Australia’s oldest stage race, the 57th Annual Jayco-Herald Sun Tour, began Sunday in Traralgon, Australia. At only 45 km, this 2.1 km prologue street-circuit was a fast and furious beginning to what looks to be an exciting week ahead.
The Jelly Belly Pro Cycling Team is one of only three teams – out of 15 – representing the United States in the tour this year. Although Team Director Danny Van Haute said this was not the best day for the team, the results did not count toward the overall standings and tomorrow’s 130 km route offers the team a chance at a stage win.
“Tomorrow our goal is to be aggressive and lead all day long,” Van Haute said. “If (near the finish) it comes down to a field sprint, we will lead out Brad (Huff) or Nic (Sanderson).”
Riding alongside Nick Reistad, Bernard Van Ulden, Brad Huff and Scott Tietzel, are two Australian natives: Matty Rice and Nic Sanderson. However, Van Haute said having two riders familiar with the territory doesn’t change the dynamic of the race.
“This race is no different than any other race,” he said. “We still need to win as a team.”
Tomorrow’s stage begins in Traralgon and passes through 130 km of countryside ending in the seaside town of Inverloch.
By Molly Saunders