In many ways, 2018 could prove a pivotal year for cycling in Australia, with Richie Porte again the focus of much attentionNothing seems amiss on the sunny streets of Adelaide. The professional peloton has arrived in Australia to begin another year of the UCI World Tour, with the usual circus of sponsors and supporters in tow. Coffee shops are full of lycra-clad riders, the temporary Tour Down Under village is humming with activity and charismatic world champion Peter Sagan is wowing crowds. While some pageantry is expected to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tour, it is otherwise business as usual for Australia’s biggest road race.But 2018 is not just another year for the nation’s cyclists. A packed calendar in Australia and across the globe promises a mix of challenges and opportunities for riders. The same can be said of those labouring in the back-room, with reform and renewal taking place within the sport’s peak body, its high performance unit and the only Australian-registered World Tour team. In a variety of ways, 2018 could prove to be a pivotal year for cycling in this country. Related: Ukad criticises British Cycling for ‘hindering’ Jiffy bag investigation Continue readingreadfullarticle
