By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
HE WAS once ranked third in the world as a triathlete but Greg Stewart will be just one of the cyclists enjoying the Great Ocean and Otway Classic Ride.
He’s not even riding the top distance, 204km, instead opting for the more leisurely 145km while others go for the 60km ride between Torquay and Lorne on 18 April.
“I’m still racing a bit these days, although not as much. I still get a kick out of it,” said Stewart, the 1986 Australian intermediate triathlon champion.
Events like the Great Ocean and Otway Classic Ride were nowhere on the horizon when he began his career, Stewart marvelled.
“There were only racing cyclists around when I started 30 years ago and it’s changed so much since then.
“These rides attract so many participants, in their thousands, with many more doing social rides around the place.
“Cycling is so beneficial, though, and when athletes finish their more physical sports, even if they are carrying injuries, they can still hop on a bike.”
