Hadley dreams of pro status
• Jack Hadley in yellow riding in the under 19 men criterium. Image Trenton Smith.
June 07, 2023
By Taylor Clyne
Springfield teenager Jack Hadley is making a mark for himself in the cycling world contesting mainland riders across a number of national tour events.
The 18-year-old is a member of the UTAS/Fairbrother Development Cycling Team and rode at the Stromlo in Canberra in the first of three national under 19 road series.
The event attracted 43 under 19 riders from across the country.
Tasmania was well represented with six riders and on completion of the tour has Sam McKee from Launceston sitting in top spot, Alex Eaves from Burnie fourth and Jack fifth.
Jack was 1 minute and 55 seconds off the leader.
The series was a four-stage race including two 30km distances, an 80km and a 16km time trial.
Jack said this was his favourite type of riding.
“Tour races are my favourite, there is a lot of discipline that goes into getting there.
“During the winter I split my trainings over morning and night, riding roughly two and a half hours a day six to seven times a week.
“I mostly train outside for the terrain, it’s better for muscle building and gets your body used to the conditions.”
Jack said he owes his love of riding to his dad who bought him a bike.
“I’ve been riding with him my whole life but on the road since for the past two years.”
His sights are now set for the Bendigo District Cycling Club three-day tour over the long weekend, heading off later this week to Victoria.
This will consist of three days of racing covering 4081m of elevation over 283.31km.
Following this he will compete in round two of the national series at the end of June in Queensland Balmoral Junior and Women’s Tour with yet another four stages over two days of racing.
Day one will take place at Ipswich with a Prologue and Road Race events and day two a Hill Climb Time Trial at Mt Gravatt and Criterium at Nundah.
Results are compiled based on time over all races across the series to determine the top three.
Jack is currently in a great position to finish on the podium with the last round held in Victoria at the Tour of Gippsland at the end of August.
“I’m pouring everything I have into this sport and would love to go pro if I could.”