Their new kit is glowing bright, and according to a pair of key Australian riders, so too is EF Education First Pro Cycling’s ambition to take out the title at this year’s Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
NSW born Lachlan Morton has ridden Australia’s oldest stage race previously and says the tour caps off a great Summer of Cycling where their team are aiming to lift the silverware.
“The last [race] of the Australian block of racing is fantastic, so I’m super excited, it’s a big part of Australian cycling. We will go there and try to win it, Woodsy (Mike Woods) is in amazing form, Arthurs Seat might really break it open and we are going in there to try to win the thing,” said Morton.
The man with the magnificent moustache – EF Education First road captain Mitch Docker agrees, but also says they have a variety of options.
“Arthurs Seat suits Woodsy and suits James (Whelan) being from Melbourne he knows it well, plus it’s a seriously steep climb.”
“We are probably going to be focusing on bunch sprints with Dan (McLay) and Woodsy for GC and Jimmy (Whelan) and Lachie (Morton) for stages. We want to work on our bunch sprint finishes for Dan, looking long term.”
The wonderful 2019 course will offer something for everyone, with Morton knowing there will be no days for cruising.
“The are no easy roads in Gippsland – the race previously has been won in breakaways and it’s one of those races where you always have to be on your toes.
“I remember in 2014, we had the lead and in one stage the whole thing got turned on its head so in any day you can win or lose it,” said Morton.
Docker – “I’m really excited about some of the flatter stages for Dan, especially the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix track which will be sensational and the final day around the Botanic Gardens for the Melbourne crit.”
Morton boasted about the standard of race, rider and route.
“As an Australian it is amazing to be able to race this calibre of racing in my backyard, it’s part of a great month of racing and I’m stoked. It’s great for fans and as an Australian, I love seeing some of the great Euro riders coming to win.”
The new kit is already a big winner, with the hot pink visible wherever the team sit in the peloton, and set to be an easy spot for fans lining the Jayco Herald Sun Tour roads.
The 32-year-old Docker has worn an array of livery over his decorated career, and claims the pink/blue combination is ‘awesome’.
Morton concurs – “The new kit is awesome, we are all excited, it’s like a new team and new project and the kit symbolizes that – so different from any other kit, it is a symbol of what our team is about and it’s sure created a lot of buzz…not only looks cool but it’s a symbol.’
Make no mistake though, their efforts will be much more than symbolic as they take on the likes of Mitchelton-Scott, Trek Segafredo and Team SKY who have their last hurrah in Australia, keep an eye out for the flying flouro colors.
