Temptation was all around during the second stage for Belgian cycling great Eric Vanderaerden as the race passed by more than a few outback watering holes.

But the man who has shed 20 kilos to return to competition held steadfast against the lure of a cleansing ale, especially while the cameras were upon him.

Photographed passing by the pub in the Atherton Tableland Town of Herberton, the former winner of Paris-Roubaix had his eyes firmly fixed on the road ahead and his ultimate objective of finishing the Crocodile Trophy.

Crocodile Trophy: Vanderaerden on the Herbeton Range.

Photo: Courtesy

It’s a case of, to borrow Cadel Evans’ favorite phrase, “so far, so good” for Vanderaerden, who was forced to abandon the Crocodile Trophy at his first attempt.

“Still at this moment for everything I want to do at the croc is ok,” an extremely relaxed Vanderaerden said as he lazed in the rain-forested event campsite at Koombooloomba Dam.

“I’m not in that good shape for having a good result, but it’s good so far.”

“There are a lot of Belgian riders, but I’m riding with almost everybody, it’s a nice experience.”