"I grew up in Canberra, Australia learning to ride my bike on the track and road with the local club. The city and community was truly what got me started and in love with just riding my bike. For me it was an escape. If I was frustrated at home after school, I’d grab my mountain bike and just go and “play”. This is when I found out how important movement and exercise really was for me as a person."
More about Rory
After beginning my career in Belgium living with a family on a pig farm (yes, you read it right!) I turned professional and raced my first Grand Tour, the Giro in 2005. How I survived I do not know. I spent 6 years racing the North American Circuit which showed me the world and introduced me to my wife. I later returned to Europe to ride for Saxo-Tinkoff, Movistar, UAE and Israel Pro Cycling Team. Never did I dream that I would retire at 38 years old after nearly 20 years in the professional peloton.
Achievements
My life as a professional athlete wasn’t so much about my achievements but those of others. Finding my job/talent and being valued for what I did was all I needed in terms of success. Helping my team mates win Grand tour stages, win overall titles and monuments were the real achievement of my career. If I had to mention a few of these it would be supporting Alejandro Valverde winning Liege Bastogne Liege, Nairo Quintana winning the Vuelta a España and Dan Martin winning a stage in the Tour De France.
Cycling disciplines
Road cycling
Gravel
Fun fact
I also own two cafe restaurants in Spain and have taught myself 3 languages through being in cycling.