As part of our series on ambassadors and prominent riders of the Bowral Classic we caught up with well-known and highly-respected rider and racer Daniel Bonello.
When not out on his bike Dan works for Rapha Australia as Mobile Clubhouse Manager. He is also an ambassador for highly-respected footwear manufacturer and Bowral Classic sponsor Bont Cycling.
Living and breathing the sport, he’s an inspirational rider of gifted ability. At the 2016 Bowral Classic Dan was among the first of the 160km riders home, averaging a speed of 39.8km/h.
Here’s his bio –
Name: Daniel Bonello
Age: 30
First Bike: 2003 Giant OCR 1
Current Bike/s: Wilier Cento 01, Shimano Di2, Cannondale CAAD12 Dura Ace Di2, Focus Mares CX.
Why do you love cycling? It has taken me to more destinations across the globe than I could have ever hoped.
Peak cycling moment: Helping Paul van der Ploeg win a stage and take the Yellow jersey at the 2013 Tour of Borneo.
Dream Destination: Majorca or Iceland
Favourite ride in Australia: The Promise Land loop from Sawtell NSW. It covers some amazing scenery and spectacular gravel roads. The weather is usually agreeable year round in this part of the year although humidity does get pretty outrageous during Spring and Summer. The ride also starts and finishes at an amazing cafe, ‘Hello Sawtell’, which is owned by Duncan; a very keen cyclist and racer himself.
What do you want from this year’s Bowral Classic: One thing I want from this year’s BC is this – the fastest time.
Finally, your advice for riders: I would advise riders to tackle as many hills as they can in their preparation for the Bowral Classic. The most effective way to get better at climbing is simply to climb so the more you do the faster you get on the hills.
Dan Bonello competing at the 2016 Australian National Road Championships – yes that’s Mark Renshaw just behind him. Image: Kirsty Baxter.
