Cyclist to test skills against world’s best

The South Lake resident began cycling less than two years ago and has since taken part in several charity rides.

With the chance to qualify for the Gran Fondo World Championships in September and race with 12-time Tour de France stage winner Robbie McEwan, Mr Soh said it was time to test his skills.

“I’ve been wanting to take part in a competitive race for a while and it’s a good way to gauge where I’m at fitness- wise compared with others in my age group,” he said.

Next week’s World Series will be broken into two events – a 16km time trial on March 11 and a 143km road race two days later.

The top 25 per cent from each of the eight age categories will qualify for the world championships, to be run over the same course. It will be the first time the world championships have been held in Australia.

Former Australian sprint king McEwan has signed on as an ambassador for the event, and will ride in the qualifier next week.

Mr Soh said it was exciting to have an opportunity to race with one of Australia’s finest.

Event director David Sierakowski said close to 1000 riders had signed on to the road race, with 400 to test themselves in the time trial.

That includes 70 international riders and 250 interstate riders.