Tim Decker to lead new team into Melbourne to Warrnambool classic

Tim Decker claimed the Melbourne to Warrnambool in 2007 as a rider but this weekend will chase victory in a different role. Here’s how he could create a slice of history with rising stars to lead the way.

The Team Brennan squad for the 2025 ProVelo League series. Picture: Con Chronis.

He’s conquered the Melbourne to Warrnambool as a rider and now Tim Decker has the chance to history without even stepping onto the bike.

Decker is the boss of Team Brennan — a squad of up and coming riders — which will compete in this weekend’s event.

It’s also part of the newly established ProVelo League, which is the new second tier of Australian cycling and provides the opportunity for the under-23s men’s and women’s winner to trial with Team Jayco Alula.

Timothy Decker, competing in 2007, on his way to winning the classic road race. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

Last year, Decker was the coach of the Australian’s men’s team pursuit which won gold at the Paris Olympics.

And he still remembers his win in 2007 well.

“The memories I have are a lot of joy and relief,” he said.

“I put in a lot of time and effort into winning the Warnny. It was my 14th attempt and it was time I won it.

“I was in a good place to give it my best shot and it came together on the day.”

Decker said riders need everything to be right on the day to be contention.

His team’s best chance will be Tristan Saunders, who won the race two years ago.

Tristan Saunders celebrates his win in 2023. Photo by Con Chronis.

“When you are a previous winner, you are dangerous,” Decker said.

“You can read the race well and put yourself in the right positions.

“He’s in good condition and even if he is hurting a bit early on he’ll know how to get himself out of that and be in a position where he’ll be challenging for a win or a good position overall.”

Decker also has several young guns ready to seize their chance.

One of them is Jack Ward who is leading the under-23 men’s category in the Provelo League.

Dekker said the focus is on winning this weekend and not the overall outcome.

“You don’t get many opportunities in your life to win the Melbourne to Warrnambool, so that is the first priority,” Decker said.

“Jack has all the attributes to be pro in the long run anyway, regardless of whether he wins the under-23s this year or next year.”

Other contenders include 2024 Olympic Games track cycling gold medallist Conor Leahy and last year’s winner Mark O’Brien.

In the women’s event, Josephine Pepper will be looking to go one better after finishing second in 2024 with Sophia Sammons, who is third in the ProVelo League women’s standings, looking to improve on her fourth place finish last year.

The event starts in the morning on Saturday.

Originally published as Tim Decker to lead new team into Melbourne to Warrnambool classic