As Australians prepare to become transfixed as they do for three weeks every year by SBS's late night television coverage of the Tour de France - which starts next Saturday - the question will emerge: where will the next Cadel Evans come from?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
There are no guarantees around when, and if, another Australian rider will be found who can win the Tour, as Evans did in 2011 to become the first and only Australian to do so.
But that has not stopped Simon Gerrans, Australia's top current road cyclist, from using his name and time to do something about it.
When Gerrans, 35, lines up with the Australian Orica-GreenEDGE team for his 10th Tour at the start in the Dutch city of Utrecht, he will be an inspiration for many, but especially for cycling newcomers who raced in the first Victorian Interschools Cycling Series - which he helped create and is ambassador of.
In February last year, Gerrans - who has won two stages of the Tour and in 2013 wore the yellow jersey for two days - wanted to give schools racing a re-boot and arranged a meeting with Cycling Victoria, parents and teachers keen to include a cycling program.
That led to the inaugural staging of VICS, from last October to March, for 11 to 18-year-olds of all levels, racing on closed traffic free circuits.
"I had seen cycling go through such a massive boom in Australia at all levels," Gerrans told Fairfax Media from his European base in Monaco on Friday.
"But what really missing from the picture was the real grass roots stuff and a good safe environment for kids to try cycling, get involved and have a go at competition.
"I thought it would be great to get some kind of program in schools – a safe and structured schools program where kids could see if they like the sport."
The VICS is not only safe, but teaches young riders crucial bike handling skills.
"Cycling is great for the health and well being of kids as they grow up," Gerrans said.
"They will also have a better understanding of cycling and cyclists on the road.
"These kids are sitting in the back seat behind mum and dad at the moment, but they are going to be behind the wheel before they know it.
"They will have a better understanding about cyclists on the road which will create a safer environment on the road.
"Finally, if these kids really enjoy the competition which they seem to be doing who knows … we might find the next Aussie professional out of this group of riders."
