Former champ keen to take on Reef to Reef
AUSTRALIAN mountain bike legend John Waddell will target the Reef to Reef, making its debut in Tropical North Queensland this week.
When Waddell was on his game there were very few riders on the planet who could match his dedication, hard work and ability.
A star of the World Cup Down Hill scene, Waddell, racing for the Intense Tyre/Santa Cruz team, used his enormous skill to pay the bills and live out his mountain bike dream that began as a teenager in 1993 on the outskirts of Perth.
“I have always been a fan of the multi-day racing and because I am originally from Western Australia have a had a good affiliation with Cape to Cape,” he said. “I have a wife now and a family, I have different priorities these days, different responsibilities and commitments so things kind of change.
“Now it is all about having fun and riding good trails.
“I love mountain biking, I love trails and being a part of events like Port to Port, Reef to Reef and Cape to Cape is the best thing. I am not on top of my game now, but I still want to be a part of it.
“I have been up to Cairns quite a few times and a lot of mountain biking friends in the region but I haven’t actually raced up there myself.
“I am really looking forward to Reef to Reef. It is going to be a wonderful opportunity to be up in Cairns riding great trails and that is what I am into.”
The event starts on Thursday and runs until Sunday.