WA cyclist Luke Durbridge sets sights on Tour de France call-up

AMIDST a hectic schedule for 2014, one event stands out like a beacon for WA cyclist Luke Durbridge – the Tour de France.

Luke Durbridge will be the ambassador for Perth’s Velofest in March.

AMIDST a hectic schedule for 2014, one event stands out like a beacon for WA cyclist Luke Durbridge – the Tour de France.

The 22-year-old has a call-up for the world’s most renowned race firmly in his sights as he prepares to embark on a testing six months.

After finishing second at last month’s National Time Trial Championships, Durbridge said he was focused on continuing to deliver strong results to earn consideration for the July event.

“I’m on the radar at the moment,” the Orica GreenEdge rider said.

“I just need to have some good results throughout the year.

“You also have to fit in well with the team – in the sense of what the objectives are for the team.

“I just have to work out what the goals of the teams are. Hopefully I can align myself with those and get selected.”

A berth at Le Tour would form ideal preparation for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which begins in late July.

Closer to home, Durbridge has been named as an ambassador for next month’s Velofest – previously known as the Perth Festival of Cycling - despite his packed schedule meaning he will be in Europe and unable to compete.

Having honed his craft clocking kilometres on streets and paths around Perth, Durbridge said he was thrilled to see a high-class event established in his home city.

“I’m really proud to see it happen,” he said.

“I think WA’s got some of the best roads and infrastructure – especially with the amount of bike paths – so we are leading the way in certain areas there.

“WA’s been represented really highly at the elite level, so for us to be able to have a good weekend of cycling to show what Perth and this state is all about is special.”

Velofest runs from March 26-30, with the Woodside Tour de Perth set to attract some of the world’s elite road cyclists.

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson