Much like the brave breakaway rider, getting ahead early can reap the very best of rewards.

That was certainly the case for Geelong local, Jamie Cullum, who rides away with a brand-new BMC bike – his to own after registering ahead for the 2024 TAC People’s Ride.

The BMC MY23 SLR Five was given away immediately after our 2023 event, with 25-year-old Jamie the lucky recipient.

Jamie rode the 2023 TAC People’s Ride in the long course, clocking up 125km in his first go.

“It was really good, I enjoyed all the challenges that were presented,” he said, referring to the hill routes as an integral part of the challenge.

“It was quite a hot day, but I really enjoyed the overall event.”

Like many others, Jamie got into cycling during the pandemic as a way to keep fit. “I always wanted a bike, but I think just during Covid, people wanted to stay fit and we know bike sales went through the roof.”

“I kind of jumped on the train and haven’t looked back since.”

BMC, the world-renowned premium Swiss bike brand that meets the highest standards in quality, design, and manufacturing, is a long-time supporter of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, and the brand that backed Cadel throughout much of his professional career – including in 2011 when he triumphed in the yellow jersey at the Tour de France.

The SLR Five employs BMC’s trademark Accelerates Composites Evolution Technology + (ACE+), which generates thousands of virtual frame prototypes to satisfy Stiffness, Weight and Compliance and Aerodynamic targets.

“I am really excited and keen to take it for a spin around Geelong” Jamie said. “Hopefully it’ll help me up Challambra next year!”

Now, with a BMC in his garage, he’s got more motivation than ever to take on the long course next January.

“I will do more training that I did this year, mainly the hills,” he said. “It’s definitely one of the reasons I signed up to ride – that motivation to keep me accountable and on track.”

Registering early for the 2024 TAC People’s Ride gives participants a target to train for when the world’s best cyclists hit Geelong and Surf Coast region once again. Now is the best time to start training. To register for the 2024 TAC People’s Ride, please click here.