Matt chosen to provide mechanical support in bike race

Ettalong bike shop owner Mr Matt Gracie was one of only three bicycle mechanics in Australia chosen to work on Australia's biggest professional cycling race, the Tour Down Under, in Adelaide.

Mr Gracie provided neutral mechanical support to the best cyclists in the world at this year's Tour Down Under competition spanning six stages and 880 kilometres.

"The role of the neutral service team was to provide mechanical support to any rider that is unable to be serviced by their own support crew", Mr Gracie said.

The competition is the biggest cycling event in the southern hemisphere and brings together the elite of world cycling, including Tour de France winners.

The Tour Down Under is the first event on the UCI World Tour cycling calendar and the only event of its kind in Australia.

"This service was critical if, for example, a rider had a flat or a mechanical issue and their service car us nowhere to be seen," Mr Gracie said.

Mr Gracie is no stranger to supporting the world's best, having previously provided neutral mechanical support to cycling teams competing at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, MTB World Championships and Ironman Events.

Mr Gracie was asked to join Shimano's neutral mechanical support team for the second year running.

"It is an honour to be asked by Shimano to be a part of this essential service, as only the most experienced and highest level bicycle mechanics in the country are invited to be a part of the world professional cycling tour", said Mr Gracie.

The Tour Down Under ran from January 17 to 22.

Media release, 11 Jan 2017

Ainsley Martlew, Ride