Scott’s new challenge

A year ago it was the team of Docker and Bendigo's own Zak Dempster that stunned more fancied rivals to win the McCaig Daikin Airconditioning-backed 200-lap classic.

This Sunday night, Docker joins forces with one of the best from the west, Travis Meyer.

They will race in the red-white colours of their sponsor Drapac Porsche, of which McGrory is now a team manager for the development program.

Since his retirement from racing last year, McGrory has taken on a coach-mentor role for the sport's young stars.

'‘The Drapac Porsche program is not just centred on cycling, but overall development for when the racing career does end,'' McGrory said.

Living in Bendigo with wife, Donna, and four-year-old daughter, Maddy, the Sydney Olympics gold medallist said the madison held many fond memories.

‘‘As far as madisons go, Bendigo is one of the toughest to race,'' McGrory said of the classic which began in 1972.

He will be trackside on Sunday night, not only to assist Docker-Meyer, but also two other members of the Drapac Porsche squad of 21, Daniel Thorsen and Dean Windsor.

‘‘Mitch is really keyed up to race well again, and he is another young superstar as a team-mate,'' McGrory said.

‘‘Mitch's strength was amazing in a lot of the attacks in last year's madison, and he goes into this race stronger than he was a year ago.'' The challenge will not only be to beat German stars Lars Teutenberg and Christian Bach, but also the team of Brett Aitken and Bendigo star David Pell, Nick Sanderson and Miles Olman, and several other `smokeys'.

‘‘The madison is not just about who is the quickest and strongest team on the track, but also the smartest,'' McGrory said.

McGrory's victories in Bendigo followed the gold medal-winning performance with Brett Aitken in the first madison to be contested at the Olympics.

Nathan Dole's Madison series with Scott McGrory will continue on Friday.