It’s not every day that you get to lead a professional bike race alongside your heroes. Even less so when you’re still in high school.
Last month, it was all smiles – but lots of nerves – when three starry-eyed young cyclists from Camperdown Cycling Club did just that.
Bentley, Rieley, and Nathaniel lined up beside Australia’s only Tour De France winner Cadel Evans at the start of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in Geelong.
Junior riders from Camperdown get ready with Cadel Evans ahead of the elite men's race.
Along with fellow juniors from neighbouring clubs, the trio rode in front of the 130-strong elite men’s peloton, taking in the buzz of the crowds as they officially led out the start of the race.
As a club with a rich road cycling history, a longstanding commitment to junior development, and regional ties to the event, Camperdown was among the clubs selected for this unique opportunity as part of AusCycling’s Collaborative Club Capacity Building Program, supported by the Victorian Government.
The inclusion of Camperdown’s juniors as lead-out riders at a major international race recognises the important role that regional clubs play in supporting young people to grow in the sport within a positive and engaging environment.
As part of the lead-out, Bentley, Rieley and Nathaniel had the chance to speak with Cadel and Olympic and world champion Grace Brown – herself a Camperdown local – plus WorldTour cyclist Luke Plapp and AFL star Max Gawn.
The club’s junior co-ordinator Jocelyn Clark said she was extremely excited for the club’s young riders to receive this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Bentley, Nathaniel and Rieley pose with Grace Brown.
“Camperdown Cycling Club has a rich cycling history with many successful riders starting their love of cycling with the club,” Clark said.
“Camperdown Cycling Club fosters the love of cycling with their junior cycling program by focusing on individual goal-setting and creating personal-best achievements through fun and the love of exercise.
“The club is excited to be acknowledged in the lead-out team and we hope to grow our club stronger over the next few years. It would be fantastic to one day have a rider from our junior leadership team racing in this race soon.
"But, for now, moments like this create dreams with young athletes who are the future of our sport.”
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Main Picture Credit: Image Writer - John Pierre Ronco