Northerners, unknowns to test Earle on the road

BISHOPSBOURNE might be as far removed from European racing as Nathan Earle can get but this weekend’s state road titles will be no casual ride.

One of Tasmania’s most recognised cyclists will be among a record field contesting the 17km circuit vying for bragging rights as Tasmanian champion.

Joining Earle will be Olympian Scott Bowden, while fellow Hobart Wheelers professional Nicole Frain heads up the A-grade women’s event.

A total of 124 riders will hit the start line, with the men’s elite race to be four laps of a 17km loop.

“It’s obviously a small race compared with what I’ve done, but it is pretty important, you get back into the race mind focus,” Earle said.

“I would love to win it, being state champ from Tassie, there are a lot of strong guys here and it is always a hard race.

“It probably doesn’t mean much on the international circuit but to get the local win and bragging rights, it has always been hotly contested.”

The 32-year-old expects the north-south rivalry to add some extra spice, especially after Hobart Wheelers Tom Ayliffe and Ben Van Dam completed a 1-2 raid on the state time trial championships, with Frain claiming the women’s elite title.

“It is pretty windy and being a square circuit, there will cross winds two times at least, it should be exciting and an aggressive race being quite short,” Earle said.

“When you are doing big races it is your job and there are team tactics and a team goal, whereas when you get back here there are familiar faces, local people who might know what you’ve done but also other people who come out of the woodwork.

“Then you have the north versus south competition, whether some guys get organised enough just to make sure a northerner wins.

“There is that little competition going on as well.”