They are stars of the UCI WorldTour, but where did it all begin? We asked these pros about their childhood memories of cycling.
Whether they grew up in the outback or the city, these legends of the Men’s and Women’s UCI WorldTour have one thing in common – they all fell in love with bike riding at a young age.
“I have a lot of fond memories of riding – even before I started racing I was always on my bike,” recalls the world’s fastest sprinter Caleb Ewan (Lotto Soudal).
“I was 10 years old when I started racing. A lot of my childhood was spent on my bike with my brother, sister and parents. I have nice memories of that time.”
With plenty of families already registered for the 2020 VEGEMITE® Family Ride on Friday 31 January, it’s clear bike riding is a favourite pursuit for the next generation, too. And the benefits are profound.
Cadel Evans says the more activity we do, especially at a young age, the more likely children are to develop a healthy lifestyle and also enjoy family unity.
“I started riding with training wheels when I was two,” he says. “We didn’t have a family ride where I lived in the Northern Territory!”
Winner of the 2020 Women’s Lexus of Blackburn Bay Crits earlier this month, Chloe Hosking (Rally Cycling), recalls taking to the streets of Canberra with her father and mentor Steven.
“It made me feel grown up, independent and gave me a sense of freedom,” she says. “Obviously, it was also cool to hang out with my dad and go fast.
“The social side of cycling is definitely what kept me in the sport when I was 16, 17 and 18, so I love seeing all the participants out on the roads enjoying themselves.”
Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe in Ireland, Sam Bennett (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) was all about testing his two-wheel limits as a youngster.
“I remember building ramps, trying to jump as high as I could, and doing tricks around the avenue. I was always messing about on bikes and having fun with friends,” says the Irish Road Champion.
Help create great memories with your children at the free 2020 VEGEMITE® Family Ride in Geelong on Friday 31 January. The 1.6km circuit is closed to traffic and takes in the same finishing straight as the pros course along the Waterfront Precinct. Register today.