Neill Stanbury.
Cam Wurf on the front in his support role with Team Ineos during the 2020 Vuelta in Spain.
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Nearing 40, There’s No Slowing Cam Wurf As He Re-Signs With Ineos Grenadiers

Closing in on the big 4-0 later this year, and riding professionally since 2007, multi-sport legend Cam Wurf is not planning on taking his foot of the gas anytime soon.

Wurf recently signed a contract extension with the Ineos Grenadiers and is primed for another big year at the top level of cycling and triathlon.

Initially signing with Ineos in 2020 – after a six year break from the WorldTour – Wurf kicked off his 2023 season with the team at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race over the weekend.

Maintaining his position on the pinnacle of three of the world’s toughest endurance sports, pro cycling and Ironman along with competing in triathlon, for 2023 team Ineos Grenadiers have again worked out a roster to help Wurf accomodate his triumvirate of sporting passions.

39yo Wurf said he was excited to have another year with Ineos, is looking forward to being a dependable teammate, and will continue to be a positive influence on team morale. 

“It’s about having the respect and trust of the guys,” he said in a recent interview with Ineos.

“I think that I’ve shown that and I’ve been part of some great successes with the team over the last few years. (If we) turn up at a race and I’m thrown into it, I know they believe I can do a job and contribute.”

Cam Wurf riding the 2014 Tour Down Under with Cannondale. Michael Matthews is alongside him, with Rohan Dennis and Simon Clarke behind. Image: Sirotti.

From Athens To Kona To Roubaix

Wurf, who has won several major Ironman competitions and indeed finished 5th at the 2019 World Championships in Kona, also has numerous other sporting achievements in his back catalogue. He won the national Schoolboy Sculling title at the Australian Rowing Championships in 2001, represented Australia at the 2001 Junior World Rowing Championships and won Gold at the 2002 U/23 World Rowing Championships. He’s also an Olympian, having rowed for Australia in Athens in 2004.

Some 18 years after Athens, Wurf found himself not sculling an Olympic class row boat but bouncing over the world’s most brutal cobbles at the 2022 Paris-Roubaix. A pivotal teammate of race winner Dylan Van Baarle, it was the first Roubaix victory for the British team.

“Each year’s been better and I want to continue this year,” Wurf said. “On a personal side, the Ironman side has been a little bit inconsistent with Covid which has made it difficult to manage a lot of things. For example something as simple as getting to a pool particularly when I’m at races – leaving the team bubble hasn’t been a possibility to keep the team safe and follow my own personal goals,” he added.

Wurf riding Stage 16 of the 2010 Giro d’Italia. Image: Sirotti

“Personally it’s really wonderful that the team gives me freedom to do that and keep on top of my Ironman preparation,” Wurf continued.

“The last few years has felt a bit like I’m doing everything I can to stay where I’m at. I haven’t felt like I’ve been able to progress in the way I would have liked, so I’m incredibly excited to have the opportunity to learn from the last three years and what hasn’t worked for me on a personal side and what has as a team and find ways to be even better at that.”

The overall standings after the final stage of the 2020 Giro.
Cam Wurf has extended his contract with the Ineos Grenadiers. Image: Supplied.

Looking to the cycling season ahead, Wurf’s goals are as lofty as ever, and he says he will give season 2023 all he has got.

“I want to be part of bigger races, part of bigger success and a bigger role in my teammates’ success,” he said.

“I feel if that I can do that for the team it will filter over to the Ironman and I’ll be a better athlete and better prepared when I get my own chances. I relish every opportunity to race alongside the guys and it’s a huge honour to be part of the Ineos Grenadiers. And so I’m incredibly excited for 2023 – I’m all in.”

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