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[Interview] Herald Sun Tour preview with Michael Crosbie

Roar Guru
3rd January, 2013
5

The 2013 Herald Sun Tour (HST) kicks off in Williamstown on Thursday, January 3rd with the 4.7km Individual Time Trial and culminates on Sunday January 6th at the top of Arthur’s Seat.

The four-day race is in its 60th year and will show case some of the best riders in Australia and some of the young up and coming future stars of the sport.

Leading up to the event I have been fortunate enough to get out on some training rides with Total Rush-Hyster riders David Kelly (rider no 176) and Michael Crosbie.

I spent the night with the lads on Jan 1st in Geelong watching the Bay Crits. Michael was kind enough to sit down and have a chat with The Roar about the HST.

He will also give us a daily update on how the race is unfolding.

Name: Michael Crosbie
Nickname: Bing
Team: Total Rush- Hyster Racing
Rider No: 172
Age: 20
Bike: Specialised Tarmac SL4 Pro

After two years racing in Europe , how are you feeling coming into your first HST?
Really excited. I am very keen to start the new year on a good note. I have been following the bay crits over the last few days and after racing in them last year it is nice to be on the other side of the fence. After a few days watching though my feet are getting itchy and I can’t wait to get out and race.

The HST is about continued development of the sport and allows young riders to race against some of the best riders in Australia and I am excited to be a part of that.

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More importantly how are the legs feeling?
Legs are really good. I had a good hit out last night and I feel fresh and ready to rock and roll.

How was your race preparation?
The race prep has been good. I have been really consistent with little interruption.

I started the build up 10 weeks ago and raced in the Tour of Bright. I last raced at the St Kilda Melbourne Sprint Champs on the 23rd of November and with the temperature getting over 40 on the day it was a good race to finish the year on.

How is the mood among the Rush-Hyster team?
Everyone is very excited to get going and fulfil their roles in the team and looking to deliver some good placings.

The team has a good mix of youth and experience, are you looking forward to racing with Tom Leaper who has raced the Giro d’italia twice?
It will be an awesome experience having Tom filling that team leadership role. I am excited to be racing with all of the guys. The team has a good mix of riders. I am rooming with Ryan (Macanally) and we have raced together before so that should be fun.

A third of the field are under 23 so the fight for the White Jersey (best under 23 rider) will be intense. Who will you be keeping an eye on?

There are plenty of great young riders coming through. A few of the guys from Jayco VIS are carrying great form. Calvin Watson (rider no: 123) has good form leading into this race. Also Patty Lane (rider no 122) showed very strong form at the St Kilda Melbourne Sprint Champs.

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Jay McCarthy (Jayco Australian National Team. Rider No: 5) is definitely someone to keep an eye on. He recently signed with Saxo Bank-Tinkoff for 2013/2014.

Looking at the stages, which one are you most excited about?
Arthur’s Seat for sure. Mt Macedon will be great if it is not too windy but I expect plenty of fireworks up (at) Arthur’s Seat on the final day. The crowds will be there and with a repeat of the climb you can expect plenty of attacks and excitement.

So Arthur’s Seat is the place to be on Sunday?
Definitely. SRAM and Rapha will host sites open to the public so hopefully plenty of people will come down and support the race.

Any race prep rituals/superstitions?
I normally don’t like to wear brand new gloves or sunglasses.

Aside from keeping perfect tan lines and appropriate sock height, do you have any tips for young riders looking at coming through?
Just keep the wheels rolling, work your way through the grades and most importantly have a bit of fun.

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