These days, he goes by a far more attention-grabbing name - Bananaman.

Bananaman has become one of Victoria's best-known cyclists since Clifton changed his name by deed poll three years ago.

Bananaman, 33, has been racing competitively since he was 16 and was on track at yesterday's Christmas Carnival at the Tom Flood Sports Centre.

"I did it (changed his name) about three years ago - up until then it was just a nickname," Bananaman said.

"Everyone knew me as Bananaman, so I thought I'd change it."

However, Bananaman received a mixed reaction to his new name when the change was made.

"Some of the elite riders think it's a joke, but I don't care," he said.

"I've made something of it - I've now been able to put together female teams in the seniors and junior-17s, so I don't particularly care what other people think about it.

"It has worked well because people identify with it; they think it's a good laugh and I'm good for a laugh."

The Bananaman nickname stems from a yellow track frame he purchased about four years ago.

"I had just got a new track frame - all nice and yellow - and some new yellow clothing and it has stuck since then," Bananaman said.

"Just for a bit of fun, we've kept going with it.

"Sponsors have come forward to me because it's identifiable."

Bananaman's cycling team is called Banana Flooring Fortress Cecil Walkers; he has three riders in his under-17 team and four in the open team.

"We try to teach them a bit of teamwork and to have fun," Bananaman said.

"I enjoy watching them do as well as they can."

Bananaman married Arlene Hargreaves on Christmas Eve, however, she doesn't go by the name of Bananawoman.

"We've had this discussion and we decided she'll keep her maiden name."

Bananaman is a member of the Northcote Cycling Club.