Hanging with AJ!

Many may not have known who Anthony Giacoppo was before the New Year but one thing is for sure a lot more know about him and who he is now... twitter doesn't lie!! (hey alex?)

AJ finished last season off like anyone would dream of, with a victory in the last race of the NRS 2011 Series. He also started the 2012 season off in similar style winning his maiden Bay Criterium Stage, beating none other than state rival Luke 'Turbo Durbo' Durbridge. AJ with form and confidence then went onto win the Australian Criterium Championship in a superb sprinting display in front of a stellar crowd in Ballarat last week. I sat down quickly with AJ at nationals with the aim of learning a little more about him, for both you and I.

Firstly Congratulations on your Australian Criterium Title, must be excited for the year ahead in the jersey?

Thanks, it's exciting to have a nice start to the year, especially with wins in January against great riders, I really enjoyed the bay series and then to go to Ballarat and win was fantastic, it gives me extra motivation for the 2012 season.

Last year was your first year with Genesys Wealth Advisers Pro Cycling Team, what was your most memorable moment?

Not one to be proud of but one that will stick with me for an eternity was when Haasy was 2nd on GC by a few seconds and I rolled him in an intermediate sprint taking away vital bonuses... luckily he went on to take many more in that stage and take an unassailable lead and go onto victory. I ended up third in that tour (Tour of Geelong), which was a nice memory too as it was you and haasy for an all Genesys podium there.

What did you learn from last season?

That team work is essential to win races consistently and that it takes several mates sacrifices to achieve great goals, something I think we did as a team every race in 2011.

What are your goals for 2012 season?

First goal for all of us is to bring home a 3rd successive NRS Teams Classification for Genesys, if we achieve that then I think results will naturally come to the guys in orange. For me personally I hope to have a successful NRS campaign and would like to win a tour overall.

If you could win any race in the world which one would it be? and why?

Giro d'Italia of course! Need i explain why? It's the giro, Giacoppo is Italian and I have always love the race since being on the road. It excites me every year, being there one day would be a dream for sure!

Favourite aussie race and why?

Has to be Tour of Murray, for its length and amount of stages. There is something different that sets Murray apart from the other races, its a bit of a chess game, being so long. A lot of team rivalry and many mental games...

Thanks for the quick chat AJ, everyone will be keeping a close eye on your efforts in 2012 I'm sure.

No worries, look forward to it again soon!

Ciao a tutti

twitter: @shawry_07
@AnthonyGiacoppo