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I have been blown away by the changing landscape of
world cycling in this country following the success of Cadel Evans at
this year's Tour de France.
After completing my 13th assignment for SBS, I've returned home
overwhelmed by the general public's response to the network's passionate
coverage, but more significantly, the number of non-cycling viewers who
have discovered the Tour for the first time.
For years I've tried to explain cycling's intricacies to those with
little knowledge for cycling - from the Tour's global status to whether
it's a team event or a race for individuals, and also explaining how
team tactics work in the mountain stages etc etc etc.
This time there was no explanation necessary.
At last, it seems, most are finally speaking our language when it comes
to cycling, and let me tell you how refreshing it is.
One of the strangest sights since the end of the Tour was being in
Melbourne for an AFL game between two of the city's popular clubs
Collingwood and St Kilda.
The first quarter coincided with the final kilometres of the men's road
race at the Beijing Olympics.
In the bar from where I was watching the game, I noticed patrons
swarming around various TV monitors.
They were more interested in viewing the end of the race and whether
Michael Rogers or Cadel Evans would snare a medal for Australia.
It's another indication of world cycling's global appeal.
Believe me, I'm so proud to have watched it expand since my arrival in
1996.
Of course, it would not have been possible without the will and
determination to succeed by the many Aussies who have moved to the
pro-circuit in Europe.
The spin-offs back here are endless.
Don't be surprised if club numbers at Randwick-Botany increase as a
result or, if nothing less, cyclists joining the weekend morning group
rides around town swell with new faces.
If so please make them feel welcome as they have taken up cycling after
falling in love with the Tour.
It's certainly a sign of the times.
Michael Tomalaris
Journalist/Presenter/Producer
+61 2 9430-3043
+61 (0)414 586052
OFFICIAL BROADCASTER
2010 FIFA World Cup
2008 Tour de France
ASSOCIATE BROADCASTER
2008 Olympics Games
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