Tour of Margaret River Road Cycle stops in Greenbushes

The population of Greenbushes townsite almost doubled in November when 600 cyclists rolled into town for the Stage 2 Finish of the Tour of Margaret River Road Cycle Race. Among this year's peloton were dual Olympic gold medal and world champion Dutch cyclist Marianne Vos and up and coming Dutch cyclist Moniek Tenniglo. In near 40 degree heat the cyclists stormed up the last big hill at the approach to Greenbushes fondly referred to as the "Kandalee Catapult" and toiled along Maranup Ford Road to the finish line on Blackwood Road. Spectators clustered along the street and in the adjacent Thomson Park in scenes reminiscent of the Tour de France, albiet on a smaller scale. Blues Band, Two Dollar Dog, sponsored by Talison Lithium, belted out blues music including a song penned for the cycle race finish. The race was compered by former Australian cyclist now Tour De France commentator Robbie McEwan.