Local rider Tony Mann from MGX Power/Bigpond will head a star studded line up in the Ryders Cycling Grand Prix this weekend which forms part of the 2005 Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival in Queensland, Australia. Mann, winner of the 2004 National Road Cycling Championship where he dominated with a first in the Road Race and Criterium and second in the Time Trial will amongst others face the 2005 Under 19 Australian Champion Jeremy Hogg from Rockhampton. Hogg claimed victory in both the Keirin and Team Sprint events at the national titles earlier this year and grabbed a bronze in the Kilo.
The third main contender at the race will be Jaaron Poad (Velo Bicycles team). Poad has been a leader of the Tour of Queensland, and placed third in the Cycling Grand Prix Series that included the Noosa Criterium, South Bank and Surfers Paradise Grand Prix where he faced the likes of Robbie McEwen, Brad McGee and Baden Cooke. The Kiwi has raced extensively around the world but has now settled in Brisbane. Poad and Mann faced off at a Criterium on Easter Sunday with Poad narrowly winning their first encounter - Mann will be out to turn the tables this weekend.
