CYCLING: Cycling in the South West received a significant boost last week with three time Tour de France green jersey winner Robbie McEwen visiting the region.
The program, sponsored by the Department of Sport and Recreation, kicked off on Tuesday evening with a legends talk.
McEwen was joined by local professional triathlete Ryan Bailie and former Australian road race champion Peter McDonald.
The trio entertained the crowd with stories from the professional peleton and insights into the training load required to win a Commonwealth Games medal in triathlon.
The following morning, more than 60 riders turned out to Ride with Robbie and learn from one of the greatest road cyclists Australia has ever produced.
Some of the local juniors completed the full 60 kilometre loop with McEwen providing tips and advice along the way.
The rest of the day was spent visiting local schools including Tuart Forest Primary School where the students were all dressed in green and wearing bike helmets.
McEwen spent the rest of the week racing with the South West Cycle Club Race team at the Tour of Margaret River.
The unique Pro-Am format of the tour gives club level riders the opportunity to ride and race with their heroes.
Peter McDonald ended the four day tour as the highest placed South West rider finishing 16th out of the 400 starters which included a strong third place finish on the final 50 kilometre stage.
