One step closer...

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegrap...001023,00.html

August 14, 2007 12:00am

*AUSTRALIA is set to have its own team in the 2009 Tour de France after
a Gold Coast based company today committed $20 million to developing the
outfit.*

The move could mean Aussie cycling stars such as Cadel Evans, Robbie
McEwen, Stuart O'Grady and Michael Rogers will be able to race under an
Australian banner.

The team is being backed by online travel booking company Roamfree.com
which has set up another company, Pro Cycling Australia, to organise the
project.

Pro Cycling Australia's CEO Dr Paul Varcoe said today the team would
need Government involvement and another sponsor to become reality.

"The Government has to contribute some funds and I want one more major
corporate to sign on the dotted line, " he said.

He said Cadel Evans, Robbie McEwen, Michael Rogers and Stuart OGrady are
on record as supporting the project.

"This is something that Australian cyclists have wanted to see for a
long time, " Dr Varcoe said.

"We will be talking to all professional cyclists including Cadel Evans,
Robbie McEwen and Michael Rodgers who all want to be on the team."

Roamfree.com managing director Tony Smith said there had never been a
better time to enter the race.

"Cadel Evans' efforts in the recent Tour de France has been an
inspiration to us all and put this great sport on the radar in
Australia, " he said.

"The cycling world has been talking about this for years and now its
finally about to happen.

--
Pete.B