IN the Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic’s 119-year history there have been plenty of multiple champions, but no rider has ever gone back-to-back.
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Sam Horgan is hoping to change that.
The defending champion feels he’s in a better position heading into the October 11 race compared with last year.
But he also knows as last year’s winner it will be harder to get back on top of the podium.
“I’ll have a target on my back I think,” he said.
“It will be a bit harder to have the type of win I did last year. I’ll be a marked rider.
“It was my first Warrnie, so this year I’m heading in with a bit more knowledge about the race and feel as though I’m better prepared.
“We have a really strong team again this year and we are a close group of mates.”
Last year the 27-year-old New Zealander pulled off a stunning attack as the race neared the Raglan Parade finish. Reserving energy until the final five kilometres, Horgan and then-teammate Jack Anderson opened a gap on the lead bunch of riders that proved unbeatable.
Horgan and Anderson, who now rides with Drapac, approached the line together before Anderson backed off to allow Horgan the win.
He finished in six hours, 32 minutes and 12 seconds. Anderson was second, with fellow Budget Forklifts rider Jacob Kauffmann rounding out the podium in a rare trifecta.
“It was a great day for the team. We had never won the race before, so to go one, two and three was incredible,” he said.
Horgan said he was entering the Classic on the back of a “solid block of racing” that includes the Tour of the Great South Coast, Tour of Gippsland, Tour de Hokkaido in Japan and the National Capital Tour over the past three months.
He’s sitting out this week’s Tour of Tasmania, but is keeping a close eye on results from across the ditch.
“I’ve been happy with how I’ve ridden,” he said.
“I’ve hit all my target numbers and my legs are feeling good. I’m definitely feeling stronger compared to last year. I can’t wait to get back out there and give it another crack.”
Horgan said the 10 kilometres added to the course would make little difference.
“It’s already a long day, so in the scheme of things an extra 10 kilometres isn’t really going to make it any worse,” he said.
Horgan said if he couldn’t find his way to the front he would love to see teammate Kauffmann win.
“He’s made some big improvements and is super strong,” he said.
“It was a really special moment to have both Jack and Jacob on the podium with me last year.
“Winning it once was an unbelievable feeling. Going back-to-back would be amazing.”