Chain Reaction Cycles

Two British teams (Eddie Stobart/3 riders and Fred Whitton/2) will build a pretty competitive squad here: one of the most Bay experienced lineups, when it comes to scoring on a consistent base. And one of the fastest Aussies will lead the team.

Cameron Meyer signed with Fred Whitton after his former team Fletcher Garneau disbanded. He's surely one of the most promising sprinters here, but is coming off two rather disappointing Bay appearances. After at least sprinting for a 4th place in 2013's final round, Meyer totally failed against a stronger competition last year. Time to bounce back.

Stobart's Aussies Earle, Van der Ploeg and Wurf did all quite well in the past two years though. Earle scored points in both years and his teammates made for a pretty aggressive racing in last year's Portarlington crit (with all three finishing inside the Top-10 there). This aggressive racing might be their only chance this time again.

Pat's Veg Cycling

Pat's Veg Cycling (founded by former professional Tom Palmer/Drapac) will sponsor one of those mixed Aussie selections. Like Chain Reaction, the focus may be on the three flat crits and there's one good reason for that:

Damion Drapac finished 8th and 5th overall at the Bay in the past two years, but couldn't score a single podium finish. He's been one of the most consistent scorers though. His big goal will be line honours and he should be capable of achieving that.

Patrick Lane and Cameron Bayly (turning pro after some promising years in Australia's domestic cycling scene) may not be amongst the favorites for the hilly crit, but especially Lane has the potential to hang on with the very best.

JoeArmstrong13 wrote:
Nice to see Cam Meyer getting a good mention

NZL National Team

No Kiwi has ever made a too huge impression at the Bay (bar Jack Bauer's 4th place in Portarlington last year, riding for Lotto though) and so it's one of many interesting teams to follow this season. At least one "superstar" will strengthen the selection:

George Bennett, who left Oz Cycling to join Project: Africa, will definitely be one of the biggest names on the startlist. The climber, who's a decent puncheur as well, is highly motivated to go for line honours in the hilly crit through Portarlington and also proved, that he's capable of winning flat one day races (Berlin ProRace last year).

Torckler and neo-professional Bevin will make for an interesting duo behind Bennett. Especially Torckler, though lacking the top-speed in this elite field of sprinters, comes with a nice allround setup and may be a threat on all terrains here.

Scotty Browns Vision

The second Kiwi selection here, the boys riding in Scotty Browns colors may just have outsider chances at the Bay this year. Anyway, it's still an interesting lineup with also New Zealand's best timetrial specialist making his Bay debut.

Jesse Sergent and Westley Gough will build a very strong duo for the flat crits. Despite lacking the very top speed of most other sprinters here, Gough may still stand a chance in the expected bunch sprints. It's a rare opportunity for him to be the main sprinter, so he's highly motivated.

Up and coming Tom David will also make his first appearance at the Bay Classic. The (cobbled) classic specialist can be a threat for the hilly crit in Portarlington and adds some depth to the team in general.

jt1109 wrote:
Nice to see Torckler get a chance here as he's going to have limited opportunities during the season unfortunately

Oz Cycling Project

Australia's premium cycling team hadn't exactly two special years at the Bay. A solid outcome in 2013 (Drapac 8th overall, Gerrans 12th) was followed by a quiet 2014 showing (with only Mark O'Brien scoring a single point in Williamstown).

This year, the Oz will hope for Steele Von Hoff to be much more competitive than Anthony Giacoppo was one year ago. "Hoff" will have a decent support in Scully/Jones and should be stronger than last year, where was scoreless with Lotto here.

Up and coming Jack Haig and Adam Phelan probably won't be amongst the best in the hilly crit, but we may expect both to go for some aggressive tactics.