This week we came together at Melbourne’s Crown River to celebrate the incredible career of one of Australia’s most respected and decorated cyclists, Mathew Hayman. Perhaps most famous for his highly emotional, sensational Paris-Roubaix victory in 2016 when he made his dream a reality.
Following 19 years of professional level cycling, Mathew will be retiring from competition at the 2019 Santos Tour Down Under with the Mitchelton-SCOTT squad with whom he has been a key member of since 2014.
His friendly face, positive attitude, dedication to the sport, and year’s of experience within the peloton will certainly be missed on the racing scene, so it was welcomed news when it was confirmed by team owner, Gerry Ryan that Mathew would be continuing with the outfit in a new role, following his retirement from racing.
The luncheon was hosted by Matthew Keenan, with words from special guests: Stuart O’Grady, Matt Goss, Baden Cooke and Koen de Kort. All four former/current professional riders joined Mathew on stage in a panel discussion to share many-a memory from their racing days together and career highlights from his extensive journey and time in the pro peloton.
Baden, Matt Goss and Stuart have all been ambassadors and tour hosts for Mummu Cycling in 2018 and will continue to be next season, so it was great to have all three riders there as special guests. .
When event host, Matthew Keenan got chatting to Hayman, some fantastic career moments were shared. A very memorable story that came up and certainly brought a smile to the room, was that at his first ever club race in Canberra, he didn’t so much as take a step out of the car. He’d seen a rider warming up, doing efforts and that was that - too nervous to get out and contend the race! Funnily enough, it turned out that rider was Michael Rogers! Let’s safely assume the Canberra Club Championships were never won easy.
Another highlight was having both Australian Paris-Roubaix champions; Hayman (2016) and O’Grady (2007) share race memories and talk all things Roubaix. Both names are and always will be prominent forces in Australian cycling, having won the highly prestigious monument throughout their careers.
Concluding a lengthy career with many years at professional level, Mathew has achieved some impressive personal, team and National victories along the way, including Gold in the 2006 Commonwealth Games road race. Over the seasons, he has gathered quite a number of treasured jerseys from his time on the circuit. We were honoured and lucky enough to have a selection of these on display throughout the event.
To add to many career memories shared and tales told, over a delicious lunch - the live auction of “money can’t buy” experiences and memorabilia was a huge success. A total of $14,000 was raised with proceeds going to the Jonathan Cantwell Family fund.
All in all, it was a very special occasion to be part of. At Mummu Cycling we were honoured to be the event organisers and now eagerly await the 2019 Santos Tour Down Under to see Mathew officially sign out from the sport on a high.
Chapeau Mathew!
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