Australia's top women's road cyclist has to quit, but first big goals await – 'Let's see if I can sign in style'
Australia's top road cyclist Grace Brown has decided to end her professional cycling career at the end of 2024, with the 31-year-old FDJ-Suez rider hoping to leave while at the peak of her form and add further luster to her impressive record. Before his final signature.
The Melbourne rider was a late convert to cycling, switching from running, and has 23 UCI victories, adding Liège-Bastogne-Liège to the list in May. He twice placed second in the time trial at the world championships and is expected to represent Australia in the discipline and road race at the Paris Olympics.
“I have decided that this year will be my last year in professional cycling,” Brown said in an Instagram post. “It's something I've been thinking about for a while now, and I finally feel confident telling everyone. »
Brown started with Holden Team Gusto Racing in Australia, where she clearly showed her talent on the podium in a stage at the 2018 Santos Women's Tour, before joining the Wiggle High 5 development team before moving up to the top level. Australian cycling team GreenEdge, now known as Liv-AlUla-Jayco, in 2019. Later in 2022, FDJ joined the French team WorldTour, where he would finish his career.
“I know I could spend many more years cycling, but I really miss my life with my husband, family and friends, and it's really hard to leave,” Brown said.
While European-based runners can easily return home between races, Australian runners face expensive day and night transport, the reversal of seasons and a significant change in time zones, so in-season return trips are rare. Most restrict their travel to home during the off-season, and there are national championships and a batch of Women's World Tour races in January.
Brown, in particular, has been one of the key riders to watch during this term, winning four national time trial championships, standing on the national road race podium five times and winning the 2023 Tour Down Under. He won many big victories for his team in Europe and was a valuable team player. He is a two-time silver medalist – and has been Australia's main contender in road race time trials in recent years.
“I'm very happy with everything I've accomplished, it's more than I ever expected,” Brown added, adding, “I'm very excited for the next chapter of my life, but at the same time, I'm very sad. to exit. Behind this world. »
However, there is still time for the finals to take place. Brown, who finished fourth in the time trial in Tokyo, is expected to lead the Australian Olympic team in both the time trial and the road race in Paris, where the climbs showcase its attacking prowess. After competing in the last two editions of the Tour de France Femmes, Brown will be part of the team again when he races for local team FDJ-Suez.
“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has followed me, supported me and believed in me on my journey,” Brown said.
“But it's not over yet. I have bigger goals to achieve this year and will continue to race with FDJ-Suez until the end of the season… Let's see if I can finish in style. »
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