & conditions, visit www.greatmagazines.com.au. DIGITAL Instant access to each digital copy via Zinio MAGAZINE The latest bicycling news, reviews and tips delivered to your door

62 50 30 38 22 SPECIAL FEATURES 20 VALE MELISSA HOSKINS We pay tribute to former pro rider and loving mother Melissa Hoskins whose life was tragically cut short in late December. 22 THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST After finding himself on the other side of the world to cover a bike race that failed to start, Pete Maniaty made the most of his trip to Italy. 30 CHASING FELICITY Felicity 'Fliss' Wilson-Haffenden is just 18-years-young but already has national and world titles to her name! Now signed with Lidl-Trek, Nicola Rutzou catches up with the young star. 38 RIDING THE APPIAN WAY It is one of the world’s oldest and most significant roads, and in this fascinating feature Pete Maniaty rides it. This is the Appian Way, and a history lesson by bike. TEST LAB 46 MUZE WOMEN’S KIT Heard about Muze Women? It’s a relatively new brand but is quickly gaining popularity. Here Amy McPherson rides the kit and tells us all about it. 48 RESTRAP FRAME BAG Frame bags may not be for all but they do offer a practical and efficient way to carry extra gear when out on the bike. Here Steve Thomas field tests the latest offering from Restrap. 50 SCICON AEROSCOPE Made famous by Tadej Pogacar, Peter Maniaty rides and reviews these sunglasses with a difference – the arms are fully adjustable! 54 DT SWISS WHEEL TEST An aero wheelset for well under $1000? That’s what we test here. Yes they are alloy, but they’re quite impressive for the money as we find here. Contents ISSUE 246 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM 8 MARCH / APRIL 2024

56 THE BIKE SPA EXPERIENCE Dr Michael Hanslip tests out these ‘bike spa’ products from the acclaimed Silca stables. 60 REYNOLDS 46MM WHEELS TESTED The second wheel review in this edition of BA are these stunning 46mm carbon fibre hoops from Reynolds. We all know that upgrading wheels is the best way to boost your bike – see how these perform on page 60. 62 NORTHWAVE VELOCE EXTREME Yes they are (very) close to $700, but these shoes have been proven to improve performance and ultimately save you precious power. Pete Maniaty rides them from page 62. 66 S-WORKS AETHOS Dr Rod Gill owns way too many bikes (if that’s at all possible). Here he talks us through one of his favourites, the impressive S-Works Aethos. 70 2024 ORBEA ORCA One for the climbers, this new Orbea Orca simply loves heading uphill! We take the new Orca to the hills just north of Sydney to see how it rides. 74 PINARELLO’S GREVIL ‘The Dogma for the Dirt’ is how this wild looking Pinarello Grevil is described. Yes, the design may be divisive but this bike goes like hell! REGULARS 10 PUBLISHER’S NOTE 12 TOP GEAR 16 THE BIG PICTURE 78 BANG BANG WITH LEE TURNER 80 SPIN CYCLE WITH ANTHONY TAN © BEARDY MCBEARD COVER: Beardy McBeard captures a stunning dawn scene in Tasmania. 80 I NCREASINGLY SO BROAD AND DIVERSE, WHILE GIVING THIS EDITION of Bicycling Australia a final perusal prior to it being sent to the printer, I couldn't help but be reminded of the almost countless aspects of our sport. Starting with Publisher James Yaffa’s column over on the next page, he discusses the almost incomprehensible logistics that take place behind the scenes of the global biking industry. Just think … when you casually wander in to take a look around your LBS – a simple act that JY rightly states is one of the best ways to maintain and boost your mojo for the sport – each of the thousands of items in stock has been developed by passionate enthusiasts just like you and me. That ‘gear junkie’ theme continues over the next four pages with one of our most popular regular inclusions, Top Gear. The expansive diversity of the sport rolls on with Peter Maniaty jetting from Sydney to the south of Italy to cover a bike race, the Adriatica Ionica. Waking one quiet morning at home, I blearily switched on my phone and was hit with a barrage of texts from poor Pete who was asking “The Italians have cancelled the race, what’ll I do?” But he made the most of the situation – by eliminating the negative, focusing on the positive and making limoncello from lemons – as you can read in two riveting travel stories inside this edition. The wide-ranging diversity of our sport is further highlighted with Nicola Rutzou’s inspirational interview with Felicity WilsonHafenden. Taking to the sport just four years ago, and now a National and World Champion, young ‘Fliss’s’ story is one of awe and amazement. Then, dear reader, you’ll find more than 30 pages of cuttingedge reviews of some of the latest gear in cycling – new products being yet another aspect of our sport we just can't get enough of. Cycling seems to attract more than its fair share of colourful characters and one of the loudest and proudest is none other than Lee ‘Hollywood’ Turner. You can read his interview with yet another inspiring young Aussie, Luke Plapp, from page 78. Wrapping things up is veteran columnist Anthony Tan who drills down on this year’s Tour de France – yet another aspect of the sport that is almost a world unto itself. Happy reading and safe cycling! A World Unto Itself NAT BROMHEAD – EDITOR Editorial BY NAT BROMHEAD WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM 9 MARCH / APRIL 2024

PUBLISHER JAMES YAFFA LOOKS AT THE CURRENT STATE OF THE BIKE INDUSTRY AND CYCLING YEAR AHEAD. A Delicate Balance WELCOME BACK TO A thrilling year of news, insights, reviews, and views from the Bicycling Australia team! Following the resounding success of the Tour Down Under and with the anticipation of the French road season, Classics, Grand Tours, and the Paris Olympics, 2024 promises to be a formidable year for cycling. As we immerse ourselves in the rhythm of another year of the sport, the first half of ‘24 offers an excellent opportunity to declutter your bike collection, scrutinise your gear, parts, and accessories, and contemplate upgrades for the months, trips and events ahead. Visit your preferred local bike store, and you're likely to find a substantial inventory. Upstream, at the warehouses and distribution centres supplying these stores, the stock levels are even more significant. Current stock levels for most brands and accessories are notably high, raising the question: why is this so? Managing stocks in the bicycle industry has always been a delicate balance, amplified by the seasonal nature of the cycling market and the bike boom fuelled by COVID. Accurate stock predictions have become more challenging in this dynamic environment. Compounding this challenge are new factors such as a surge in component prices, attributed to various crises such as the consequences of the COVID pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Aluminium prices have surged by 100 per cent since March 2020, steel has seen a 50 per cent increase, carbon fibre 30 per cent, rubber 70 per cent, and battery components, crucial for e-bikes, has skyrocketed. The cycling industry tends to grapple with the 'Bullwhip effect' where minor changes in demand reverberate upstream like a whip. This seems to have been exacerbated by a pandemicinduced sales boom, disrupting supply chains, leading to largerthan-usual precautionary orders, a subsequent demand slowdown, then inflated inventories. These challenges are compounded by supply chain constraints on critical components and the persistently low margins in the bike industry. HOW CAN WE HELP? Take a moment to take a look at or lay out all your cycling gear, assess what you use, and consider donating pre-loved items to organisations helping less fortunate riders. Your local bike shop is a great place to start – updating your gear, from helmets to lights to electronics and even bikes, has never been more timely. You could also sell used gear on platforms like Gumtree or Marketplace, either to recoup some funds or raise money for the many people in need. Based on conversations with exhibitors at the Bowral Classic in late 2023 and the Tour Down Under in January, it's heartening to witness retailers returning to robust stock levels and see notable improvements across our sport. To enhance your cycling experience, visit your LBS regularly to have a chat, see the latest stock, and invest in new gear periodically to stay motivated – this certainly works for me! Summing up, let 2024 be the year we really strive to support our local bike shops and upgrade any gear that’s getting a little old and tired. Wishing you safe travels, and I hope to see you at one of BA's Classic events in 2024! “…TO ENHANCE YOUR CYCLING EXPERIENCE, VISIT YOUR LBS REGULARLY to have a chat, see the latest stock, and invest in new gear...” Publisher’s Note BY JAMES YAFFA WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM 10 MARCH / APRIL 2024

ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST FLUID AND ACTIVE INDUSTRIES, THERE’S NEVER A DULL MOMENT IN CYCLING. WITH PRODUCT NEWS HITTING OUR INBOX DAILY, HERE ARE SOME OF THE LATEST RELEASES. The Latest Gear KOO ALIBI SUNGLASSES Complimenting their popular Demos, Supernova and Spectra sunglasses, Koo have added the Alibi to the range. Ultralight at well under 30 grams, and incredibly comfortable on the face, the latest model comes in a wide range of on trend colours including Black Matte/ Gold, Grey Matte/Turquoise, Harbor Blue Matte/Copper, Orange Matte/Green, Persian Green Matte/Orange, and Sand Matte/Gold. Designed for a secure fit, the Koo Alibi features rounded arms that blend safety with style. What sets these sunglasses apart is their compatibility with an optical clip, allowing you to personalise the frame with your prescription lenses. Experience exceptional clarity, UV protection, and durability with highperformance cylindrical polycarbonate lenses by ZEISS. The strong Grilamid frame ensures resilience and longevity, making the Koo Alibi a reliable companion for your cycling adventures. Tailored for everyone, these sunglasses offer a unisex fit that complements any face shape or style. The half-frame design maximizes your field of vision, making the Koo Alibi ideal for cycling. We’re currently trying out a pair and they’re sensational! Koo Alabi’s have an RRP of $279.95. NEW LIGHTWEIGHT FULCRUM WHEELS Fulcrum recently released the new Speed 25+ wheelset. Following in the footsteps of the Red Zone Carbon+, the Speed 25 now takes on the ‘plus’ moniker, indicating the pinnacle of Fulcrum’s range and becoming the lightest low profile option for disc brakes ever produced. Compared to the Speed 25 the weight has been dropped down to 1270 grams and they integrate the best Fulcrum technologies. The company says it is “an astounding set of wheels in terms of lightness and handling, without compromising reliability”. “The construction of the rim uses our proprietary FF100 mix of resins with a Direct In-mold Matte Finish (DIMF),” said a Fulcrum rep. “The graphics have been overhauled with the new Form Function Fulcrum design, in gun metal grey which, combined with the laser etched finish, reflect the technical research and impeccable design at the heart of all Fulcrum’s products.” The rim is 26mm high, with a hooked inner rim channel of 21mm. The wheels are tubeless native thanks to the non-drilled bridge, which guarantees maximum levels of resistance due to the continuity of the carbon fibres. As far as the hubs are concerned, they feature ‘CULT’ (Ceramic Ultimate Level Technology) ceramic bearings, with Cup & Cone system, that ensure greater smoothness and long term efficiency of the components thanks to the fact that the forces from the spokes are perfectly aligned with those affecting the bearings. The smoothness is further improved by the ceramic treatment found on all the surfaces that come into contact during the spinning. The 1270g wheelset has a system weight limit – that’s rider & bike - of 120kg. Pricing and availability times are to be confirmed. More at www.fulcrumwheels.com Top Gear WORDS: NAT BROMHEAD WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM 12 MARCH / APRIL 2024

PURE SPORTS NUTRITION PURE Performance + Race Fuel is a high carb, high electrolyte drink mix to incorporate into your everyday training and race day strategy. It can be used as a sole source of fuel and is unflavoured to minimise flavour fatigue. Race Fuel has been designed specifically for the endurance athlete using the latest research around an emerging power ingredient called Cluster Dextrin. With 90 grams of carbs and 650mg of sodium per serve, this sports drink mix aims to deliver in helping increase performance whilst minimising gastro-intestinal distress. Race Fuel is also a HASTA Certified Product meaning every batch is tested for prohibited substances. More details at www.puresportsnutrition.com NEW FIZIK OMNA WIDE fizik has broadened its wide fit road cycling shoe range with the launch of the Omna Wide. As the name suggests, the Omna Wide is a new incarnation of fizik’s popular Omna model – a responsive, pure road cycling shoe developed for competitive riders seeking race-ready features and performance. The Omna Wide, which completes the Omna range, has been designed to provide an optimal fit for riders with wider feet, with a higher volume forefoot area being introduced around the ball of the foot and metatarsals. With Omna Wide, fizik has created an advanced road shoe which provides performance akin to its top-tier models. Whether you’re training for your first race or tackling an epic climb, this shoe has the right features for your ride. Specifications: • Perforated high-density PU upper • Li2 BOA Dial C Fit System • R5 nylon outsole: Stiffness index 6 • Weight: 240g* • Sizes: 36-48 (37 to 47 also in half sizes) Color options: • White / black • Black / black Prices: TBA NEW TREK URBAN COMMUTERS Trek have recently launched all-new Allant+ e-bikes they say are “smarter, sleeker and stronger than ever”. The new Allant+ 7 and 7S feature integrated lights, mudguards and a rear rack, updated aesthetics and a high-powered, commute-crushing boost. The latest Allant+ models are also equipped with a Bosch Smart System, so riders can easily connect to their phone and customise their assist, and a Shimano CUES drivetrain for added durability. A Bluetooth-capable Bosch Smart System provides a natural feeling boost up to 25 km/h, the e-bike speed limit in Australia. The bikes feature integrated lights, a front suspension fork, mudguards and a rear rack to make your car-free commutes a breeze. Power wise, there’s a 500 Wh battery and up to 85 Nm of torque through the CUES drivetrain. Australian pricing will be available on the Trek website as this edition goes to press. WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MARCH / APRIL 2024 13

NEW HANDLEBAR FROM CURVE Since its 2019 release, the super-wide alloy Walmer Bar has been Curve Cycling’s best-selling product. Originally thought of as an April-fools gag, the adventure cycling community now firmly understands the benefits of wide, flared drop bars. After years of requests Curve has now released the carbon Walmer Bar. This new ultra-wide and flared carbon drop bar retains the beloved features of its alloy predecessor while introducing an array of improvements that only carbon can offer. The Walmer Bar was designed to address the requirements of off-road endurance cycling and bikepacking by offering the stability and control of a mountain bike bar, while also offering different hand positions thanks to its comfortable flared drop. A wide bar opens the chest, and reduces upper back strain, which is important on long missions but tremendously inconvenient on narrow bridges with pedestrian traffic, like the Walmer Street bridge* after which the bar was named. Additionally, a wide spacing between the drops allows the mounting of a wide variety of handlebar bags, many of which will not fit on a conventional drop bar. Since the Walmer Bar has become a popular choice for gravel and off-road cyclists, it was only natural for Curve to create an enhanced carbon version. The first carbon Walmer Bar release is available in the three most popular sizes: 43, 46 and 50 cm, with the sizes measured from hood to hood. The drop-to-drop measurement for the widest option is 65 cm, which is amongst the widest carbon drop bars available. A wide, reinforced oversized 31.8mm central section allows plenty of room for mounting accessories including clip-on aero bars. Full details at www.curvecycling.com/products ORBEA / LOTTO DSTNY REPLICA TEAM BIKES Belgian pro team Lotto Dstny recently announced a partnership with the Spanish bike brand Orbea for the 2024 season. Described as a "new era in the pursuit of excellence," the deal marks the team's departure from a 12-year collaboration with Ridley. Full replicas of the pro bikes (pictured) will soon be available for enthusiasts, with the Orca and Orca Aero given the eye-catching team livery. "Like Lotto Dstny, we are a brand with a strong global presence. Through this collaboration, we aspire to broaden our impact and strengthen our recognition worldwide," Ander Olariaga, Orbea's Brand and Communications Director, said. A popular and fast-growing brand here in Australia, Orbea offer wonderful ongoing service and are constantly widening their dealer network. For your nearest store visit www.bikebox.com.au/dealer-locator NEW SRAM RED LEAKED What’s believed to be the next generation SRAM Red groupset has been leaked online and looks to be on its way. Sleeker, slimmer and no doubt lighter, the updated rear derailleur, chain, brake calipers and rotors appear to have had a significant amount of material removed to streamline each component. The images were loaded to social site X (formerly Twitter) by @MoBaohua. More to come. 14 Top Gear MARCH / APRIL 2024 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM

NEW BROOKLYN KIT FROM VENTOU With more and more of their apparel manufactured in their fully solar powered Melbourne headquarters, Ventou have been in the cycling kit game for more than 25 years. ‘Brooklyn’ is some of their best known and most recognisable kit, the ‘Brooklyn Project’ showcasing some of the brand’s most elite and top end options. We’ve recently been riding their Elite Bibs plus the sky blue Pro Jersey in ‘Blocks / Early Dawn’ pattern. First to the jersey, and the lightweight Italian fabric has exceeded expectations during recent warm weather / high summer rides. One absoloute summer stinker involved a ride to the notorious Akuna Bay offshoot road of Cottage Point … not only is this one of Sydney’s steepest climbs, but in high summer the temperature often feels around 10 degrees warmer there! The lightweight jersey felt great on and made light work of the warm afternoon. Talking the heat and the sun, an irony is that the jersey is made in the company’s solar powered production facility here in Australia. Ventou design their pro jerseys to suit ‘the everyday rider who wants to look the part without feeling restricted by 'Pro cut' sizing.’ After several summer rides in the bright blue top this certainly seems like an accurate description to us. The jersey feels great on, fits true to size, features a quality zip, and has three practical and deep rear pockets. To quality and longevity, I have a long-sleeved Ventou Brooklyn winter jersey that’s at least 8 years old. It still fits well, holds great shape, and looks and feels as good as new. While at the TDU in Adelaide I told the Ventou team about the longevity of their gear, Greg smiled and told us it was familiar feedback. To the bibshorts, and Ventou use an Italian warped fabric with a four-way stretch to increasing the compression, aide fit and provide superior breathability and sweat wicking. ‘Bluesign’ certified, the fabric is produced using the most environmentally friendly practices to leave the smallest impact on the environment as possible. Super comfy on, the bibs feature an Italian ‘TMF Skyve 15mm chamois that helps provide maximum shock absorption for all day rides of 8+ hours. The top layer of the bibs includes carbon in the threads – this helps them tto quickly dry and enhances antibacterial properties. Other features include - • Laser cut Italian leg bands keep the bibs in place without digging into your legs like traditional grippers. • Reflective logos included for extra visibility during early and late rides. • The use of a ‘Comfort tech’ strap with enhanced stretch retention properties to adjust and mould to different body heights. • A double layered back panel for additional comfort and coverage. • UPF50+ sun protection certification. The Bibshorts retail for $249 More info at www.ventou.com.au WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MARCH / APRIL 2024 15

“'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar” Katy Perry, Roar The Big Picture SURF COAST, GEELONG, VICTORIA WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM 16 MARCH / APRIL 2024

© CADEL’S GORR WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MARCH / APRIL 2024 17

YAFFA 15255 2024 AN UNFORGETTABLE WEEKEND OF CYCLING IN NSW’S MID-WEST 4 - 5 MAY 2024 mudgeeclassic.com.au STRATEGIC SPONSOR AUTOMOTIVE PARTNER AUSTRALIAN OWNED AND OPERATED 170 KM 120 KM 65 KM 35 KM REGISTER NOW

THE HEART WAS RIPPED FROM THE CYCLING COMMUNITY IN LATE DECEMBER WITH THE SHOCK NEWS OF MELLISA HOSKINS' DEATH. Vale Melissa Hoskins “A GIVER WITH A BIG HEART”. That’s how the parents of the late Melissa Hoskins have described their daughter as they struggle to come to terms with her tragic and devastating death. Mel, the much-loved 32-year-old mother of two and champion cyclist, died in hospital on January 1 after she was struck by a car outside her family home in Adelaide’s north. Her husband, recently-retired professional rider Rohan Dennis, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and attention, and endangering life. Dennis was released on bail and scheduled to front court in early March. Cycling and sports enthusiasts from across Australia and around the world continue to pay tribute to Mel, the bubbly, charismatic and energetic young mother. “Myself, Amanda, Jess and families, are utterly devastated and still struggling to process what has happened,” the family statement read. “Not only have we lost a daughter and sister, her children have lost their mum, a freewheeling spirit, a giver with a big heart, patience and zest for life. “She was the rock of their life and ours, and we need to honour her memory so they [her two children] can grow up knowing who she was, what she stood for and what she gave to everyone whose life she touched. “The outpouring of sadness and support has overwhelmed us. In her short life, Melissa has had so many positive touchpoints in and around the world.” Tributes for effervescent Hoskins continued to pour in with touching ceremonies held during January’s Australian Road National Championships and later at the Santos Tour Down Under. Hoskins was a skilled, determined and powerful rider who competed at National, World Championship, Commonwealth and Olympic level. Friend and former teammate Remembering Melissa Hoskins WORDS: NAT BROMHEAD | IMAGES: SUPPLIED WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM 20 MARCH / APRIL 2024

Mel Hoskins life was tragically cut short in late December, the former multiple champion leaving behind two young children and countless heartbroken friends and fans. “…Not only have WE LOST A DAUGHTER AND SISTER, her children have lost their mum…” Annette Edmondson described her as “a shining star” and said she “still can’t comprehend what has happened”. “A fun, loving, hilarious person, who was so talented in so many areas. A force to be reckoned with, she took the track and road cycling world by storm, before pursuing her next dream, starting a family and becoming the ultimate Mum,” wrote Edmondson. “I’m so grateful to have known you Mel. You drove me to become a better athlete. We were so competitive on the track and road, but when we came together in the team time trial and team pursuit, we were one. Standing on top of the world, singing that national anthem with you, Aims and Ash (and Sutto/Beck!) in 2015 was one of the best days of my life after everything we had been through as a team, and I will never forget it. “You, your infectious smile and your wicked laugh will always have a piece of my heart and I look forward to seeing you again soon.” WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MARCH / APRIL 2024 21 YAFFA 15176 STAY CONNECTED All the latest cycling news, tips, and reviews at your fingertips BICYCLING AUSTRALIA BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU GET THE FREE ENEWSLETTER

Unseen Italy WORDS & IMAGES: PETER MANIATY WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM 22 MARCH / APRIL 2024

WHEN ITALIAN SPORTS POLITICS GIVES YOU LEMONS, MAKE LIMONCELLO, SAYS PETER MANIATY FOLLOWING A TURBULENT TRIP TO THE ILL-FATED UCI 2.1 ADRIATICA IONICA RACE. D AY ONE. CORROPOLI, ABRUZZO. “Si, you have come a long way for nothing,” shrugs local journalist, Fillipo, as we sit along a cobbled footpath in the Abruzzo region of eastern Italy, awaiting the arrival of our press guide. “Excuse me?” I squint through a haze of jet-lag, having only arrived from Australia a day earlier at the invitation, and expense, of the race organisers. Fillipo shrugs again, and we wait. It’s just a few hours before the official team presentation of the 2023 Adriatica Ionica Race—an emerging stage race on the UCI Europe Tour, barely five years old but brimming with ambition under the guidance of revered 1986 Road World Champion, Moreno Argentin. Yet all is eerily quiet in Piazza Pié di Corte, centre of the medieval village of Corropoli, around 50km north of Pescara. For a small community like Corropoli, hosting the grand partenza of Adriatica Ionica is a big deal. In preparation, the local roads are closed, as is the nearby school. But little else appears to be happening. The frowns of the town’s lonepoliziotto, a tall and immaculately dressed middle-aged man pacing earnestly back and forth, are matched only by the procession of WorldTour and ProTour team managers who, one by one, arrive at race HQ, before departing shortly after with phones glued to their ears. Astana-Qazahkstan. Soudal-Quickstep. Intermarche-Circus-Wanty. Euskaltel-Euskadi. Green Project-Bardiani. Tudor Pro Cycling. They’re all here. Yet, as we soon discover, one critical thing is not. Commissaires. WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MARCH / APRIL 2024 23

Team staff were left in the rare and very unfortunate position of being at a race that failed to start. ‘What next?’ was the collective feeling. For BA’s Peter Maniaty and several other journalists, finding whatever bikes they could and going riding was the obvious altarnative. With only a limited grasp of Italian, deciphering exactly why isn’t easy. But it becomes increasingly clear that a dramatic sporting opera is unfolding before my bleary eyes. An impromptu press conference is called in a nearby school auditorium in an attempt to explain the inexplicable, with a calm yet resolute Moreno Argentin himself providing an update via Zoom, somewhat comically on a small laptop with everyone crowded around. After 15 minutes or so, the meeting ends and everyone trudges outside. The race is off. I speak with as many people as I can. Organisers. Teams. Locals. Journalists. But attempting to unravel the chain of events that led to this fiasco is an exercise in futility, especially for a sleep deprived non-Italian speaking Australian. So far as I can ascertain, the trouble stems from ongoing disagreements—financial, political and personal—between the race organisers ASD Sport Union led by Argentin and the all-powerful Italian Cycling Federation (FCI) overseen by Cordiano Dagnoni. The travails of AusCycling pale in comparison, it seems. Regardless of ultimate blame, the race is done for 2023 and in all likelihood forever. Against a melancholy sunset, team cars slowly begin to depart Corropoli for far-flung corners of Europe. I wonder about the young riders who will miss their career-shaping chance to compete against WorldTour rivals. I wonder about the expectant towns and regions of Abruzzo, Puglia and Calabria—not traditionally seen as Italian cycling hotspots—that will no longer have their moment to shine. I also wonder what this means for me, stranded on the other side of the world with no race to cover. DAY TWO. VASTO & CIVITELLA DEL TRONTO, ABRUZZO. One of the stranger days of my career has given way to a glorious sunrise over the Adriatic Sea. We spend the night in the resort town of Vasto on the Costa dei Trabocchi, sharing the same hotel as both the Tudor Pro Cycling and Green Project-Bardiani teams who are now in the final stages of packing up. Conversely, it appears I will be staying, along with a small group of local and international journalists. It’s been a chaotic 24 hours for our press guide, Alex, who is very much the prosciutto in this sporting focaccia. Fortuitously, his hair is already grey. After a long night of contingency planning, Alex explains we were invited here to follow the race, but also to experience the local regions—and, in something of middle finger salute to the FCI, this part of the show will go on. A quick pastry and espresso macchiato and we’re off, tourist mode fully engaged, to sample the delights of eastern Abruzzo. I glance down at my watch. Midday. Right now, we were supposed to be in a race convoy following Stage 1—a gruelling 226km route from Corropoli to Trasaco through the heart 24 Changing Plans MARCH / APRIL 2024 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM

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of the Apennines and Sirente Velino National Park. Instead, we find ourselves rolling along leisurely on borrowed mountain bikes, exploring the undulating vineyards, olive groves and strade bianche of the Teramano hills with our hugely knowledgeable local guide, Silvio Cappelli. The 48km ride has a little bit of everything and is enough to return a smile to frustrated faces. Highlights include the eerie ghost town of Faraone Antico, abandoned after an earthquake back in 1950, an old stone olive press in a derelict farmhouse, and enjoying fresh bread and olive oil, served by the Nona who hand-pressed the olives herself. Heading generally west, our route takes us away from the plains of coastal Abruzzo towards the foothills of the Apennines flanked by the peaks of Monte Piselli and Montagna dei Fiori in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. We end with a steady ascent from Villa Passo to the charming Civitelladel Tronto. Awaiting us is a table of freshly-made pasta, local vino da tavola and possibly the best lemon sorbet I’ve ever tasted, served in a Salerno lemon no less, with a side shot of limoncello. Over lunch, we even receive a call from Argentin himself wishing us well, a surreal moment that is repeated several more times during our stay. As we dine, a thunder storm sweeps through the valley below. Perhaps our luck is changing after all? DAY THREE. ALBEROBELLO, PUGLIA. I’ve heard many wonderful things about riding in the Puglia region, which geographically is the heel and stiletto of Italy’s boot. Today would have been Stage 2 of the Adriatica Ionica Race, taking the peloton on a 184km journey from Conversano and the Adriatic coastline to Castellaneta, nestled on the edge of the Murgia Plateau. Alas, instead of professional cyclists we find ourselves surrounded by tourists as we soak in Puglia’s ridiculously Instagrammable UNESCO protected town of Alberobello in the Valle d’Itria, which would have been the 78km mark of today’s stage. Disappointingly there’s no time for bikes on our hastily-revised schedule. However, my frustration is offset somewhat by yet another magnificent mid-afternoon feast, headlined by Burratina Pugliese, Strascinate pasta and Pugliese ice coffee, or caffèleccese, essentially an espresso shot stirred over ice and almond syrup. I’m also introduced to the delights of tarallucci, a type of savoury dipping shortbread, which we enjoy with Soraya Primitivo vino rosso from nearby Salento. I suggest we could do with a ride to burn off some calories. But instead, we embark on short walking tour of Alberobello’s undulating historic town centre and its gelaterias, souvenir shops and iconic ‘trulli’, distinctive stone houses with conical, or corbelled, dry-stone roofs. Locals tell me there are endless fields of dry-stone walls and trulli across Puglia. The corridor between Bari and Lecce is particularly beautiful—and rideable—with towns such as Conversano, Polignano a Mare, Locorotondo and the commercial port of Taranto all worth visiting. I vow to return here one day on my bike. DAY FOUR. CORIGLIANO CALABRO & ROSSANO, CALABRIA. Unlike the ill-fated race that brought us here, our journey continues. We head south into Calabria, often overlooked by tourists (and cyclists) for The local cuisine, scenery, culture and hospitality made up for the frustrations of the race not going ahead. 26 Changing Plans MARCH / APRIL 2024 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM

little reason other than geography—being well over 500km from Rome and also separated from Sicily by the Strait of Messina. We stay at Torre Melissa, a quiet Calabrian coastal town with an armada of small fishing boats and smattering of road cyclists, who head out early to avoid the heat of the day. Our day begins with a swim in the tranquil yet epically salty Ionian Sea, as our as-yet-unused 2023 Adriatica Ionica Race jerseys double as makeshift rashies. We chat with local fisherman as they slowly untangle their morning catch from well-laden nets. The seagulls wait eagerly for any scraps that come their way; in many ways the perfect metaphor for our small band of journalists, scrambling for storylines following the last-minute cancellation of the race we came to cover. Today would have marked the third and final stage of Adriatica Ionica, taking the peloton 193km south from the medieval commune of Cassano Allo Ionio to its triumphant conclusion on the streets of Crotone, a vibrant Calabrian port city. But, once again, our schedule dictates the use of four wheels rather than two. This is a considerable shame, because gazing out the van window it’s obvious that our 85km route would have made for magnificent riding. Late morning, we set off from Torre Melissa to explore some of the landmarks that would have featured on the Stage 3 route. There are two absolute standouts—the charming hilltop towns of Corigliano Calabro and Citta di Rossano, which border the equally spectacular Parco Nazionale della Sila. Travelling inland from the Ionian Sea, the road rises steadily towards Corigliano Calabro, home to one of the best-preserved castles in all of southern Italy, perched high above the Piana di Sibari. The journey is memorable for its ruins, centuries-old olive trees, orange orchards, halffinished buildings (this is Italy, after all) and quiet roads. Entering the town walls, we snake slowly up twisting cobbled laneways, the midafternoon serenity punctuated only by the shouts of teenagers chasing a football around the nearby town square, before arriving at the majestic 11th Century castle, with sweeping views back to the coastline. I see precisely zero bicycles. After an hour atop Corigliano Calabro we descend back to sea level, albeit briefly. The road quickly points upwards once more enroute to the stunning Citta di Rossano in what would be a memorable two-wheeled ascent. I imagine a route that begins at a small bike shop in the suburbs of Rossano, with a reasonably short ramp to the historic cemetery, Cimitero Comunale. Heremy hypothetical advice is take a moment to enjoy the view, for the road then spikes upwards for a further 2km to Citta di Rossano with switchbacks, tunnels and double-figure gradients. TRAVEL TIP Across southern Calabria, many of the bustling town centres arelocated on the flat coastal plains, with the historic old towns nestled in the quieter foothills above them, such as Citta di Rossano. With short punchy climbs, rather than hourlong grovels, this terrain provides the perfect canvas for two-wheeled day trips. Ride up for lunch, then roll back down for dinner. Or, even better, stay the night. Then do it all again at the next town tomorrow. WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MARCH / APRIL 2024 27

Your exertions will be well rewarded, however, as you arrive in one of the most picturesque towns in all of Calabria, and the birthplace of two Popes no less. As the sun sets and streetlights begin to take hold, we enjoy a short tour of the Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Achiropita, followed by a round of Aperol Spritz alongside locals in the town piazza. DAY FIVE. CROTONE & CIRÒ, CALABRIA. The final day of our Italian adventure begins heading south to Crotone—where the Adriatic Ionica Race should have finished. Larger than most of the towns we’ve visited thus far, there’s a real energy about this ancient city, which was once home to Greek philosopher and mathematician, Pythagoras. There are also plenty of bikes to be seen, though most are being ridden for transport, not recreation. Strolling around, the dominant architectural feature of Crotone is unquestionably Castello di Carlo V, an imposing 9th Century fort built by the Byzantines to defend the city from Saracen attacks. Literally in its shadows, we stumble across a quirky non-for-profit bicycle Co-Op, complete with a full bike workshop and café. The amenable manager, Francesco, explains they converted this place from a derelict building around 12 months ago and today use it as their base for repairing bikes, teaching kids how to ride, conducting tours and supporting local street artists. Turns out they also hire surprisingly good mountain bikes, which we arrange to take advantage of later in the day. But first, lunch assumes priority(as it always does), today featuring antipasto of caprese, followed by a sublime squid ink pasta and giant tuna steaks served on tiles of grey slate that look like they may well have come from a nearby rooftop. Food coma initiated, again, it’s a mercifully short drive to our final night’s accommodation, a modern winery resort called Cantine de Mare, not far from the coastal town of Cirò. Surrounded by quiet beaches and vineyards that have been producing wines since the early 1900s—I am quite partial to the Sant’Angelo Cirò Bianco—it’s the perfect spot for a sunset MTB ride to stretch our car-weary legs. True to form, I even manage a low-speed crash, donating some skin to southern Italy in a personal offering of Aussie appreciation. Our last evening in Calabria is spent as the personal guests of Cantine de Mare’s owner and winemakers, who spoil us with a magnificent five-course dinner of fresh local seafood and pasta. I’ve never eaten so much in my life. DAY SIX. SALERNO & ROME. Officially, we’re done. The press trip is over and we’re heading back to Rome. The six-hour drive to Lazio via Campagna provides time for some final observations; mental notes for when I return one day with my bike. Whilst the southern parts of Calabria are generally flat and dry, the north offers a very different canvas; far hillier and greener. The coastal plains quickly give way to breathtaking passes and mountain ranges. The National Park delle Pollino, for example, is a stunning massif in the southern Apennines with several peaks well above 2,000m. Peppered with charming villages, citadels and many, many tunnels, it connects to Solerno, Naples and the dreamy Amalfi Coast. In terms of riding here, two northern Calabrian hilltop towns catch my eye, Saracena and Morano Calabro. Both are beautiful. But a slight word of warning. Whilst the main roads here are generally well-sealed with mostly wide shoulders, most are for cars only. “Anything with green signs means no bikes,” I’m told. So be sure to plan your route well in advance. FINALE. Six days ago, I thought I was coming to Italy for a bike race. But it turns out I was just a small player in a drama-laden sporting opera, which, as I write, continues to play out in the Italian courts. Whilst yes, the experience has been a little chaotic and stressful at times, it’s also shown me just how wonderfully generous the Italians are as hosts, and also their remarkable ability to improvise; turning bitter lemons into sweet limoncello. I haven’t seen a single kilometre of racing. But, in many ways, it doesn’t matter. For what I have seen is the real Italy, through the less cyclo-touristed provinces of Abruzzo, Puglia and Calabria. Whilst perhaps not as picture-postcard beautiful as their more northern siblings, the south is overflowing with authentic Italian character. Oh, and the coffee is superb. If you’re searching for the unpolished-for-tourists Italy, you will find it here. I certainly did. If only I had my bike. He may have missed out on an international cycling race but Pete certainly made up for it by making the most of the trip. 28 Changing Plans MARCH / APRIL 2024 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM

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Felicity Wilson-Haffenden WORDS: NICOLA RUTZOU | IMAGES: SUPPLIED WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM 30 MARCH / APRIL 2024

ON THE WORLD CYCLING STAGE WHILE STILL IN HER TEEN YEARS, WE TRY TO CATCH FELICITY WILSON-HAFFENDEN T EENAGE SENSATION FELICITY WILSON-HAFFENDEN DIDN’T waste time after her World Championship win to sign a deal with one of the biggest cycling teams, Lidl-Trek. She fielded more than one offer and opted for Lidl-Trek because they offered a great development pathway and an opportunity to race alongside some of the world’s best riders. Fellow Tasmanian Richie Porte was instrumental in introducing Wilson-Haffenden to the right people in the team he had been part of for two years, but it was up to her to show them her talent and potential. Even more impressive is the short time Felicity, known to most people as Fliss, has been riding a bike. The COVID pandemic was the catalyst for her decision to try cycling when her hockey games were all cancelled during the lockdowns, so she jumped on a bike to keep her love for sporting activities going. After showing potential for cycling her father urged her to attend a Talent ID program at the Tasmanian Institute of Sport (TIS), and she never looked back. As a hockey player, she represented her home state of Tasmania in junior representative teams, but she had never considered a career as a sportsperson until she won the Junior Women’s Time Trial World Championship in Glasgow in August 2023 and started fielding offers from pro teams. “Richie Porte introduced me to the team (Lidl-Trek) before Worlds and suggested they might look at me. Joining the team is a big change for me. At first, I enjoyed the fantasy of it, but after attending the training camp last year, it began to feel very real. It’s the team with the best setup, with four other juniors and three Aussies. I consider myself the luckiest girl alive,” said Wilson-Haffenden. WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MARCH / APRIL 2024 31

In 2023, Wilson-Haffenden was part of the Australian team Bridgelane under the guidance of Director Sportif, Pat Shaw. Shaw, known for his enthusiasm and passion, saw the potential in Wilson-Haffenden when she rode as a guest rider for the InForm TMX team he led in 2022. Pat Shaw is a former professional rider who joined the InForm TMX outfit in 2022 as a Director Sportif (DS) for the women’s team. He was offered the opportunity to work with the women’s and men’s teams but chose to focus solely on the women’s program. “In the last 12 months of my cycling career, I rode with fellow Ballarat rider Shannon Malseed and got a great understanding of her training versus mine. I had great respect for the effort she was putting in. It was more than I was doing and then she won the Nationals. “I’ve also got to know many of our top pro women like Spratty (Amanda Spratt), a great influencer and equal to Cadel Evans in what she’s achieved. She’s bringing young girls to the sport and is kind with her time, like interacting with event spectators. More recently, we’ve seen riders like Grace Brown, Brodie Chapman, Tiffany Cromwell, and many more leading the way,” said Shaw. The story of the women’s Bridgelane team reflects Shaw’s dedication, passion and enthusiasm, as well as the work of veteran team manager Andrew Christie-Johnston. “I planned to keep going with InFormX in 2023, but at the end of 2022 the shock announcement that the team was folding came through. I felt physically ill at the time because I’d grown a duty of care for those athletes. It’s a very special sort of job “…FELICITY’S STORY IS A SPECIAL ONE. It’s not just because of how quickly it happened...” 32 Felicity Wilson-Haffenden MARCH / APRIL 2024 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM

After representing Tasmania in both hockey and athletics, Felicity started cycling during COVID lockdowns. Since then, she has won three national championships, three Oceania championships and now holds two national records! where you have many personal conversations, and nobody else knows some of the things going on in their lives. “So, I felt I had to do something, and started talking to others and found that my former DS, Andrew Christie-Johnston, was also trying to get a women’s team off the ground. He has an amazing record with his men’s team, so I felt motivated to work with him. We worked together to get it off the ground with crowd-funding that formed part of the budget. Cycling was good to me, so I wanted to make sure it was going to go forward and that it was going to be able to happen. It felt great to do a good thing,” Shaw said. The women’s team launched in 2023 with a roster of 10 female riders, including Felicity Wilson-Haffenden, who went on to win her World Championship medal the same year. WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MARCH / APRIL 2024 33

“Working as a DS, I didn’t realise we would get so much in return. Being around the women gives you more of an emotional connection because they are more open. That’s the bit that’s special. You develop trust. As a team sport, everyone prepares equally to get a result, and it’s easier to ask for sacrifice if there is trust and love. At Bridgelane, we’ve built that trust. There is something remarkably special about that, and special about the sport of cycling. I know those girls will give me everything they’ve got. “Felicity’s story is a special one. It’s not just because of how quickly it happened. Andrew Christie-Johnston already knew her because he’s also a Tasmanian, so she was already on our radar. Hers is a unique and phenomenal story. But it wasn’t easy, even though many people see it that way. She had to combat things, and she had to believe in her talents,” said Shaw. For Wilson-Haffenden, Team Bridgelane was also a big step in her burgeoning career. “Team Bridgelane was massive for me. I rode for InForm at the end of 2022 as a guest rider, and then Pat started a new team and asked me to join. I was still finding my feet, and they took me under their wings. I met incredible girls like Emily Watts, who is like my big sister. At the beginning of the year, I had a great Nationals which started it all. The team provided me with every opportunity to race and perform at my best. I owe them the world,” said Wilson-Haffenden. In October last year, the big announcement came that Wilson-Haffenden is part of the LidlTrek team, joining with a three-year contract that will see her race with the American outfit through 2026. She is the fifth 18-year-old rider to join the American team as it continues to invest in youth development. Lidl-Trek Sports Director Ina-Yoko Teutenberg said at the time of the announcement, “Felicity is a rider with great potential, and I’m excited to see her put in the work to achieve it. Felicity has a natural talent and strong drive, and at Lidl-Trek, she will have the opportunity to use the vast expertise within the team and its sponsors to take her performance to the next level. Moving across the world at such a young age is a daunting prospect, but we have role models who have undertaken the same move, like Lauretta and Brodie, as well as a host of other young riders going through a similar process, which will hopefully ease the transition as Felicity settles into life as a professional.” At the Women’s Tour Down Under race in January this year, Teutenberg also said, “We are not expecting any results from them (junior riders). If they get one, that’s good, but we have five young riders. It’s a big step from juniors to the elite class now, so we just want to develop them and have them learn and get better in the next couple of years and then hopefully have them step in the footsteps of people like Shirin 34 Felicity Wilson-Haffenden MARCH / APRIL 2024 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM

Van Anrooij and Elynor Backstedt who made that step from juniors with us.” Fellow Tasmanian pro rider Nicole Frain, who won the National Road Race in 2022, said in a recent article in the Hobart Mercury, “She’s gone into a big team and has had awesome results this year. Her expectations would naturally be quite high, and that’s her competitive nature as well. “I just hope she is kind to herself, lets herself settle into Europe and her new team, and avoids putting too much pressure on herself. I think she’ll have a good career; she’s got to just let it unfold a little bit.” Wilson-Haffenden also admits that she’s got a long way to go. “I still have so much to learn. I know I’ve come a long, long way in a brief time, but there’s a lot of learning to do. “I have no major wins in mind for 2024. I plan for a solid foundation and to settle into Europe, the team, and the peloton. In 2025, there will be more performance goals.” Wilson-Haffenden’s timing couldn’t be better. Women’s racing in Europe continues to grow, with the Tour de France Femmes leading the charge. She’ll also benefit from what is likely to grow in the next few years when races specifically for Under 23 riders are added to the women’s calendar, something male riders have enjoyed for years. The French race, the Tour de l’Avenir, has run for more than 60 years as an Under-23 race for men, and in 2023, it was added to the women’s calendar as a five-stage stand alone race. “I’m coming in at an incredible time – I’ve watched men do it, and now the women are doing it. It’s hard not to be excited.” Thrilled to have signed with prominent team Lidl Trek, Felicity will be racing alongside other Aussies including veteran pro Amanda Spratt during 2024. WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MARCH / APRIL 2024 35 SHOP MERCHANDISE & SPECIAL OFFERS BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM.AU/SHOP YAFFA 15175

AFTER 21 YEARS IN BALLARAT, VICTORIA, THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ROAD TITLES ARE HEADING WEST. Nationals In Perth T HE CAPITAL OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA, PERTH, IS set to host the Australian National Championships for the next three years, as confirmed by AusCycling. The prestigious event, encompassing various competitions, will feature a week of racing in and around the iconic Kings Park, delivering a unique experience for athletes and fans alike. AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Running the road races through such an iconic location is a privilege and a perfect way to showcase this beautiful city to the rest of Australia and a huge international broadcast audience.” While the move from the long-time home of Buninyong is embraced in the West, the announcement instantly triggered derision and debate. Critics question the affordability of travel, plus a week in Perth during peak tourism season, highlighting potential limitations on the live audience due to the city's isolation. Suggestions for rotating RoadNats Go West WORDS: NAT BROMHEAD | IMAGES: AUSCYCLING WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM 36 MARCH / APRIL 2024

All eyes will be on the Western Australia capital of Perth in January 2025 when the city hosts the first of three successive national road championships. “…advocates for rotating the location each year TO MAKE THE EVENT ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE…” the championships around the country to showcase various regions and encourage diverse racing styles have also been proposed. Despite varied opinions, there's acknowledgment of the talent pool in Western Australia and the desire to reward the coaches and clubs in the region. Supporters believe the move will bring a fresh perspective and anticipate an outstanding course around the bustling city. Bicycling Australia has received a substantial amount of reader comments and feedback. • Peter Maniaty supports the change, appreciating the new scenery and tradition of elite cycling in WA. • Gary Theiss suggests Bathurst as an alternative with challenging climbs. • Brenton Buckby supports the move to WA, acknowledging it as a strong cycling state. • Letty Elspeth views it as an opportunity for WA athletes and a positive adventure for athletes from other states. • Martin Bower, biased being in Victoria, expresses concern about limiting the live audience due to Perth's isolation. • Barry Ryan welcomes the change to showcase different areas and styles of racing. • Melissa van der Linden advocates for rotating the location each year to make the event accessible for everyone. • Mike Brooks disagrees, stating the issue with Ballarat and suggesting a fairer system of rotating between states. • Jonny Wass expresses concern about smaller participation and fewer spectators due to the high travelling costs for WA. • Sam Blackwell sees it as a reward for WA's strong cycling presence and emphasises the amazing courses and climbing opportunities. • Daniel Eves supports bringing the event to WA, emphasising the financial strain on WA athletes travelling east to compete. • Andrew Scott humorously hopes for bicycle awareness courses for baggage handlers to prevent broken frames during air travel. WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MARCH / APRIL 2024 37

When In Rome WORDS & IMAGES: PETER MANIATY WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM 38 MARCH / APRIL 2024

PETER MANIATY TAKES A RIDE THROUGH HISTORY ALONG THE ANCIENT COBBLES OF APPIAANTICA, THE APPIAN WAY, ONE OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE’S ORIGINAL SUPER HIGHWAYS. T HERE ARE FEW BETTER WAYS TO GET TO KNOW A place than to explore it by bicycle. So, when I found myself with a spare day in the Italian capital, I decided to eschew the usual Roman clichés of the Colosseum, Pantheon and Vatican City—in fairness, I’d already seen them as a backpacker in the 90s—and instead visit a bike hire business I’d found on Google, within cannoli-throwing distance of the Trevi Fountain. Twenty minutes later I was rolling out the door on a Bergamont alloy gravel bike. It was a decision that led to one of my greatest two-wheeled adventures, a day following the ancient Appia Antica. It’s a ride I’d thoroughly recommend should you ever find yourself in Rome. THE HISTORY. Via Appia Antica, or the Appian Way, isn’t just a road. It’s a cobblestoned leviathan beginning on the southern fringes of central Rome near Porta San Sebastiano. Overseen by the influential Roman aristocrat Appius Claudius, from whom it takes its name, construction began way back in 312 B.C. with the strategic objective of connecting the Roman Empire’s feared armies—think thousands upon thousands of horses, chariots and marching legionaries—to the Adriatic port of Brindisi more than 600km south, from where Roman ships sailed for Greece, Egypt and beyond. When you consider this ancient throughfare is now more than 2,300 years old, it’s quite an engineering marvel, with much of the route still dotted with ruins, statues, private villas, catacombs and some of the gnarliest cobblestones you’re ever likely to see. It’s like riding through an open-air ancient history museum, not to mention surely the world’s oldest bike path (albeit not a fully separated one, vehicles can still use it in places). WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MARCH / APRIL 2024 39

THE ROUTE. Whilst it’s possible to bike-pack the entire length of Appia Antica from Rome to Brindisi with just a few detours, my compressed schedule allowed for a day trip only. Around 70km all up, the route took me from the front door of my hotel near Tiburtina train station to Porta San Sebastiano, then south to the picturesque town of Castel Gandolfo overlooking the pristine volcanic lake, Lago Albano. Yes, I had the route pre-programmed into my phone, but for most of the journey I simply didn’t need it. For whilst Via Appia Antica certainly undulates a little, it’s pretty much gun-barrel straight for the first hour out of Rome. You just follow your nose as you bounce over the cobbles, rocks and tree roots. 40 When In Rome MARCH / APRIL 2024 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM

A bike trip and history lesson all rolled into one, Pete Maniaty counts his Appian Way adventure as an all time favourite ride. Nowadays, many sections of Via Appia Antica have been upgraded, whilst well-worn side trails allow you to dart on and off the adjoining verges to bypass the worst of the ancient cobbles, some of which are seriously unstable and treacherous. But there are still plenty of original sections where you have no option but to ride straight across them, so pack a good pair of padded knicks. If you have any loose teeth or fillings, this is where you will find out! One thing you won’t need to worry about too much is the sun. The route is lined by beautiful stone pine trees for much of the way, especially the first 10km or so out of Rome, so it’s actually quite shady. Even on hot days (it was pushing 33° when I was there) you can pause to catch your breath without baking in the blazing sun. In ancient times, these distinctive pines were seen as revered symbols of spring and immortality, but to me they just look like giant bunches of broccolini reaching for the heavens. The further you travel from Porta San Sebastiano, the more rudimentary the riding conditions along Via Appia Antica become. In particular, the road surface deteriorates quite suddenly at the crossroads of Via di Torricola, suggesting it’s the turnaround point for day-trippers, and hence where the tourist money stops. There are several crossroads as you head south from Rome where the route intersects with everyday traffic. But as I quickly realised, WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MARCH / APRIL 2024 41

cars are required to give way to cyclists, and they do, allowing you to cross easily without aggravation or drama. There are also drinking fountains and rubbish bins at most of these junctions to fill up empty bottles and unload bulging pockets. After around 18km, the route finally starts to meander a little as you approach and pass the small town of Frattocchie where, somewhat surreally, I found myself riding through a modern supermarket carpark. A few hundred metres further along, the road begins on a winding 4km climb that rises through rural lanes filled with olive groves, goat herds and vineyards taking you all the way to Castel Gandolfo. The ascent starts gently enough, but don’t be fooled. It gets very steep, very quickly, with a few pinches well over 15%. The road surface is also quite sketchy and it’s hard work on a well-laden gravel bike, especially in the heat, but well worth it for the sweeping views when you reach the summit. (At this point, I’ll let you in on a little secret, which I only discovered after it was too late. There’s actually a tunnel that takes you directly to the lake, so if you don’t feel like climbing, you don’t have to!) When you reach the top of Castel Gandolfo, take a break for a few minutes to grab a drink and soak up the stunning view of Lago Albano, below. Then descend straight back down to the dedicated tree-lined bike path that circles the lake. The path on the western side is wide and generous. The eastern side, furthest from the town, is basically single track but still easy enough to follow. You’d have to try pretty hard to get lost here. Circumnavigation complete, you can make a quick espresso stop along the banks of Lago Albano, or even settle in for lunch at one of the Across ancient cobbles, up hill, down dale and culminating in bustling Rome, the Appian Way by bike is definitely one for the bucket list. 42 When In Rome MARCH / APRIL 2024 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM

many restaurants overlooking the lake. If you have the time and inclination, there’s even a second lake, Lago Nemi, which you can reach from the town of Genzanodi Roma about 8km past Lago Albano, a side trip that will extend your day closer to 100km. With the sun higher in the sky, the return journey from Castel Gandolfo is warmer, but also easier on the legs as it’s mostly downhill. As you get closer to Rome, you’ll begin to encounter more tourists whose numbers swell in the early to mid-afternoon. Again, there are plenty of tracks on the side of the road to avoid the worst of the cobbles—and kamikaze kids on MTBs. Without question, the trickiest part of the entire 70km journey for me was the final few kilometres, negotiating my way through the centre of Rome following the GPS prompts “…CONSTRUCTION BEGAN WAY BACK IN 312 B.C. with the strategic objective of connecting the Roman Empire’s feared armies…” WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MARCH / APRIL 2024 43

on my handlebar mounted phone. Returning my bike was especially thrilling given I had no idea where I was, coupled with the hire shop’s close proximity to both the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, heaving with tourists at the best of times. But I lived to tell the tale. What a day! THE BIKE. To put it mildly, the road surfaces in Rome are hit and miss. To enjoy riding here you really need a robust bike, or at the very least something running wide (and ideally tubeless) tyres. As for Appia Antica itself? Given the huge variety of cobbles, dirt, tree roots, rocks, grass tracks and a few barely discernible offroad sections, it’s definitely not a route suited to your standard road bike. I’d recommend a gravel bike at a minimum, while a mountain bike certainly wouldn’t be out of place. My steed was an ultra-lite alloy gravel bike, made by German brand Bergamont, fitted with rock solid Shimano Claris/Sora components and tubed 35mm Schwalbe G-One All Round tyres, inflated to around 40 psi, which for the most part was ideal. I hired it from a relatively new bike hire and custom tour business called Bikeology run by three passionate and superhelpful local cyclists, Alessandro, Cristiano and Matteo. The Bergamont was in pleasantly good condition and cost me 45 euros for the day (85 euros for two days), including spares, helmet, smart phone holder and a free The friendly staff at Bikeology helped out with a hire bike plus offered plenty of local knowledge. For those travelling without their own bike, expect to pay around $AU75 per day for a quality rental bike. 5 TIPS FOR RIDING APPIA ANTICA 1 Start early – it’s the best way to avoid the tourists and the heat, try picking up your bike the night before if you can. 2 Flat pedals – leave the cleats behind and wear normal shoes, you’re going to want to constantly stop and walk around. 3 One bidon – no need to overload on water, simply refill at the many drinking fountains along the way. 4 Dry or die – I wouldn’t even think about doing this ride if it’s wet, the cobbles are bad enough in the dry. 5 GPS is your friend – it’s hard to get lost along AppiaAntica itself, but the centre of Rome is a very different story. Make sure you have plenty of phone charge left for the final kms. 44 When In Rome MARCH / APRIL 2024 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM

subscription to the handy GPS app, Komoot. On the recommendation of Alessandro, I also used flat pedals with my sneakers rather than clip-ins. As he accurately forewarned, there are photo opportunities almost everywhere you look along Appia Antica and you’re constantly stopping to explore, making cleats a bit of a pain. The surfaces are also a little dodgy at times, so being able to get your foot down quickly comes in handy. Whilst not legally required, you’d be mad not to wear a helmet. THE TRAFFIC. Hand on heart, I was apprehensive when I first decided to do this ride, mostly due to the prospect of having to pedal through the frenetic streets of Rome to get to the start and end points. Whilst, yes, the traffic is a little chaotic, especially in the middle of the ancient city and near the major tourist zones such as Circus Maximus, it was nowhere near as treacherous as I was expecting. For one thing, Rome has far more bike lanes than you might imagine—one of my favourites follows the winding banks of the Tiber from Labaro in the north to Tor di Vale in the south-west. But even out on the road, the drivers (and scooter riders) I encountered were very conscious and respectful of cyclists, providing ample space when changing lanes and passing through roundabouts. There was zero aggression and I actually felt safer than when riding back home in Sydney. As already mentioned, the main things to watch out for are the road surfaces, as many of Rome’s roads are truly diabolical. Buona fortuna! WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MARCH / APRIL 2024 45

F INALLY, THE CYCLING APPAREL companies are acknowledging there are enough of us that ride to make a profit. Enter Muze. The brand new Aussie brand led entirely by women was launched in December, and is creating a buzz about what it means to have designs that are styled for the women’s anatomy with practical little details, starting from the basics. "HOLD ‘EM DOWN" BRA CROP RRP $90 Every woman knows the struggle of trying to get in and out of a sports bra, which often requires some twisting and turning to get head and arms through while trying not to dislocate your shoulders in the process. Although, in a way, we tolerate the tight fit otherwise it gets rather uncomfortable while being active. On first impression, I was sceptical about this bra crop. It was too easy to put on and I didn’t feel suffocated by it. It wasn’t what I was expecting, and that’s the beauty of it. I was getting the necessary support without me feeling like I am getting my breath squeezed out of me. In fact, it felt so free from my body that during the ride I had forgotten I had it on. Then, there’s the small little details we all appreciate. Instead IT HAS FINALLY ARRIVED, THE WOMEN’S-SPECIFIC CYCLING KIT BRAND THAT HAS BEEN RUMOURED AND TEASED FOR A YEAR, MUZE. MUZE Kit Review of the removable padding that other sports bras have, the stitched in padding makes it easy to wash and maintain, and for those who take cycling to the next level, there is a small pocket for the heart rate monitor so you can work out without another strap across the chest. Now, cycling is considered a mid-impact sport, and due to the difference in bounce impact, not all sports bras are made equal. Muze claims that this bra crop is also designed for running and swimming, so I thought I’d also give these a run (pun intended) for the money. And true to their words, this bra crop is great for the multidisciplined athlete. Although, it does require some time to get used to as it isn’t the same feel as a traditional swim wear so it might feel ‘clunky’. As for running, it’s great for avoiding the gravitational drag that pounding on a pavement gives you. No complaints! ‘FACE THE SUN’ LS JERSEY RRP $220 Long sleeves for a summer’s day ride? The idea is something that may need some mentality change to get used to but it made perfect sense once I’d tried Muze’s long sleeve summer cycling jersey. All the youth years of being told to ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ seem to fade as we get older and bolder. A cyclist is often out under the sun for long From a Sydney Spring to Adelaide Summer and London Winter, Muze have been well received by female riders around the world since their launch last year. MARCH / APRIL 2024 WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM Test Lab We Ride Muze Kit WORDS & IMAGES: AMY MCPHERSON 46 48 Restrap 50 Aeroscope 52 Ucello 54 DT Swiss 56 Silca Bike Spa 58 Silca Chain Wax

hours at a time, and depending on routes and road conditions there may or may not be shade. Sunscreen can only do so much, and when you are in the saddle for more than two hours, I know I sometimes forget to reapply. The long sleeved jersey gave me that additional sun safety, especially when the jersey itself comes with UPF50+protection in the main body and UPF15+ along the meshed sleeves, which doesn’t feel at all hot during the ride. The additional plus of the sleeves is that it does give you that slight wind shield should the weather change suddenly on a ride, which is not something Muze has listed as a feature, but what I had found as a plus. Aesthetically, this is quite a good looking jersey, even if I am personally not a fan of the colour white. The V neck is very comfortable, and I love the pocket positioning and the waterproof zip up pouch that is so useful when we don’t want something to get wet on rainy days (or simply by sweating into the pockets on hot days!). Phones and keys aside, it is perfect for a sanitary pad or tampons when you ride during that time of the month. Let’s face it, we can’t have those get wet already before we use them. ‘SEE YA SAUSAGE LEGS’ SHORTS RRP $290 What are sausage legs exactly? It’s when the cuff of your bib shorts are tighter than the general fabric of the rest of the shorts, which digs into your legs creating the image of a string of sausages. • High Performance wheels for Road and Gravel Bikes • Stiff For Sprinting • Light for Climbing and Nimble Handling • Aerodynamic for Sustained High Speeds • Hand Built for Reliability and Smooth Rolling While it isn’t something uniquely to women, it still isn’t very comfortable when your circulation is almost cut from thigh to toe. Muze’s solution to this is this set of cycling bib shorts with hems that are tapered and cuff-free. Then there’s the chamois. The padding rise and fall in sync with the intimate areas preventing compression, which I tried without cream and was extremely comfortable. Overall, I have enjoyed riding in these bibs. The meshed front is very pleasant to wear as there are no straps to move sideways when your body goes in different directions. They look good too, I would go as far as calling it bib shorts with an evening dress style with the V-waist lower back. It is very sexy. WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MARCH / APRIL 2024 47 60 Reynolds 62 Northwave 66 S-Works Aethos 70 Orbea Orca 74 Pinarello Grevil F

FRAME BAGS HAVE BECOME DE RIGUEUR IN RECENT YEARS, AND AMONGST THE BEST OF THEM ARE THE RESTRAP OPTIONS, OR SO WE’VE HEARD – AND SO WE PUT ONE TO THE TEST. Restrap Frame Bag - Large F LAT CAPS, WHIPPETS, BLACK pudding and cricket, there are many superlatives that spring to mind when the northern English county of Yorkshire is mentioned. Although most of these still ring true, Yorkshire also has a deep and rich cycling heritage and along with neighbouring Lancashire, Yorkshire was once also highly reputed throughout the world for its textile industry. Sadly, through globalisation and outsourcing, much of that heritage has faded eastwards, although Leeds based Restrap has, in a niche way, revived at least a part of that legacy and seamlessly stitched it in with the inherent Yorkshire cycling culture and the fast-evolving bike packing market. Handmade in Leeds form the finest quality fabrics and embroidered with practical innovation their bags and accessories have become highly regarded within the bike packing community in recent years. Restrap offer three sizes of the Frame Bag, and I opted for the large, which is 500mm long and weighs in at 238g with a 4.5 litre load capacity. All sizes are well detailed on the Restrap website, and this fits perfectly with my frame and matches my pre-order measurements. The bag is made from a mix of durable own-brand VX21 and 1000D PU fabric, which is waterproof. There are two sealed compartments and waterproofed zips, one on each side, which are both smooth to open. The stitching and build quality are superb – which should be expected at this price point, and when it comes with a lifetime default repair warranty. Bikepacking Gear Tested WORDS & IMAGES: STEVE THOMAS WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM 48 MARCH / APRIL 2024

There are three rubberised nylon and Velcro fastening top tube straps, which hold the bag rock solid – there is no slip, while two cam fastening nylon straps secure it to the down tube, and another to the seat tube. These straps, combined with the structure, ensure the bag holds firm in use. There is very little sag or knee chafing side expansion, which gives it a reliable and confident feel on the road or trail. The slimline left side compartment is ideal for maps, cash or even a gillet or gloves. The bigger right-side compartment has a full-length divider and strong mesh pocket, which is good for phones, documents, and snack bars, plus there is also roomy main hold space. There is also a cable flap on the top, so you can use a power bank from the bag to your devices, and with being under the top tube it’s unlikely to let in any water if strapped tight. In use this is a rugged and steadfast bag, and one which seems as though it will probably outlast that lifetime guarantee, which makes it a sound and reliable bag to invest in. Frame bags are becoming more and more popular as riders choose to travel further afield and escape the constantly busier urban environs. SPECIFICATIONS Weight: 238g (large size, small and medium also available) Load capacity: 4.5l, with one full and one slim full-length compartment Material: VX21 and 1000D waterproof fabric, YKK sealed zips, with three non-slip top straps and three nylon cam straps for the down and seat tubes Colour: black RRP: $160 AUD www.restrap.com “... a cable flap on the top ALLOWS YOU TO USE A POWER BANK from the bag to your devices...” WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM MARCH / APRIL 2024 49

LONG-TIME BA JOURNALIST PETER MANIATY RIDES & REVIEWS SCICON’S AEROSCOPE PERFORMANCE SUNGLASSES. Scicon Aeroscope Tested down, which can also be quite helpful with managing things like glare. Add in the multidirectional adjustability of Scicon’s Flexifit nose pad and customisable temple tips and, frankly, there’s very little excuse for not finding a comfortable and secure fit for your noggin. Yes, you’ll need to fiddle around to get your set-up just right. But the ability to make so many micro-adjustments means the days of having to compromise to accommodate variables like your head shape, helmet profile and riding position should be long gone. Another thing I noticed putting these on for the first time was a pretty considerable lens tilt from top to bottom. Specifically, the AEROSCOPE frame sits significantly further away from your forehead than it does your cheekbones. Why, you ask? A little digging reveals the frame has a ‘pantoscopic’ tilt D EVELOPED AND TESTED IN partnership with UAE Team Emirates – including Tadej Pogacar during much of his triumphant 2023 Spring Classics campaign – Scicon says the AEROSCOPE range “extends beyond the expected and delivers tailored precision for the ultimate cycling experience.” Having worn them myself throughout late autumn and early winter, I can vouch they’re right at the apex of performance eyewear, delivering an outstanding combination of optics, quality and tech, whilst still being super flexible and lightweight at just 35 grams. Seriously, there were times when I could barely feel I was wearing them. With four frame colours and 10 interchangeable lens colours to choose from, the modern oversized design of the AEROSCOPE is hard to miss in a bunch – several friends even suggested the styling was reminiscent of slimline ski goggles. Fitted with the ‘Multimirror Bronze’ lenses that arrived for this review, they certainly look the goods. But aesthetics are only part of their considerable appeal, for the AEROSCOPE is also off the charts for user comfort and adjustability (not to mention trademarks) thanks to a ridiculously long list of proprietary tech features. For starters, there’s an easyto-use extendable arm system called Scala which allows you to adjust the arm length back and forth by up to 10mm. Next is a height-adjustable nosepiece mechanism called Horizon Adapt that allows you to fine-tune your field of vision with vertical movements of up to 5mm. You simply push or pull the nosepiece to instantly shift the lens position, up or Tadej’s Eyewear WORDS & IMAGES: PETER MANIATY WWW.BICYCLINGAUSTRALIA.COM 50 MARCH / APRIL 2024