Former champion cyclist Patrick Jonker tests himself on the Tour Down Under Challenge course
Former cycling champ Patrick Jonker accepted the challenge and tested stage four of the Tour Down Under - the same course the amateurs will ride just hours before the professionals. Here’s his review.
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Patrick Jonker has finished 12th in the Tour de France, the most gruelling cycle test in the world, and has his name on the winner’s list for the Tour Down Under.
But they were a few years back, and his time on the bike is little compared to his professional cycling life when it was day after day of hours and hours in the saddle.
So, his test ride over the 162.2km journey from Norwood to Murray Bridge - the course for this year’s TDU Challenge and the stage four route for the professionals on January 24 - was his own personal challenge.
Jonker had company with Rob Yates, who served in the army and is training for the Invictus Games, and florist and cycling enthusiast Michaelle Krockenberger joining him for the trek through Cudlee Creek, Williamstown, Mt Torrens and Mannum, before ending the ride at the Murray River.
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Wearing their Ride for a Reason jerseys - promoting a charity supporting Cancer Council SA - the trio met at The Parade and resting on her bike outside the Norwood Town Hall, Krockenberger said she was feeling “pretty good”.
There was a little apprehension though, having not ridden beyond 100km for a while.
Yates was feeling refreshed and ready for the test.
“We felt pleased with ourselves,” Jonker said.
“None of us were particularly fit, we hadn’t ridden more than 100km for almost a year so it was a great day out in the end.
“It’s a nice course to ride.
“The Gorge Road section is so well-known among cyclists and we trained there constantly for many years.
“And it is amazing countryside riding from Williamstown to Mannum.”
Here’s how the trio chronicled their training ride.
NORWOOD - CUDLEE CREEK
After the ride up Gorge Road, a favourite with many cyclists, the trio arrived at Cudlee Creek and the first significant point for the TDU field.
It is 18.1km into the stage, which includes the 9.6km neutral ride to start, and the first sprint and chance for bonus points and time.
Michelle: “It has been a really nice ride, we have just climbed up Gorge Road and that is one of the most picturesque rides in South Australia. It winds its way up to the top of Kangaroo Dam”.
Rob: “We have been riding for just over an hour now and I like to put some food in, probably every hour. Even though it is a cool morning, you have to be mindful of keeping the fluid and food intake up.”
CUDLEE CREEK - WILLIAMSTOWN
If the opinion of our test riders is any indication, those involved in the Challenge Tour will enjoy this section.
They were all positive and full of enthusiasm after the ride through Chain of Ponds and Kersbook and the chance to stretch the legs on the undulating roads.
Michelle: “ It was a nice stretch, a nice undulating roll through”.
Rob: “It was a good opportunity to get a little speed up and it was easier to get fluids in because it was a little difficult ro eat and drink going up through the hills”.
WILLIAMSTOWN - MT TORRENS
This is the halfway point for the TDU riders, when the neutral start is discounted and Jonker, Krockenberger and Yates have just had to conquer the King of the Mountain climb.
It was a serious test so the opportunity to take in some more fluids and food was welcome.
Michelle: “The legs are starting to feel a little tired now after the main climb for the King of the Mountain. Hopefully there is a bit more downhill to come and maybe even more of a tailwind”.
Rob: “The climb was tough, but not too tough. I’m looking forward to going down to the river, this part of the country will be beautiful. A bit of a tailwind would be nice too”.
MT TORRENS - MURRAY BRIDGE
Jonker has ridden his bike all around the world, yet he marvelled at the countryside as the trio made their way through the Palmer area.
So much so, he reckons it would be a tremendous venue for a western movie.
Standing beside the Murray River, the satisfaction completing the ride was obvious.
Michelle: “The highlight of the ride for me was up Gorge Ride, it is early so you are felling pretty good. And it is just so scenic, it is a great ride. I’m a little tired after riding 162km, but it was a great ride and worthwhile when you get to the finish.”
Rob: “I was a little underprepared. Most of my training sessions have been two to three hours maximum so sitting on a bike for a little over five hours is a little taxing. But I like how it took us through the different landscapes and the TDU will show off the beauty of different regions”.
The trio averaged 28km/h for the ride with an average cadence (number of revolutions per minute) of 84, average heart rate of 130bpm and average power of 170 watts.
The elevation was 1949m.
The trio consumed six 750m bidons, eight gels, two bananas and cookies, and burned 4400 calories.
Originally published as Former champion cyclist Patrick Jonker tests himself on the Tour Down Under Challenge course