Jayco AlUla is under pressure to regroup and refocus after a disappointing performance at the Australian road cycling championships, where the team fell short of expectations in Perth. The only Australian WorldTour cycling team struggled to capitalize on their strengths during the men’s elite road race, culminating in a second-place finish for Luke Plapp behind Pat Eddy in a sprint finale.
Team manager Gene Bates acknowledged that the race did not unfold as planned, particularly during the critical final laps. Despite a promising situation with teammate Luke Durbridge positioned well at the start of the last lap, the team was unable to maintain their advantage. Instead, they inadvertently assisted Eddy in his push to the front, leading to a disappointing outcome. “The bottom line is that is not how we wanted the race to go, flat out, and we are extremely disappointed with the outcome,” Bates stated in an interview.
Bates emphasized the importance of learning from the mistakes made during the race, stating, “We learn from our mistakes and learn from experiences and make ourselves better.” He expressed a strong desire for the team to unite and support one another as they prepare for the upcoming Tour Down Under, set to commence on January 16, 2024.
The team features key riders including Plapp, Durbridge, and team leader Ben O’Connor, who is expected to play a pivotal role in the upcoming event. Bates noted that while Plapp is understandably disappointed, the Tour Down Under presents an opportunity for the team to demonstrate their potential. “Straight away, we get an opportunity to show what this team can do together and bounce back positively and hard,” he added.
Despite the setback in Perth, there were notable successes for Jayco AlUla at the national championships. Mackenzie Coupland secured victory in the women’s elite road race, while Ruby Roseman-Gannon triumphed in the criterium event. These results illustrate the talent within the team, serving as a morale boost ahead of the Tour Down Under.
Sir Brad Wiggins, a prominent figure in cycling, commented on the race, observing that O’Connor appeared strong as the finish approached. Bates reflected positively on O’Connor’s performance, highlighting his confidence gained from recent races. “He took a lot of confidence out of the racing and he’s one of those guys who will take another step forward now,” he remarked.
As the only Australian WorldTour men’s and women’s teams, Bates stressed the importance of performing well at home. “This is an important race. We like to perform in front of what we still call a home crowd,” he stated. The team hopes to turn the page on their Perth disappointment, channeling their energy into a strong showing at the Tour Down Under.
With the event just days away, Jayco AlUla is determined to transform their recent struggles into a stepping stone for future success. The riders are preparing to showcase their capabilities and aim for a performance that resonates with fans and cements their status as a formidable competitor on the international stage.
