RaboPlus launches online pro-cycling site

Sydney: January 12, 2010

RaboPlus today launched a free online cycling training portal as part of its sponsorship of the Santos Tour Down Under, which kicks off in Adelaide on January 17.

Developed in conjunction with Rabobank's Pro Cycling team, www.raboproride.com.au enables cycling enthusiasts of all levels to customise training programmes, map out new cycle routes, maintain online training logs, find training buddies and set up training groups. With training programmes ranging from general fitness, tour cycling training, mountain bike and race training the portal site caters for beginners to intermediate cyclists.

Cycling enthusiasts can expand their technical ability through online tutorials and follow the strategy and tactics used during the Tour Down Under with the Rabobank Pro team and later on the international circuit.

Greg McAweeney, RaboPlus General Manager, said "we're delighted to launch this innovative and unique training portal in Australia which gives cycling enthusiasts the chance to use the training programmes of professional cyclists to suit their own fitness level. The interactive site is an excellent resource in improving fitness and raising expertise to higher levels."

Australian Rabobank Pro cycling team member Graeme Brown believes that peak physical fitness is only one element of a race. "As cycling professionals, we're expected to have superior fitness levels, but mental toughness is also a key to success. Thinking through strategies and tactics when you're under physical duress and fatigued during a race takes an extra skill."

With days to go before the start of the Tour Down Under Rabobank is once again supporting the event with strong team led by Graeme Brown. With two reigning Dutch national champions and a Tour de France stage winner, Rabobank has high hopes for a podium finish.

RaboPlus will host diary updates from the Rabobank cycling team, and exclusive video interviews and photos on www.raboplus.tv. Daily news updates will be provided by a dedicated RaboPlus journalist, who will follow the Rabobank team throughout the Tour.