Bike Mechanic Beats Columbia’s Rogers and Hansen in Final Sprint!

“To beat two guys that race full time for one of the world's biggest teams, I really didn't know what to think. I couldn't believe that I won a finish like that against two Pro Tour riders!" – Peter McDonald, 2009 Australian Road Champion


Sydney cyclist Peter McDonald, riding his Giant TCR Advanced for the Australian Drapac Porsche development cycling team, stole the march on his more fancied rivals in a three-up sprint to claim the gold medal in the elite men's road race on the final day of the Scody Australian Open Road Championships.

McDonald outfoxed three-time time trial World Champion and newly crowned Australian time trial champion, Michael Rogers, and his Team Columbia teammate, Adam Hansen in a spurt of speed down the final straight into the finish.

The 30-year-old bike mechanic crossed the line in 4:10:34 to claim the biggest win of his career so far. "It hasn't sunk in yet, this is huge," said McDonald who last month claimed the silver medal in the Australian Criterium Championship and was thrilled to claim the victory. "They had two riders against me, which makes it really hard," said McDonald. "I was happy when it was just Dodger [Rogers] and myself, but when Adam came across I thought no way – two Team Columbia riders, I had no chance. So to beat two guys that race full time for one of the world's biggest teams, I really didn't know what to think; I couldn't believe that I won a finish like that against two Pro Tour riders."


The account and photo is taken from reports published at www.cyclingnews.com.
For more information and photos, please visit:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2009/jan09/AORC09/?id=results/AORC096