Hamish Heard
The move from the Australian Defence Force to a Ryrie Street bike shop has proven successful for James Fitzgerald and uncle Bill Whiteside.
The pair’s shop, Tri2cycle, has been named one of the state’s top two sellers of Felt racing bikes and number one in regional Victoria.
Less than two years ago 24yearold James was serving as a helicopter mechanic in the army and contemplating life as a civilian when Bill, a former Navy mechanic, suggested a business venture.
“Bill saw that there wasn’t a bike shop in central Geelong and we could both see a niche market for a specialised road and tri bikes shop in the area,” James said.
The move allowed James to fulfil his ambition to combine a career with his passion for cycling.
James is so keen on the sport he’s planning to ride 1000 continuous laps of Geelong West’s cycling track in an attempt to raise $10,000 to help two promising local cyclists represent Australia at World Track Cycling Championships in Mexico.
He is confident James Langerdyke and Leigh Howard will do Geelong proud at the August event, provided he can raise enough money.
James urged anyone wanting to support the bid to make a donation or sponsor a lap by calling into Tri2cycle.