Sam Spokes sees big things in Luke Deasey’s future.
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Former professional cyclist Spokes, who’s been coaching Deasey at Tamworth Cycle Club, said Deasey’s improvement had been incredible and the potential was easy to see.
“The one thing that’s always impressed me about Luke was his dedication and his passion for cycling,” Spokes said.
“It’s a tough sport. It’s hard to sit on a bike for four to five hours a day if you don’t love it.
“He definitely has the ability to get to the NRS [National Road Series] and if he wants to make that commitment, there’s nothing stopping him.”
Deasey’s latest achievement came on the weekend as the 15-year-old claimed 19th in the 70-kilometre Blayney 2 Bathurst road race against open age competitors.
“It’s a top result. He’s only been riding at this level for 18 months and he comes from a family with no background in cycling,” Spokes said.
“He’s done all the hard work. He’s one of the most dedicated riders I’ve seen, anywhere really.”
What the Deasey family lacks in experience in the cycling world, Spokes said they more than made up for with dedication.
“He’s lucky he has his mum Kath and dad Jeremy. They do a lot with all three of their kids for their sports,” Spokes said.
“It’s something a lot of kids take for granted – their parents are their biggest sponsors.
“Half the reason he’s been able to do what he’s been able to do is because of his parents. It’s pretty special when the parents have the same dedication.”
Spokes said Deasey will need every ounce of that dedication with a heavy workload coming up this year.
“He’ll contest the state championships this year – and he’ll be competitive – all the while doing school and a school-based apprenticeship [with PJ Truman Constructions],” Spokes said.
Deasey – who dreams of racing the Spring Classics in Europe – said Spokes had played a huge role in his development.
“I wouldn’t have placed where I did at the Blayney 2 Bathurst without Sam,” Deasey said.
Deasey was joined by another 21 riders from the Tamworth Cycle Club at the Blayney 2 Bathurst over the weekend.
Robert Wright, Ash Smith, Barry Stockman, Murray Russell, Pip Ash, and Min McDonald rode as a bunch in the recreational gran fondo while the rest of the TCC riders rode competitively.
RESULTS
Short course
Luke Deasey 19th place
Fletcher Partlin 53rd place
Zane Tapp 70th place
Jeremy Deasey 104th place
Long course
Elite
Mick Sherwood 63rd place
Sherwood finished just five minutes behind the winner on a blistering pace of 40km/hr for a total time of 2hrs 39 mins.
Age division races
Fraser Ashford (men’s 45-49) 4th place
Jayne Puttman (women’s 45-49) 6th place
Alyssa Rogan (women’s 45-49) 10th place
Katrina Ashford (women’s 35-39) 14th place
Luke O’Connor (men’s 40-44) 50th place
Jamie Groen (men’s 45-49) 160th place
Steve McMahon (men’s 45-49) 29th place