Davis will bounce back

It's easy to get angry when an Australian cyclist who has done so muchto promote himself and his sport, is shown the door just before theTour de France gets underway.

It's easy to get angry when an Australian cyclist who has done so much to promote himself and his sport, is shown the door just before the Tour de France gets underway.

I deeply feel for Alan Davis at this time, as do all Australian cycling supporters I'm sure.

Here's a man who leaves Monaco with distinction.

He's taken the blow of omission like a true champion but understandably was devastated when we spoke with him in his hotel room minutes after the announcement that Tom Boonen was cleared to ride the Tour.

So why wasn't "Alby" included, given his pedigree and strong results this year?

Few will say it publicly, but I feel politics has played a big role in his being sent home.

Had Davis been born a Belgian national he would have been the first rider picked for the Belgian-registered Quickstep team.

The fact of the matter is he's a proud Australian lost in a strong Belgian-bred environment.

Alby's non-appearance comes in the wake of Simon Gerrans surprising non-selection from the Cervelo roster last week.

The omission has re-ignited calls of an Australian team appearing on the roads of Europe and the Tour de France.

Will it ever happen? I'd sincerely like to think so.

The formation of an Aussie squad has been talked about for almost a decade, and I'm starting to think it may take a little longer still.

The current economic downturn doesn't help matters, and until the Euro cycling television scene extends to more than just a few races on Australian television, I feel an Aussie backer may baulk at the idea for several years to come, at least.

Alby will live to fight another day, I'm sure as he now has ambitions to silence his critics at the Vuelta and World Championships in September.

But this is another arrow in the heart of a rider who is well-liked and more importantly well-respected by his peers.

Chin up Alby, you'll bounce back and remember the Aussie cycling community is right behind you all the way.