2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist and former World Champion Michael Freiberg reignited his cycling career two years ago and today the Pro Racing Sunshine Coast team member is the national road champion after successfully winning the prestigious title in Ballarat earlier this month.
Pro Racing Sunshine Coast director Ben Kersten described the 28 year old as a 'complete freak' of an athlete and said his recent win in Ballarat would be remembered for years to come.
"We knew when we signed him that he was exceptionally talented, riders like Michael only come along once in a lifetime and you need all of that grit, determination and passion to come from behind the way he did and win the biggest race in Australia. He deserves every bit of that green and gold jersey.
"To have the physical and mental ability to do that is what makes a champion athlete, he backed himself 100% and never gave up despite odds that seemed insurmountable. It's a tremendous achievement for Michael and a real boost for our fledgling team as we enter our second year of competition," Ben said.
Sunshine Coast Council Deputy Mayor Cr Tim Dwyer said the win was a tremendous result for cycling and for the Sunshine Coast community.
"The Sunshine Coast continues to shine, thanks to the success of people like Michael and the Australian Cycling Academy," Cr Dwyer said.
"We're proud to support the University of the Sunshine Coast and ACA, to combine the delivery of the cycling development program and university studies for a select group of upcoming athletes.
"Having the opportunity to complete a university degree whilst also pursuing a sporting dream, really is the perfect combination. It's an exciting time for the Sunshine Coast and we look forward to further success from all involved."
Ben said Michael's result is even more remarkable considering he went into retirement just after he won his world championship in 2012. He took four years off the sport where he focused on his entrepreneurial pursuits and started Terrain Dynamics, which has transformed the way cyclists train with his AIRhub technology (https://airhub.com.au)
"Michael is now keen to pursue his dream of riding for a World Tour team in Europe and over the past 2 years he has won in Australia, Asia and Europe and we are keen to work with him to continue his racing pathway and to encourage his invention and business ideas," Ben added.
Please find the link to the video of Michael's National Road Race victory in Ballarat here: https://youtu.be/3VVGeq02ilk
Image (Left to Right): Sunshine Coast Councillor Tim Dwyer, National Cycling Champion Michael Freiberg and Pro Racing Sunshine Coast Director Ben Kersten.
