Adrian and Dylan have been to many Classics events. Every single one… to be exact. However, due to our good friend COVID-19, they’re unable to make to The 2021 Noosa Classic. Like many other riders that can’t attend, they will be watching and supporting from afar. We caught up both of them this week to take a ride down memory lane and show their support for riders of the Noosa Classic!
Dylan Robertson
“Whilst it’s disappointing to not be up in Noosa helping to fly the Classics flag, I think it’s awesome that you’ve got the event up and running in the first place… it’s a fantastic effort from the Classics team, and I’m sure it’ll be amazing! Even though it’s little smaller than the team originally planned!”
Can’t believe you’ve ridden ALL the Classics?
You’re right…I’ve done every one so far…which make missing Noosa 2021 all the more disappointing!
Can you tell me some of your highlights?
Plenty of highlights…from freezing on the start line before the very first Classic in Bowral, to the monsoonal finish to Noosa’s first event, and I’ll never forget the fantastic road trip to the Clare Classic. I think it’s important to remember that it’s not just about the ride, it’s about the whole event, the fun you have in training with your mates, the travelling to wonderful locations with your family and friends, and rolling through beautiful towns and landscapes…every Classic event is a highlight in itself!
The Clare trip was particularly epic – can you tell me a little more about that major road trip?
Our choice of transport to the Clare Classic was all about making the most of the fact we had to get to South Australia in the first place. Why fly when you can drive?! So in the spirit of what the Classics are all about, a great mate and I packed up the bikes, the lycra, grabbed a few snacks, and hit the road for our own Classics road trip.
It was a fantastic drive…we had a lot of fun, and took in some wonderful forever changing countryside along the way. I don’t know who had more laughs, Diesel & I in the car, or our cycling mates who we sent photo updates to along the way…they all thought we were crazy!
What do you ride and how do you train for Classics?
Training for the Classics is not taken anywhere near as seriously as it probably should be…but when you’re a member of Team BMC (Beer, Mates, Cycling), we think we’ve got our priorities just right!
If I was more serious, I probably wouldn’t still be rolling around on my 2013 Giant!
Finally, sadly NSW riders can’t be in Noosa this weekend – what will you be doing and where will you be riding instead (or how will you mark the third Noosa Classic)
I’m still not sure what our alternative plan is for this Sunday…we would love to be riding in Noosa, but whatever alternate plan we come up with, I’m sure it’ll involve a bit of BMC!
Adrian Mitchell
Have you really been to ALL the Classics?
Yep! Every single one of them. I’ve been friend with James (founder of the Classics) for a long time and I’ve attended all of them!
Can they tell us some of the highlights?
Seeing the team at the Classics and Bicycling Australia get the events off the ground is an achievement all in itself. Bicycling Australia and the Classics tapped into the demand of cycling in Australia. Even though the weather can be a little hairy sometimes they’re always amazing events.
The first Noosa Classic bucketed down but it was BIBLICAL! The visibility wasn’t great but the event was amazing despite the setback. It’s always a good opportunity to have a great weekend with friends.
The Clare trip was particularly epic – can they tell us a little more about that major roadtrip?
A friend and I ended up driving 16 hours and I wanted to go to keep my Classics record up (even though it almost didn’t work out)!
All the courses are different and difficult (I always do the Maxi) and it was stinking hot on the day. It was a pretty epic ride, so beautiful and we spent the rest of our time wine tasting and the heat was all worth it. Clare encapsulated what the Classics were about. Riding with friends, enjoying a weekend of cycling and wine tasting when you can.
A notable mention to Mudgee 2021! It was an outstanding event, the team really pulled off that event seamlessly after so long of us all sitting at home doing nothing. It felt great to get out to a beautiful part of the world and just really enjoy it.
What do each of them ride and how do they train for Classics?
I ride a run of the mill road bike but I’ve upgraded to a Cervelo recently.
We ride 3 – 4 times a week. Around 50kms on the weekdays and we try to do a long ride on the weekends. Especially in the lead up to the Classics. It’s just a part of our regime, to do those long rides. We try to stay on track and ride as much as possible. That’s my best piece of advice.
Finally, sadly NSW riders can’t be in Noosa this weekend – what will they be doing and where will they be riding instead (or how will they mark the third Noosa Classic)
I was secretly wishing that it was cancelled so I could still say that I have my perfect record! Every event is so brilliant and well organised, I hope all riders have a fantastic weekend.
I think the weekend is meant to be unfavourable weather, but if not I’ll be on the bike wearing my Noosa Classic jersey and wishing what could have been..
Thanks to Adrian and Dylan for their continued to support of the Classics events and you will be sorely missed this Noosa Classic! We’ll catch you in Bowral.
By Claudia Oprya
