Aiming for number three
Having won the world time trial title in 2003 and 2004, Michael Rogers is in the unique position of potentially becoming the first person to take three consecutive TT gold medals when he contests the elite men’s race on Thursday afternoon. Rogers spoke to Cyclingnews' Shane Stokes prior to the event, talking confidently about his chances for the time trial and also discussing his predictions for the road race. He says that the final 180 degree turn on Sunday favours Australian team-mate Robbie McEwen, but adds a word of caution.
Rogers has shown mixed form this season, going close to what would have been a superb victory in the Tour of Switzerland and also riding strongly in other events such as the Tour du Pays Basques. However, his bid to achieve a high GC placing in the Tour de France came to naught, meaning the 25 year old had to come back and rebuild both his form and his morale after the disappointment of July. To his credit he has done just that, finishing fourth and fifth on stages of the recent Tour of Britain and placing seventh overall.
"I am not so convinced that it is going to be a sprint finish," he states. "It's a very, very long race; 270 kilometres or something, and sprinters can get tired and thus bring guys like Bettini into the equation. It starts to change things a little bit. But saying that, you never know and especially with teams now only having nine riders each. Who is going to chase? Nine riders isn't much, especially with a couple of those expected to lead it out for the sprint. So there aren't really that many riders to play the domestique role. I think that could change the outcome of the race a little as well."
Cyclingnews: What have you been up to lately?
Michael Rogers: My form has been pretty good since the Tour of Britain, I think I've come a long way since then. I went there to try and find some condition for this race and I am quite happy with the way my form has come on since then. I certainly feel I am on par with last year, so I'd be happy to repeat that performance.
Click here for the full interview
