2023’s ‘Summer of Cycling’ will be remembered for many standout reasons – Jay Vine securing the national TT title and the Santos Tour Down Under, Brodie Chapman’s big win at Buninyong and new teammate Amanda Spratt’s return to top-level form at the start of her time with Trek-Segafredo.
For many of us mere mortals it was also a standout summer. We could actually get out on the bike again as it was the first dry summer for some time, and COVID disruptions and restrictions were finally behind us. Plus we finally saw the return of the full TDU, and of course the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race was back as well.
With the good times continuing to roll into February, another highlight of summer ‘23 was quickly unfolding in the hours leading up to Australia’s longest one-day bike race.
Yes, four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome was confirmed as a starter for the 107yo, 267km Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic.
With Froomey, of team Israel-Premier Tech, still in Australia and training in the Victorian High Country after the Tour Down Under and Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, organisers of the world’s second oldest bicycle race tracked him down and asked if he was keen to ride.
Froome said yes then flew by light plane from Victoria’s North East to Avalon Airport – the start point of the M2W – apparently in full team kit and with his bike. He was ready to roll!
Joining 125 riders at the startline, […]
Continue reading the original article at: bicyclingaustralia.com.au