Olympic rowing greats Nick Green and James Tomkins to test their cycling over Mt Buninyong
ALLIES as members of rowing’s Oarsome Foursome, Nick Green and James Tomkins will lock horns in the name of pride when they tackle Mt Buninyong’s formidable contours tomorrow.
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ALLIES for the best part of a decade as members of rowing’s Oarsome Foursome, Nick Green and James Tomkins will lock horns in the name of pride when they tackle Mt Buninyong’s formidable contours ​tomorrow.
The Olympic and world champions are both keen cyclists and will participate in tomorrow’s Australian Championships Gran Fondo ahead of the elite road races.
The Gran Fondo allows recreational riders to test themselves over the undulating 10.2km course in a variety of age groups.
Age group winners for both men and women will be crowned Australian Gran Fondo Champions but Green and Tomkins are interested in a more personal battle — bragging rights.
“I want to do it reasonably well but I’m 100 kilos and apparently there’s a hill there,” Tomkins said.
“And apparently we’ve got to do it a few times, so we’ll see how it goes.
“I know I’ll give Nick a touch up for sure. It’s fantastic to be able to ride that course.”
Cycling Australia CEO Green claims he’s prepared to lose as he moves slowly around the course to make sure everything is in order on the punishing road racecourse.
“I’m going to make sure everything is in place and check out the crowds as I go around,” Green said.
“I want to ride slowly and take it all in, so I’ll let James win.
“Those hills are going to be a challenge.
“The event is aimed at people like me to have a go and see what it’s like.
“It’s an event which will attract the recreational cyclists to Ballarat to enjoy all the great things in the area.
“Cycling Australia is really excited about this new event.
“It’s a closed course and the same course for the elite men and elite women on Sunday.
“The general punters can ride it on Saturday and then stay overnight in Ballarat and experience all the great things this event brings.”
The weekend racing, particularly the elite men’s and women’s events, is expected to attract huge crowds to Mt Buninyong.
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