Australia’s only UCI Pro Continental team has returned to the domestic scene after a strong international campaign, with a hope the distinctive red and white team uniform will feature on the podium of the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic on October 11. 

With a fourth Classic victory firmly in the team’s sights — the top step is the ultimate goal. 

Director sportif Agostine Giramondo told The Standard the team was hoping to emulate the previous success of Drapac riders Robert McLachlan (2006), Rhys Pollack (2010) and Floris Goesinnen (2012). 

“We will head into the Warrnambool with a bit of a mixed bag,” Giramondo said. 

“The guys are heading over to the Tour of Tasmania this week. 

“We have some riding over there who will also ride the Warrnambool, but we have also rested a couple of guys specifically for the Warrnambool.

“We are pretty confident heading into Tassie. Hopefully the guys can make it through unscathed, ready to give the Warrnambool a crack in a couple of weekends’ time.” 

Giramondo said riders like William Clark, Darren Lapthorne and Jack Anderson would be some of the team’s strongest chances. 

“William is recovering from a serious crash in China a couple of months ago. He’s recovered well and is riding Tassie this week. Providing he gets through that all right he’ll be riding the Warrnambool,” he said. 

“Darren has been knocking on the door (of a Warrnambool win) the past few years and will be another strong chance. 

“Then we have our sprinter Wouter Wippert and climber Lachlan Norris. If they are in the right spot in the last 20 kilometres, they will both be a chance, especially Lachlan with the couple of small climbs as you head into Warrnambool.

“Lachlan finished tenth overall at the Tour of Utah and has had some good progress.” 

Giramondo said he believed course changes, which will take the race from Terang to Panmure via a series of back roads, will have little impact on the final result. 

“I still think the turning point will be the climb in Camperdown, as it has been in previous years,” he said. 

“I think by the time the race hits those roads, it will have already been moulded. But if it’s wet and windy things may be different.” 

The team has spent the majority of the Australian domestic season abroad, racing in tours in the United States, China, Japan, Europe and the Middle East. 

It’s been a successful debut on the pro continental circuit, which sits one level below the pro tour, with team members having notched up stage wins at the Tour of China and the Tour of Iran and strong performances at the Tour of Utah. 

Giramondo said the Australian return was aimed at targeting two of the National Road Series’ most prestigious tours. 

“We like to support local racing. It’s where we got our start,” he said. 

“The Tour of Tasmania is a highly sought after and prestigious tour on the series and what can you say about the Melbourne to Warrnambool. It’s the one everyone wants to win.” 

jwoolley@fairfaxmedia.com.au