The Coffee Ride #175, with Reece Homfray: Australian cycling’s 50 most influential list
WHO are the 50 most influential people in Australian cycling and why? Riders, officials, team owners, government ministers, media personalities and more make the inaugural list in The Coffee Ride this week.
Cycling
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cycling. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AUSSIE CYCLING FRESHLY BREWED EVERY WEDNESDAY MORNING, EXCLUSIVE TO ADVERTISER.COM.AU
WHAT defines influence in cycling?
Without money the sport in its professional form wouldn’t exist because without a structure whereby teams are funded by the governing body, they are entirely reliant on sponsorship and philanthropy to exist. Not many businessmen get into cycling to make money, it is passion first, investment second.
Then there are major events. Again with such a fractured system in place where the sport’s governing body doesn’t even own or run the biggest race in the world, then it’s up to governments and organisations to stage their own. So who decides what events are held when and where?
What about those who have and are inspiring a generation to take up the sport. How many people took notice of professional cycling in Australia when Phil Anderson wore the yellow jersey at the Tour de France in 1981, or hopped on their bike when Cadel Evans won the Tour in 2011?
And how many kids will start riding a bike after seeing Caleb Ewan dominate at the Tour Down Under or attending one of Caroline Buchanan’s BMX academies?
Then there is social media and the powerful platforms they have provided riders to spread their message to the rest of the world at their fingertips. Or the controversial topic of selection for teams to ride at Olympic Games or the Tour de France?And who is responsible for meeting the public’s growing appetite for the sport in Australia?
Who makes the programming decisions at SBS that it will go after a 10-year broadcast agreement to show the Tour de France until at least 2023? And who are the media personalities who are the conduit between the teams, riders and the public?
These factors were all take into consideration when compiling The Coffee Ride’s first Top 50 most influential people in Australian cycling.
The basic premise was they had to either work in or with Australian cycling or make significant decisions that affect the running of the sport in the country.
It is important to note the list is based on the state of play today, not an historical context of who has influenced Australian cycling in the past, however longevity was taken into consideration when ranking those who still remain an influential force today.
The top 50 list is bound to create discussion about who is too high, too low, who missed out and who shouldn’t be there but that’s what lists are for.
1. GERRY RYAN
Bankrolls the only Australian WorldTour team for both men and women at Mitchelton-Scott which is on top of his long-time financial backing of the sport in general and time as Cycling Australia president. His company Jayco remains naming rights sponsor of the Herald Sun Tour — which his team won again this year with Esteban Chaves.
2. MIKE TURTUR
How many other race directors can fly to Europe for a personal meeting with Peter Sagan and convince the world champion to start his season at their race on the other side of the world for two years in a row? As race director of the first WorldTour event of the season, Turtur has significant pull over the start list and consistently delivers the biggest tourism event in South Australia and one of the biggest in the country.
3. TRACEY GAUDRY
High-ranking UCI official and president of the UCI Oceania Federation, Gaudry has championed women’s cycling since taking office four years ago and will be involved in a bid to bring the road world championships to Australia for the first time since 2010. Is no longer the vice president of the UCI under the new regime but remains one of the most influential figures in the sport in Australia.
4. SIMON JONES
Took the reins as Cycling Australia high performance director from Kevin Tabotta in the wake of an underwhelming Rio Olympic campaign and has not been afraid to make big calls, rightly or wrongly. Moved on two long-time coaches, chose not to fill the women’s quota at road worlds and then send a tiny team to the track worlds to instead focus on Comm Games this year.
5. SHAYNE BANNAN
General manager of Australian team Mitchelton-Scott since its inception, Bannan is not only responsible for delivering a roster that is competitive on the world stage but securing sponsorship support to ensure the team’s long-term viability and so far he’s doing a good job.
6. CADEL EVANS
Evans might have retired four years ago but when he speaks, people listen. Australia’s only Tour winner is now a brand ambassador for BMC and is still a highly sought-after commodity for big businesses. But Evans chooses very carefully which brands he puts his name and face to, and his rare appearances in Australia men he still has top currency when he’s home. Has put his name to the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race which has established itself on the Australian summer calendar.
7. ANNA MEARES
Two-time Olympic gold medallist is in high demand for public and motivational speaking, has branched into commentary roles with the Tour Down Under and is an ambassador for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Remains a highly influential voice and sought-after figure two years into retirement.
8. MICHAEL DRAPAC
Long-time financial supporter of Australian cycling through the Drapac team which has gone from top-level continental team to joint-naming rights of WorldTour team EF-Education First-Drapac in 2018. Highly successful property investor who’s passion for cycling is unwavering and continues to provide an opportunity for Australians to race at the top level — and supports them domestically through the Pat’s Veg Holistic team as well.
9. JOHN TREVORROW
Director of the second biggest stage race in Australia, Trevorrow’s standing in Australian cycling is legendary and he still lures big names such as Chris Froome and Esteban Chaves to the Herald Sun Tour. That’s on top of running the Bay Crits which should return next January in his role as race director with GTR Events which also oversees several other events.
10. STEVE BRACKS
Cycling Australia’s president has kept a relatively low profile since taking over from Malcolm Speed in February, 2017, which is unusual given he is the former Premier of Victoria, but Bracks’ influence behind the scenes should not be underestimated and he is across the unification of the four disciplines at CA.
11. ANDREW CHRISTIE-JOHNSTON
The man behind the most successful domestic cycling team for the past decade, Christie-Johnston continues to fund and manage the team now called Bennelong Swiss Wellness which has produced more than its fair share of WorldTour riders. Along with co-founder of the team Steve Price, they have been big supporters of the National Road Series and Christie-Johnston was rewarded for his long-term commitment and success by directing the UniSA-Australia team at this year’s Tour Down Under.
12. LEON BIGNELL
Former cycling journalist turned politician and now South Australian Sports Minister who ultimately underwrites the biggest sporting and tourism event in the state — the Tour Down Under. Bignell is on close terms with the sport’s powerbrokers in Europe including at the UCI and ASO and it was on his watch the State Government in 2017 decided to replace podium girls at the TDU with future stars of the sport, a move which has been emulated by other races around the world and now Formula One racing.
13. ROCHELLE GILMORE
Former top-level cyclist and now owner/manager of the Wiggle High5 pro women’s cycling team which is a major player on the international scene, and home to the likes of Annette Edmondson, Amy Cure and Macey Stewart. Gilmore’s current title at Wiggle High5 is managing director.
14. JASON BAKKER
Manager of Cadel Evans, Caleb Ewan, Lucas Hamilton, Jack Haig, Rob Power, Simon Clarke and Rob Stannard, Bakker’s influence in the sport now goes beyond the desk where he was the key man behind the scenes of launching and now running the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in Victoria.
15. STEVE DRAKE
Took over from Nick Green as Cycling Australia chief executive in February, having stepped up from being a director on the board. Former Commonwealth Games level cyclist and national champion turned international banker, Drake is now the go-to man for all matters at CA.
16. JOHN WYLIE
Chair of the Australian Sports Commission which determines Cycling Australia’s funding, Wylie does not have bias towards cycling but is a keen follower and supporter of the sport. Was in the chair in 2014 when the ASC loaned Cycling Australia $1.5 million to stabilise its financial position.
17. KIPP KAUFFMAN
Recruited by Cycling Australia from his role as CEO at Cycling Victoria to address a range of problems but more specifically to help revive the National Road Series. Has implemented a range of reforms since starting last year and his influence at CA only looks likely to grow in coming years as he branches into technical compliance, government policy and shaping strategic decisions within the organisation.
18. MATT WHITE
One of the best sports directors in world cycling and he happens to be in charge of Australian team Mitchelton-Scott. White has been calling the shots from the car at the team since its inception in 2012 and has a big say over who’s on the team from year to year and race to race. Has also delivered a long list of major race wins around the world which has made the team a big-time player on the WorldTour.
19. RICHIE PORTE
Australia’s top male road cyclist could well become our next Tour de France champion if he gets a clear run at it. Porte has won the TDU, Paris-Nice, Tour of Catalunya and Tour of Romandie and at 33 is coming into his prime as a Grand Tour contender. Has a massive social media platform and has given BMC a May deadline to confirm its existence next year otherwise his will become one of the most sought-after signatures in the peloton.
20. BRAD MCGEE
Has made the successful transition from pro rider to team director and now top-level administrator at Cycling Australia given he is now responsible for its men’s and women’s road programs for Olympic and Commonwealth Games and world championships. McGee picks and manages the teams that must ultimately deliver gold on the road where according to the Australian Sports Commission, it matters most.
21. WADE WALLACE
Founder of arguably the most popular cycling website in Australia which has gone from strength to strength in the past five years. Wallace took a punt when leaving his day-job to start CyclingTips which now has almost a cult-like following, has a visible presence on the road with a car and team kit, a subscriber base, sister site for strictly female cycling in Ella and runs its own Gran Fondo the Giro della Donna which also sold naming rights to Holden this year.
22. MICHAEL EBEID
Chief executive and managing director of SBS, Ebeid is responsible for major programming decisions which satisfy the appetite Australian cycling fans have for watching live European racing — most significantly, the Tour de France. In 2013 Ebeid travelled to France to meet with the Amaury Sports Organisation where he negotiated an unprecedented 10-year broadcast agreement for the Tour de France in Australia until 2023. Also at SBS, Ken Shipp is head of sport who decides on showing the Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a Espana and the Classics.
23. HITAF RASHEED
If Mike Turtur is the architect of the Tour Down Under, then Rasheed in her role of general manager at Events SA is the diplomat behind the scenes. Rasheed has led the events arm of the SA Tourism Commission since 2008 and is a major player in the TDU’s ongoing success. She takes a broader view of the sport and travels to the Tour de France to meet with the sport’s decision makers.
24. CALEB EWAN
The fastest sprinter in Australia who will make his Tour de France debut this year. Apart from the fact that his signature will be highly sought-after by pro teams when he’s out of contract this year, Ewan’s marketability at 23 is enormous and his ability to influence and inspire the next generation of young Aussie cyclists is just as significant.
25. LUKE ROBERTS
Does his best work behind the scenes but there is no doubt that Michael Matthews’ rise to green jersey winner at the Tour de France has come after he started working closely with Roberts at Sunweb. The former Olympic gold medallist and long-time pro is senior sports director at the WorldTour team which is also now home to some of Australia’s top emerging riders in Jai Hindley and Michael Storer, and Roberts is also being groomed to take over from Brad McGee at CA when the time is right.
26. JOHN EREN
All four editions of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race have been run and won under Victorian Sports Minister John Eren who is a major backer of the event. The race was developed under a previous government but on Eren’s watch it has gone from strength to strength and now WorldTour.
27. DAMIEN DE BUHON
As head of Visit Victoria’s major events division, de Bouhn has been critical in the emergence of the ‘summer of cycling’ brand which incorporates the national road championships, the Cadel Evans Race and Herald Sun Tour. He previously had major roles with the A-League and Cricket Australia, but is passionate about cycling’s growth in Victoria and hosting major races.
28. BERRICK WILSON
Partner of Korda Mentha — a real estate advisory and investment form — which did a deal with Cycling Australia for branding of the national team during the summer of cycling. But his involvement in cycling extends to his role as chairman and founder of ‘Chain Reaction’ which since 2007 has raised $22 million to help sick children. Chain Reaction has Simon Gerrans and Phil Liggett as ambassadors.
29. ROBBIE MCEWEN
Australia’s only three-time green jersey winner at the Tour de France, McEwen is a sought-after race commentator who has partnered with Matt Keenan for SBS’s Tour de France coverage, and has a TV role at both the Tour Down Under and Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Also runs his own Gran Fondo on the Gold Coast every year.
30. MATTHEW KEENAN
Has graduated from hosting ‘The Bike Lane’ which was an online cycling show to replacing Phil Liggett as SBS’s voice of the Tour de France. Keenan is a regular live commentator at major races in Australia, MC’s major cycling functions and events and does all the big stuff for SBS throughout the European season. Not without his critics but has a big and loyal fan base too.
31. TIM DECKER
The man in charge of Australia’s best hope of an Olympic cycling gold medal in Tokyo — the team pursuit. Decker was a highly respected rider for his ability to go hard and go deep then cut his teeth as a coach with the SA Institute of Sport before taking over from Ian McKenzie as head of Australia’s track endurance team after the 2012 Olympics. Has guided the TP to a world title and Comm Games gold and missed out on Olympic gold by a whisker in Rio.
32. BRIDIE O’DONNELL
Long-time competitive cyclist who broke the hour record on the track in 2016 and is now blazing a new trail in her role as head of Victoria’s first office for women in sport. Although her role is all encompassing, O’Donnell remains a passionate and influential voice in the media and go-to for matters in cycling.
33. SIMON GERRANS
Has a palmares behind only Cadel Evans in Australian pro cycling and remains one of the most respected riders in the world. Speaks his mind and doesn’t say a lot but when he does, it’s worth listening to. Recruited to BMC at the age of 37 to fill the role of road captain for Richie Porte as he tries to win the Tour de France.
34. MIKE TOMALARIS
High-profile SBS cycling commentator and host, Tomalaris is a regular at major races in Australia and renowned for his authoritative voice at press conferences, major interviews and live events. Also very active on social media with 21k Twitter followers. Does his fair share of charity rides too which shows a commitment to the sport.
35. PAUL BROSNAN
The unofficial 2IC for just about everything at Cycling Australia. Is the go-to man for riders and has a hands on role at major events including Olympics and Comm Games. Brosnan has been at CA for a long time and seen his fair share of change but remains a crucial cog in the wheel. If Simon Jones calls the shots then it’s Brosnan’s job to make it happen.
36. KATE BATES
Former track world champion and Olympian who has walked the walk so she can talk the talk. Has played somewhat of a pioneering role in women’s cycling commentary both at live races and on TV. Bates is currently on the Australian Sports Commission board and has previously been on the board of Bicycle NSW and Cycling Australia’s women’s commission.
37. ROB ARNOLD
A polarising figure in the Australian cycling media, Arnold published 75 editions of RIDE Magazine over 20 years until 2017. Arnold now writes regularly on his website across all disciplines of the sport and with forays into the politics and machinations of cycling in Australia. He still publishes the official Tour de France guide for Australian readers
38. MICHAEL MATTHEWS
First Australian to win the green jersey at the Tour de France in 12 years and commands top dollar on the WorldTour scene. Has the ability to become world champion as well given his versatility as a rider and at 27 could have 10 years of racing still left in him yet. Another reason young kids are taking up the sport.
39. ALLAN PEIPER
Highly regarded performance director at BMC which has almost become more Australian than Mitchelton-Scott with Rohan Dennis, Miles Scotson, Simon Gerrans and Richie Porte — who this year could become Australia’s next Tour de France winner.
40. ADAM HANSEN
Not only highly respected for his cycling ability and durability — he is set to ride his 20th consecutive Grand Tour at the Giro d’Italia in May — Hansen is also the go-to man for fellow professionals in the peloton in his role as riders’ advocate. Hansen liaises with race management if there are any issues particularly regarding rider safety as seen with the heat at the Tour Down Under the past two years.
41. CHLOE HOSKING
Australia’s top female sprinter, Hosking does her best work on the bike for her team Ale Cipolini but also has a strong voice on social media which was evident during last year’s non-selection saga before the world championships. With strong backing from riders and fans, Hosking challenged CA’s decision not to take her to the world titles and was successful. Bound for the Gold Coast Comm Games where only Anna Meares and Kathy Watt have been to more as a female Australian cyclist.
42. GRACIE ELVIN
Long-time rider in the pro women’s peloton, Olympian and talented road cyclist, Elvin has also helped found The Cyclists’ Alliance which is pushing for a minimum wage in women’s cycling.
43. SCOTT SUNDERLAND
Former pro rider and pro team director, Sunderland is now race director at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and has a strong relationship with teams to deliver a world-class event in sports-mad Victoria.
44. DAVID MCKENZIE
Another former top level rider who has a big media presence through his role on TV with Full Cycle and more recently as live commentator at the Tour Down Under. McKenzie started his own bike tour business after retiring and remains a vocal and passionate voice in the sport.
45. SCOTT MCGRORY
Another former Olympic gold medallist who has made the transition to an off-the-bike role in cycling. Has a significant media presence as presenter of Fox Sports’ Full Cycle TV program and more recently took over as race director for the Cycling Australia national road championships.
46. PHIL ANDERSON
A popular and still very relevant figure in Australian cycling despite limited public appearances these days. A pioneer of Australian cycling who inspired a generation to take up the sport after becoming the first non-European to wear the yellow jersey at the Tour de France. Was a guest on Fox Sports program The Back Page last year given he is still regarded as the man who put pro road cycling on the map in Australia.
47. MARK FENNER
One of the top coaches in the country who has developed multiple WorldTour riders working closely with Andrew Christie-Johnston’s cycling team. Fenner heads FTP training and has worked with the likes of Steele von Hoff, Chris Hamilton, Jack Haig and Peta Mullens. His
riders regularly perform at national championships and he was part of the brains behind Today’s Plan, a digital training tool that was used by WorldTour teams.
48. DAVE SANDERS
Long-time cycling coach and manager with the Victorian Institute of Sport and until recently had directed the UniSA team at the Tour Down Under. Highly respected for his knowledge of the sport, a personal coach and trainer for Simon Gerrans and is now responsible for developing the next generation of Australian talent as director/trainer of the Mitchelton-BikeExchange Continental team.
49. CAROLINE BUCHANAN
Australia’s most recognisable BMX rider who is sought-after by sponsors and has launched her own junior academy which inspires young kids to take up the sport. The only thing missing from Buchanan’s resume is an Olympic gold medal because she has won just about everything else across a range of disciplines and providing she recovers from a car accident over Christmas/New Year that may all change in Tokyo in 2020.
50. DONNA RAE SZALINSKI
One of the stayers in the industry who has built up a degree of knowledge and respect and builds relationships with all levels of the sport. Has had a variety of roles from team manager to technical director and has worked with Rochelle Gilmore’s Wiggle team.
Welsford ‘lost for words’ after third Tour Down Under stage win
Aussie Sam Welsford has claimed his third Tour Down Under stage this race, while a rider was kicked out ahead of its final stage following a review of a race incident.
Ecuadorian conquers Willunga Hill to claim TDU honours
Ecuadorian Jhonatan Narváez has conquered Willunga Hill and will win the Tour Down Under after finishing second in the race last year.