Internationally renowned cyclists Simon Gerrans and Baden Cooke will headline an event in Benalla next month to raise money to help local athletes realise their dreams. The two Tour de France champions will provide a unique insight into the life and challenges of professional cyclists at the Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Thursday 17 December. Other locally grown international cyclists, David Tanner and Dean Woods (Olympic Gold Medallist) will also be present.
The event is a fundraiser for the Benalla Young Sportspersons Trust which was established in the 1990’s to support local athletes to compete at state and international sporting events. During the past three years the trust has financially supported twenty athletes to the tune of $10,000.
Trust Chairman, Dr Bill Sykes, said the event promised to be the highlight of Benalla’s sporting calendar. “Baden and Simon are both exceptional athletes who have enjoyed success at the highest level,” he said. “The opportunity to hear these two young men talk about their rise to the top of their sport will be extremely interesting and rewarding.”
Dr Sykes said money raised at the event will help the Trust support the pursuits of up-and-coming athletes in the Benalla and district. “Both Baden and Simon are outstanding role models for young athletes and are testament to the fact that if you are willing to work hard and stay committed to your goals, you can achieve success at the highest level.”
Baden Cooke, 31, was born in Benalla, winning his first competitive cycling race at the age of 11. He won a bronze medal at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, and a year later competed in the Olympic Games road race. Cooke competed in four Tour de France events, winning the sprinters jersey in 2003. In 2010 he will race for the pro tour squad team Saxo Bank.
Twenty-nine year-old Simon Gerrans was born in Jamieson, near Mansfield, and is currently riding for the Cervelo pro cycling team. He has enjoyed continued success since turning pro in 2005, competing in the Tour de France in the same year.
Overcoming a heavy fall in 2006, which shattered his left collarbone and right shoulder, Gerrans recovered to represent his country at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne later that year. In 2008, riding for the Credit Agricole team, he won the 15th stage of the Tour de France surviving a series of attacks from the world’s best climbers.
Gerrans signed with team Cervelo this year, winning stage 14 of the Giro d’Italia and later the 10th stage of the Vuelta a Espana, to become the first Australian to win a stage of each of the three Grand Tours.
Former VFL player and sports presenter, Michael Roberts, will MC the evening which starts at 7pm.
Tickets for the event cost $25 adults, and $10 for students and pensioners. Group bookings of ten are available for $200. Cost includes finger food and door prizes.
All proceeds from the event and sporting memorabilia items will benefit the Benalla Young Sportspersons Trust.
To book tickets, please phone Bill Sykes on (03) 5762 2100 or Colin Tatterson on (03) 5762 2221.
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