Stuart Bigham knows what it’s like to push the pedals on a bike for hours on end.
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The former Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic competitor has riden in his fair share of long-distance races over the years.
But it was Saturday’s event that touches the heart strings most.
“There are four iconic annual Victorian events that matter,” he said.“The Stawell Cup, the Melbourne Cup, the AFL Grand Final and the Melbourne to Warrnambool.
“This is it, it’s iconic, it’s the one everyone wants to win.”
Mr Bigham competed in the Melbourne to Warrnambool six times, his last in 1973.
The 72 year-old was in the city on the weekend to present the winner’s yellow jersey to the first female and male cyclist to cross the finish line.
“I never won this race so I was chuffed to be asked,” The long-time Powercor employee said.
“Better riders have won this race than me.”
While adrenalin, training and nutrition are elements Mr Bigham said all played a part in the 262 kilometre race, there is also the mental factor that can bring riders undone.
“Everyone says the Stoney Rises is the hardest part of this race,” he said.
“That’s not in this year’s course but I never found it hard, I’m not sure why.
“I remember seeing riders who seemed to be going really well and then they suddenly disappear.
“It’s almost as if a ghost came down and stole them away.
“I think it’s a combination of the side winds and that fatigue levels kick in.”
Then there’s the adrenaline. I used to get a real thrill going down hill. I wasn’t a good climber but I had no fear going down hill so I’d go absolutely flat out and hope to God I’d make it around the bend.
- Stuart Bigham
“You know its hard. The wind, the rain, you’re not feeling 100 per cent and then all of a sudden the gremlins start running around the head saying it’s time to get in the car.”
And while there may be an internal battle, Mr Bigham said the weather can also be a great influence on the outcome.
“In 1970 it was the second-fastest race in history at that time because we got blown along,” he said.
“It was really scary because we were faster than they’d scheduled police at traffic lights so we were just running the lights.
“We were going that fast. I wondered if I could keep that pace up.”
Mr Bigham finished fourth in 1972 and tenth in 1970.
“It’s 46 years since I last raced here,” he said.
“My last race was 1973 and unfortunately I was hauled off my bike because I was unwell.
“People said ‘no you’ve had enough’ and I went to the doctor on Monday and I had bronchitis.
“I knew I was battling and I didn’t know why. I’d done all the training.”
Despite competing in races all over Victoria, Mr Bigham said it was the Melbourne to Warrnambool that always drew him back.
“This is the big race, the one to finish the year. The long one. The climax.
“When I was a boy just getting started people talked about the Melbourne to Warrnambool then.
“It’s a big thing. It’s huge.
And the attraction to the sport Mr Bigham finds easy to describe.
“I used to find it therapeutic,” he said.
“If you have a bad day at work ten minutes out on the road with the wind blowing in your face and the sun shining you could clear away all your problems.
“Then there’s the adrenaline.
“I used to get a real thrill going down hill.
“I wasn’t a good climber but I had no fear going down hill so I’d go absolutely flat out and hope to God I’d make it around the bend.”