Cycling Australia

Australian cyclists are celebrating a weekend of success with Queensland's Robbie McEwen claiming the first stage of the Tour de France in England while at the Schladming MTB World Cup round in Austria Sam Hill and Tracey Hannah took out the men's and women's downhill finals.

McEwen's win stunned his rivals who had thought the 35 year old out of contention after he was caught up in a crash a little over 20 kilometres from the finish of the 203 kilometre stage from London to Canterbury. But the seasoned professional who is contesting his tenth Tour de France was brought back by his Pedictor-Lotto team mates who delivered him to the peloton four kilometres from the line.

"This is definitely one of the best ever but I can't believe I won this stage," said an elated McEwen after coming from more than ten riders back to motor past his rivals and secure his twelfth Tour de France stage victory. "After the crash I thought I'd broken my wrist and didn't think I had a chance but full credit to my team mates who brought me back.

"At the end I had nothing to lose and my anger and frustration gave me the energy."

Norway's Thor Hushovd was second and Belgium's Tom Boonen finished third.

McEwen's win equals the record of Germany's Erik Zabel for the most stage wins by a rider still competing. McEwen won the first of his twelve Tour de France stages in 1999 on the Champs Élysées in Paris. In 2002 he won the stages in Reims and Paris; 2004 in Namur and Guéret ; 2005 in Montargis, Karlsruhe and Montpellierin and last year he won in Esch-sur-Alzette, Saint-Quentin and Vitré.

While McEwen was sprinting to victory on a slightly uphill finishing straight in England mountain bikers Hill and Hannah were barelling full speed downhill in Austria. It's the second victory in two weeks for reigning World Champion Hill, 21, who won the previous round at Monte-Sainte-Anne in Canada.

The West Australia, who rides with the Iron Horse-Monster Energy team, clocked 3min51.44sec for the win, a clear five seconds faster than second placed Gee Atherton (GBR). Queensland's Nathan Rennie was eighth in 4min.00.27sec. Hill, now on 807 points, continues to lead the Downhill Nissan/UCI World Cup series ranking and is 168 points ahead of second ranked Steve Peat of Great Britain.

In the women's downhill final 2006 Junior World Champion, Queensland's Tracey Hannah, 19, upset her more experienced rivals to win in 4min41.50sec, ahead of 25 year old Frenchwoman and World Cup Series leader Sabrina Jonnier (4min43.06sec). The Australian teenager is now ranked fifth on the series standings.

Cycling Australia website www.cycling.org.au

For further information (media only) please contact:
Gennie Sheer, Sheer Rhetoric - Communications Director, Cycling Australia
Tel: +61 (0) 418 863 533