Former Redback Brett Swain riding high as he prepares for Bupa Challenge Tour at Tour Down Under

BRETT Swain used to ride his bike to complement his cricket training while playing for the Redbacks. Now cycling is the focus, as he prepares for the Bupa Challenge Tour at the TDU.

11/12/15 Former Redbacks cricketer Brett Swain with his bike, for the Bupa Challenge Tour. Picture Roger Wyman

BRETT Swain used to ride his bike to complement his cricket training while playing for the Redbacks.

Now 41, the cricket career is over but the cycling is in full swing, with former fast-medium bowler Swain riding 150-200km a week to maintain his fitness.

This year he tackled his first ironman triathlon in Cairns and now he’s gearing up to ride the Bupa Challenge Tour for the sixth time during January’s Tour Down Under.

“It’s a great day, I just try to stay upright, get around the course and catch up with some mates — it’s a pretty social day,” he said.

Swain, who played 23 first class matches for South Australia before retiring due to injury in 2001, is riding the full distance of 142.4km from Norwood to Victor Harbor on January 22.

“Last year I rode back to Adelaide from Mount Barker so got 200km in because I was training for the ironman so you can use the ride for a variety of reasons,” he said.

Swain said the Bupa Challenge Tour and the TDU was a highlight of his family’s summer calendar, with children Milla, 11, and Cooper, 8, keen racegoers each year.

“I take the kids around and we see the stage starts,” he said.

“And one of our favourite things to do every year is go to Aldinga on the Saturday morning and set up on the beach and watch the riders fly past.”

For many participants in the Bupa Challenge Tour the day before, it’s the perfect way to recover after a long day in the saddle.

The Bupa Challenge Tour offers recreational cyclists the choice of riding four distances over the same course as the professionals before Stage 4 of the TDU.

For more information or to register, visit www.tourdownunder.com.au

Originally published as Former Redback Brett Swain riding high as he prepares for Bupa Challenge Tour at Tour Down Under