In his first year racing in North America, Rory made his mark, winning the individual NRC points title. He contributed not only with podiums, but also lead-outs for teammates in helping Health Net Presented by Maxxis win its fourth consecutive NRC team title. Rory will continue to have a major impact on North American racing in 2008.

Date of Birth/Location: 2.8.82; Canberra, Australia

Height: 188 cm

Weight: 78kg

Current Residence: Canberra, Australia

Education (include years): High School till 1999

Years Racing: 11

Years as a Pro: 4

Previous Team(s)/Year(s): Health Net Presented by Maxxis (2007), Rabobank ProTour Team (2005), Rabobank TT3 (2003-04), Rabobank Amateur (2001-02)

Strengths on the bike: Versatile

Strengths off the bike: Excessive organization and planning...

Nickname: Ror, Roren, Rors, Roz, anything people can make out of my name.

Family Status: Single

Favorite Movies: Snatch, Wedding Crashers, anything stupidly funny

Currently on my iPod: As long as its not Country, I'll listen

Blog: [on Cyclingnews.com]

Palmares

Career Highlights
1st Overall, NRC Individual Classification, 2007
U23 Australian National Road Champion, 2004

Wins:
2007
1st Stage 2, Redlands Classic
1st Stage 3, Redlands Classic
1st Overall, Joe Martin Stage Race
1st Stage 3, Joe Martin Stage Race
1st Stage 5, Nature Valley Grand Prix

2005
1st Overall Young Riders classification, Tour of Denmark

2004
1st Australian u23 National Championships
1st Stage Thuringen Tour, Germany
1st Stage Tour of Liege, Belgium
1st Cras Avernas, Belgium
1st Stage Giro d'Abruzzo, Italy
1st Stage Olympias Tour


Other Major Results:

2007
2nd Overall, Nature Valley Grand Prix
2nd Overall, International Tour de 'Toona
2nd Overall, Central Valley Classic
2nd Australian National Time Trial Championships
2nd Stage 2, Central Valley Classic
2nd Stage 4, Tri Peaks Challenge
3rd Stage 6, Nature Valley Grand Prix
3rd Stage 3, Jayco Bay Cycling Classic
3rd Stage 1, Central Valley Classic
3rd Stage 4, Joe Martin Stage Race
3rd Boulevard Road Race
4th Prologue, Amgen Tour of California
4th Stage 1, Jayco Bay Cycling Classic
4th Stage 2, Jayco Bay Cycling Classic
5th Stage 1, Nature Valley Grand Prix
5th Chris Thater Memorial
5th Garrett Lemire GP
6th Overall, Redlands Classic
7th Reading Classic
8th Atlanta 100 km Classic
13th Overall, Amgen Tour of California

2005
2nd Australian Time Trial Championships
2nd Stage, Tour of Denmark
3rd Overall, Tour of Denmark
Finisher, Giro d'Italia

2004
3rd Grand Prix des Nations, France
8th U23 World Cup

In his own words

Were you surprised at the level of success you had racing for the first time in North America, not necessarily knowing what to expect from the races and the competition?

I think the level of success I managed to achieve was more as a result of team mates than myself. It's also sometimes a blessing to not know what to expect from races! Also, if you work hard, want success, and have expectations put on you from your team, its very hard not to succeed.

How did it feel to get back to a full season of racing?

A great experience. Having time off is really a great way to re-find your motivation and reiterate your love for what you do.

Now that you've had a taste of fashion modeling, are you ready to ditch the bike for the runway?

Ummmm I don't quite think one little photo shoot is going to bring in the offers for a future in modeling. I may just stick to something I have some amount of talent in.

How did you spend this off-season?

A trip to Australia to see the family, followed by a good six weeks at my home in Colorado. One thing I don't want to be doing in the off season is traveling.

What are your goals or expectations for the 2008 season?

My personal goals for '08 are to be a little more selective in specific races that suit my style of riding. At the same time I'd like to continue to help the younger riders in the team gain success.

When did you start racing, and why?

When I was 14, just liked the look of it all. How wrong I was...

Who were/are your cycling mentors and/or influences?

I have more influences than mentors. Also a lot of people who I respect as athletes, and also as friends. One of my first coaches helped make me who I am today, and also my U23 Rabobank Director taught me pretty much everything I know about actually racing, and doing the right thing. My family is also an amazing influence, as is the entire Canberra Cycling Community.

What was your first bike? When/how did you get it?

It was a Giant. I got it because my parents decided to pay for it.

What was your first win?

No idea.... Maybe a crit somewhere in outback NSW.

What would you consider your finest moment on the bike?

Just enjoying racing, and being part of a great team is enough for me.

What was your worst or most embarrassing moment on the bike?

If it's my most embarrassing moment, wouldn't that mean I'd keep it to myself?

What's the strangest thing you've seen on a bike ride?

Isn't 200 + Spandex clad riders with shaved legs enough of a strange thing?

When you're not on your bike, what do you like to do?

Spend time with my friends, relax, keep planning to take over the world, scheme, and definately not think about anything bike related.