TNT Sports
McEwen's the man to beat
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Published 11/10/2002 at 18:46 GMT+1
Australia cleaned up at the Commonwealth Games and the World Track Cycling Championships, and they now have four world class sprinters suited to a tee for Sunday’s road race in Zolder. But team member Bradley McGee told eurosport.com users to keep their eyes on one Robbie McEwen.
Eurosport
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Australia cleaned up at the Commonwealth Games and the World Track Cycling Championships, and they now have four world class sprinters suited to a tee for Sunday’s road race in Zolder. But team member Bradley McGee told eurosport.com users to keep their eyes on one Robbie McEwen.
As well as the Tour de France green jersey winner, the Australians also boast Stuart O'Grady and Baden Cooke, but McGee – like many observers – tips McEwen.
"Robbie's been performing incredibly this year, not only in the sprints,” the FDJeux.com rider told eurosport.com. “The guy is strong everywhere. He can go with the attack, he can even attack himself. He'd be my favourite if I was putting some money on it."
When asked about his own role in mapping out an Australian triumph on such a flat and fast circuit, McGee stressed the importance of simply being there for the finish:
"When it comes down to the final laps, it's going to be really important to have the numbers."
The early forecast has predicted rain, which would surely mean a change of strategy on the Zolder motorsport circuit:
"If the circuit is dangerous, it'll make it more intense, and more necessary to be in the front, which will lift the pace. It'll be more a race of attrition with riders dropping off the back."
His stiffest competition? "Well obviously the Italians if they get their act together with Cipo [Mario Cipollini], they're going to be strong, but also the big nations of the north, the Netherlands and Belgium. They love this style of racing, especially if it's rain and wind."
Finally, after Sean Eadie's beard-trimming exploits at the recent Track World Championships, can we expect anymore facial hair statements from the Aussies?
"Actually, I do have a bit of a beard at the moment and it seems to work for Sean, so I might give it a go myself."
Follow the Aussies' quest for World Championship gold LIVE on eurosport.com, Sunday morning!
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