21-year-old Brisbane cyclist Nick Schultz has won the penultimate stage of the Tour de l’Avenir, the World’s premier race for under 25-year-olds.
Raced over a tough course in the French Alpes, it’s the Orica-Bike Exchange trainee rider’s biggest win of his young career and stands him in wonderful stead for the future.
“Coming into the final climb I got back into the zone, put my head down and went as hard as I could to the line,” he said.
“I didn’t want to look behind me. I only realised I had won when I went 200 meters from the finish line.”
“This is certainly because I have never been the best at my age. I had to work very hard and do my own things. All my cyclist’s life has been a matter of fighting.”
Schultz has previously won a stage of the Tour de Bretagne, was second overall at the Oberösterreich Rundfahrt and 7th at the Ronde de l’Isard this year. Despite his developing success he is yet to sign with a pro team. If his performance and results continue on their current trajectory this is sure to change soon.