Hayman fights back tears after ending 20 years of pro cycling with a successful Tour Down Under

Professional cyclist Mathew Hayman ended a 20-year career on Willunga Hill fighting back tears after helping Mitchell-Scott team-mate Daryl Impey win the Tour Down Under.

MATHEW Hayman fought back tears as he completed the final pedal strokes of a 20-year professional career yesterday.

The 40-year-old workhorse and Paris-Roubaix champion went out a winner as he celebrated teammate Daryl Impey claiming the Tour Down Under in his last ever professional race.

Hayman described his emotions as “very mixed” riding up Willunga Hill for the final time and even allowed himself a beer to savour the moment.

“I was off at the bottom by myself having a bit of a wave, started to get a frog in my throat, and then all of a sudden the mind was back on the race and how was Daryl doing,” Hayman said.

“Then I had my teammates Edmo, Durbo and Heppy with me and it came over the radio that he won, it took my mind off the retirement and it just reminded me this is why I do it.

“Big events, we’ve raced all week, and we needed every single one of us to be on all the time and I couldn’t think of a better way to go out, not only because we won but the way we raced.

“We were hugging, we were falling off the bike, we even had a couple of beers on the way up.”

Hayman’s family even surprised him by gathering on one of the corners of the hill to cheer him on.

“I didn’t know they were going to be out there, it was very special, they’re all quite emotional, it’s very special to have everyone come to your last day at work.

“I just held it together but probably because I was excited about the win for Daryl.

“I really reckon it will be in a couple of weeks time it will hit me, I really enjoy this race and have so much fun here, it’s normally in a week when I notice it, it’s been such an emotional high for the last week.”

In a symbolic baton change at Mitchelton-Scott, Hayman was rooming with Lucas Hamilton who is half his age and played a crucial role in Impey’s win.

“We’ve even been in the same room all week, it’s been a pleasure to room with him, he’s a very level headed young guy and I think he’s had a ride of the week outside of Patrick Bevin,” Hayman said.

“Lucky enough I’ll still be with the team and able to follow his progress going forward.”

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Originally published as Hayman fights back tears after ending 20 years of pro cycling with a successful Tour Down Under