Brodie Chapman is living proof that sometimes you need to take a chance, and chase the dream. A bold decision to take time off work to start in the inaugural women’s event has paid off in spades, and it all started with an historic win in Healesville.
After a breakthrough victory in the first Women’s Herald Sun Tour that launched her professional career, 27-year-old Chapman is preparing to defend her title when the 2019 Lexus of Blackburn Women’s Herald Sun Tour begins later this month.
Little known Chapman made history nearly 12 months ago when she put in two powerful attacks in the hills of Healesville to ride away from UCI number 1 ranked cyclist Annemiek van Vleuten (Mitchelton-Scott) – taking the yellow leaders jersey before securing overall victory the next day on the banks of Melbourne’s Yarra River.
Since then, Chapman has raced internationally and enters the 2019 Summer of Cycling as one to watch.
“The Herald Sun Tour gave me a platform to really showcase my abilities and hard work. The outcomes came a lot quicker and easier than expected, but it certainly gave me the confidence to continue to aim to be the best rider I can, and that there was a real place for me in the professional peloton,” said Chapman, who now rides for American professional outfit Team TIBCO-SVB.
“I am almost a wholly different rider now! I still like to race aggressively and take risks, but I like to think I am lot more savvy with my race-craft now, knowing the other riders I am up against, how to read a race, and how to get the best outcome as a team. Having followed through with a proper training program this whole season, as well as support from a sports nutritionist and strength and conditioning coach, I am a bit more prepared for the demands of racing.”
Joining Chapman in the elite outfit at the 2019 Tour will be 2018 Australian National Road Race Champion Shannon Malseed, who has also enjoyed a stellar 12 months.
The Australian duo will lead their American teammates in the two day Tour beginning on Phillip Island on January 30 and concluding in the Victorian Gippsland town of Churchill on January 31.
“I am really excited to see my teammates again and can’t wait to race with them at the Herald Sun Tour. Last year we had a lot of fun. We were a very new team in 2018, but as we roll into 2019 we know each other a lot more, and I think overall we are more experienced and ready to pull off some great results – so keep a close eye on Team TIBCO-SVB!
“I think we can deliver her [Chapman] to a great result again. Of course we always race to get the best possible result as a team, so whether that means riding for Brodie to defend her title, or if the race plays out differently than 2018, we will always give it our all and race to win!”
Alison Jackson (CAN), Sharlotte Lucas (NZL), Lauren Stephens (USA) and Alice Cobb (GBR) round out the Team TIBCO-SVB squad.
The Lexus of Blackburn Women’s Herald Sun Tour will run from January 30 – 31, 2019.
