Lea has been chosen as part of the UniSA-Australia Men’s Team for the 2019 Tour Down Under in January.

“I’ve watched the race in person multiple times,” Lea said.

“When I was standing on the side of the road watching them ride past I never thought one day that I would be part of it.”

“To be on the start line alongside world champion Peter Sagan and other guys who have raced in events such as the Tour de France is going to be pretty amazing.”

The Tour Down Under is considered to be the pinnacle of Australian cycling events and attracts competitors from all over the world.

The event is held in South Australia and encompasses the streets of Adelaide across a mixture of flat and undulating terrain.

Lea became involved with cycling after years of competing in the Energy Breakthrough, which created an undying passion for racing.

“One thing led to another with local club races, state level events, national events and now I’m with the Bennelong SwissWellness Cycling Team racing overseas,” Lea said.

Lea has competed in events throughout Europe, Japan, Taiwan and New Zealand.

“I enjoy the challenge of cycling and going to different places around Australia and the world,” Lea said.

“I’ve been to places I would never have thought of visiting if I hadn’t taken up cycling.”

Lea was selected for the Tour Down Under squad after his team won a national cycling event earlier in the year.

In the lead up to the Tour Down Under Lea will spend time training to increase his performance, in addition to a busy cycling schedule which includes an event in Ballarat the week before the big race.

In the future Lea’s ultimate goal is to secure a position on a European team which competes on the cycling World Tour so he can fulfill his dream of racing in the Tour de France.

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