CYCLING - ROAD: Having already secured some of cycling’s greatest feats, including stage wins at all three Grand Tours, Victoria’s Simon Clarke will add title another to his back pocket – Olympian.
Clarke, 30, was confirmed on Saturday as Australia’s Rio 2016 Olympic Games men’s road race replacement for the injured Simon Gerrans.
“It is an extremely satisfying feeling and definitely give you that feeling that all the hard work is paying off,” said Clarke, who currently rides with Cannondale–Drapac.
“I can't thank the people enough who encouraged me to take up cycling and those who have supported me right through this near two decade to arrive at the level that I am at today.”
Clarke is no stranger to delivering in the big moments in the World Tour, from being one of the integral components of Cadel Evans’ world title win in 2009, Clarke has also bagged stage wins at all three Grand Tours - just one of four Australians to boast this honour.
In a good sign for the tough 250km course that awaits them in Rio, Clarke also boasts a King of the Mountains jersey from the Vuelta a España.
He has also claimed the overall honours at the Herald Sun Tour in 2014, and in 2015, held the pink jersey at the Giro d'Italia and finished second at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race at the start of the year.
“It was a career goal of mine to be selected for an Olympics, and realising that goal 18 years after having taken up cycling through the Great Victorian Bike Ride is something I could never have imagined achieving when starting out,” said Clarke.
“I am just really focused on performing well and justifying my selection.
"Although I have raced many big races it will be something special to line up for an Olympic road race and one I will cherish for life.”
Clarke will now join with fellow Olympic debutant Richie Porte (TAS), plus Rohan Dennis (SA), who will make his Olympic road debut after wining silver on the track four yeasts ago in London.
“I know both Rohan and Richie very well but have never ridden with them on the same team, so I am looking forward to racing with them in the same colours in Rio and I'm sure we will race well together,” said Clarke who has some inside knowledge on the course after riding the test event last August.
The first medal final of the cycling program for Rio will feature one of the most challenging road courses in Olympic history that is sure to decimate the field to a small field by the end of the 250km trek.
“It's a very tough course with many factors that all require considering and will provide for a very interesting race.”
“My goal for Rio is to put in a personal best performance to ensure the Aussie team achieves the best result possible.”
Clarke will continue his preparations at home in Andorra, before contesting the Clasica Ciclista San Sebastian before heading to Rio.
The cycling action kicks off along the Copacabana Beach with the men's road race on August 6 with the women to follow on August 7.
The race against the clock for men and women - the individual road time trial - will be contested on August 10.
Amy McCann
Cycling Australia
