Indian Pacific Wheel Race - IndyPac - IPWR

No Kristoff, that’s a surprise. Also Sarah and Jesse not riding it..

Recognise a few riders in there

Wacker, Ryszard, Stephane, Doug Midgen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPfdMlAx2MU

Jesse Stauffer raced first TABR

Full roster has been posted.

Not surprised Kristof not doing it again - it's a long way and he probably had to get time off school (he's a teacher) so a one-off.
Jesse and Sarah are doing the TAW. And Jesse said after last year's race that he was relieved he wasn't riding when Mike was killed, so he could do what needed to be done, taking decisions re cancelling, notifying people, talking to press, etc.

A handful of the guys I met last year are riding again:
Matthijs Ligt was in good shape last year, was one of the early leaders but had bad saddle sores, infected, etc. So he could be near the front again.
Harley Johnstone - aka Durianrider. He's a pretty controversial vlogger over there, but he seemed a pleasant guy in real life. He had to pack early last time then started doing media stuff.
Doug Midgen - he's really experienced at this stuff, done a couple of TCR's, etc. I had dinner with him and Mike at the before party last time.
Ryan Flinn - he works for Curve now (Jesse's bike brand). Seemed a pleasant guy, and good at PR, marketing, etc.

Also Louise Soplanit, in the teams, has done one or more TCRs. Not met her but recognise the name.

I don't think I know any others. I didn't meet the two UK guys who also did it last time, Daniel Cooper & Daniel Welch. I think they were a bit down the field.

Overall the field is slightly smaller than last year. I wouldn't be surprised if everyone who wanted to ride has got a place, just Jesse did his marketing stuff making people belive they would miss out.

And no Jensie!

Surprised there are so many teams. That seemed a bit of an unlikley one to me with the first guy doing over half the distance, but I guess a lot of people can only take x days holiday so it allows them to be involved.

There may be some fast Aussies that we don't know but, if I had to pick a winner, I'd say it was between Matthijs (who has been training hard recently, from facebook chatter, etc) and Stephane.