Iris Dixon (nee Bent) *

Iris Bent is considered one of Australian cycling’s first female heroes. Beginning her career in 1945, the Victorian won 16 Australian titles on the road and track, and was crowned the Champion-of-Champions three times at the Nationals including sweeping the 1951 titles. “I am very humbled, I didn’t think it would ever happen to me,” said the spritely Dixon, who at 85, still rides three times a week. “I didn’t realise at the time that I was a trailblazer, I just raced.”