Aussie Cyclists Fly the Flag in USA
28.04.2008

While most young aspiring Aussie Cyclists have always dreamed of racing in one of the big European Pro Teams, its clear that the growing cycling market in the USA is now offering more opportunities for the young Aussies to get on the road and make a living out if their chosen sport. 

While US races like the Tour de Georgia, currently rolling out in the east of the country, continue to grow in status and importance – the teams taking part are starting to include more and more Australian names. 

And not just those old stagers like Henk Vogels, who has become a fixture in the US racing scene, but also the younger up-and-coming Aussies like Trent Lowe, who is contracted to the US based Slipstream Chipotle Team and currently heads the Best Young Rider Classification points tally in the Tour de Georgia.

Undoubtedly the success of Lance Armstrong has assisted in the development and profile of cycling racing in the USA, but, even now with no obvious American heir-apparent stepping up to take Lance’s place, cycling in the USA continues to grow in every area from recreational to professional races throughout the country.  This growth is not necessarily mirrored in their home country so many young Aussies are taking every opportunity to get into professional cycling via the American teams and races – and so far making every post a winner.

Whilst Trent Lowe had been a stand out at home and abroad, there is a posse of young talented riders snapping at his, and every other pro cyclist’s, rapidly spinning heels this year.

The list of young Aussies in teams at the Tour de Georgia is probably the best indication of their strength and depth in the USA generally.  Ryan Sullivan, Jonathan Cantwell and Cody Stevenson have joined experienced US campaigner Trent Wilson on the Jittery Joe’s Team, while Matt Rice has earned his spot on the Jelly Belly Team.

Another experienced campaigner is Matthew Wilson, former Australian Champion and team mate to Baden Cooke and Brad McGee. Wilson has taken the lead spot at Team Type 1 with the support of fellow Aussies Glen Chadwick and Fabio Calabria.

At the same time one of Wilson’s long time mates and fellow campaigners, Henk Vogels, has seen the potential of his Toyota-United Team boosted considerably with the inclusion of promising young Aussie “star in the making” Ben Day, who continues to threaten the established stars every time he races. Hilton Clarke also races with this team and is based in Los Angeles.