Oct 1st, 09.

Peter Risdale from Ascot Park Hotel ready for the 2009 PowerNet Tour of Southland

Riding in Team Ascot Park Hotel with Aaron Strong is Mike Northey, Paddy Bevan, Brad Carter and Wade Mangham.

This team has the experience of seven time Tour of Southland veteran Strong, plus some young and first time Southland riders.

"Paddy is young and keen to learn, but I'm sure he will play a big part in the results after a week's racing. The whole team has international experience this year which they can draw on for a tour like Southland and we have some really fast finishers too," Strong said.

"I am very happy with the mix of the team."

The team goals are broad with Strong saying the team is aiming to win stages, the GC and U23.

"With the Tour of Southland the first few days usually start to dictate where your team's energies are directed, but at the start it's good to think big," he said. "The team is full of talent capable of chasing the General Classification and stage wins."

Strong says in his seven tours he has only struck one tour with nice weather throughout. For 2009 he is betting on some snow, sleet and hail. "Ooh and some crosswinds too!!! I can't wait," he said.

During the winter months, Strong and the current NZ Champion Gordon McCauley have been duelling throughout the Auckland racing calendar, and with McCauley a likely starter for his Subway Avanti team I asked Strong if he expected the rivalry to continue in the PowerNet Tour of Southland.

"You mean I've trailed in his wake in all but one race? He's pretty motivated for Southland and so am I, so let the best man win - hopefully me," he said.

In these tough economic times, Strong and his team have been lucky enough to have the continued support of a great sponsor.

"Ascot Park Hotel have really stuck their neck out this year in order to put this team together. We all know times are tough and sponsorship is hard to come by. Last year when I rode for the team I really felt we had everything you could want for and staying in the luxury suites at Ascot really made the difference to weary bodies by the end of the week," Strong said.

"I'm expecting Peter Risdale from Ascot to really turn on the welcome for us again this year as he has a real passion for the sport of cycling. I'd like nothing better than to return the favour by grabbing some headlines for him in November."

PowerNet Tour of Southland coverage

• Stage reports, blogs and other news
• Results
• Photo galleries
• Team and rider list
• Live Commentary
• Comment on this article and others on the facebook.com/roadcycling page

The official Website of the Tour of Southland is www.tourofsouthland.com. Thanks to the PowerNet Tour of Southland team for Results and Live Coverage of the race.

Ascot Park Hotel - great facilities for weary bodies - riders, support crew, spectators and media!

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