GOLD medal Olympian cyclist Sara Carrigan OAM will combine her cycling expertise with the tour guiding skills and charm of fellow gold medallist, speed skater Steven Bradbury OAM when they lead a cycling tour to Japan in May this year.

Bradbury spends much of his time in the country village of Hakuba- home of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics and will share his local knowledge as the group cycles the magnificent Japanese Alps including the majestic Mt Fuji.

Despite competing at two different Olympics, in completely different disciplines the long time friends share a passion for cycling with Bradbury, also an accomplished cyclist, insisting the region was perfect for riding at all levels with great flats and serious mountains.

Following a recent visit to the Hakuba region Carrigan conceded Bradbury’s confidence that it represented some of the best riding and scenery in world was well founded.

“It was just so beautiful pedalling through the rice paddies on quiet country roads, and then up some of Japan’s famous mountains, some over 2000m high.

“We rode by ancient temples and shrines, enjoyed lunch at restaurants that were over 1000 years old and even stopped at the natural hot springs that were perfect for relaxing and easing sore muscles.

“I have ridden my bike all over the world and riding up Mt Fuji is right up there as one of my most favourite experiences.

“We decided then and there that we wanted to share such a unique Japanese experience with others but combine it with cycling support and expert instruction along the way,” Carrigan said.

“The tour will include direction in climbing and descending techniques, recovery and stretching programs and we’ll have maintenance and mechanical support on hand the whole way.

“But it won’t be all serious riding – Bradbury’s Bar will be open each evening before we tuck into gourmet Japanese cuisine, and I have no doubt there will be some tall tales told and some great fun rapping up the daily highlights.

“It will be one of those once in a life time experiences and a definite to tick off the bucket list for cycling enthusiasts of all ages and abilities,” Carrigan said.

Gold Coast cycling enthusiast Paul said he couldn’t wait to combine his two great loves in life – cycling and travel.

“This is an amazing opportunity that I couldn’t resist – I will extend my cycling experience and enjoy some of the most picturesque scenery in the whole world – accompanied by two of our greatest Olympians,” Paul said.

Sara Carrigan OAM won Olympic gold in the 130km cycling road race at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics and is a multiple Australian Champion, Commonwealth Games medallist and World Cup winner.

Steven Bradbury OAM won Olympic gold in the 1000m short track ice speed skating event at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. He is a four time Olympian and World Champion who was part of a relay that won Australia’s first ever winter Olympics medal at Lillehammer in 1994.

The Japan Cyclng Tour will depart 4th May – 12th May 2012.

Register your interest today go to – www.risingsunadventures.com/sara-carrigan-tour
Questions? Email- josh@risingsunadventures.com or Sara@saracarrigan.com
Or call: Phone 1300 527 267

Welcome to the third SaraCarriganCycling news update for 2011. Below are few interesting newsy pieces about what has been happening and what is planned…

1. Sara Set To Coach Our Elite Aussie Triathletes
I have been asked by AIS Triathlon/Triathlon Australia to head to Europe to coach our elite Aussie triathlete women in preparation for the London Olympics next year. I will fly to France in July to the overseas Australian triathlon base for a training camp and then head to London for some Olympic course reconnaissance prior to the ITU World Championship Series on 6-7 August 2011, which will be the final opportunity to test the proposed 2012 Olympic Triathlon Course. I have worked with some of our elite on an individual, ad hoc basis but this will provide an opportunity to really drill down on physical, technical and tactical skills with our Aussie elite triathletes to become formidable competitors on the bike.

It has been said that triathlon is moving into a new era with continuously quicker times in the swim and the run, and faster speeds on tight, technical bike courses. “Last weekend in Kitzbühel, there was much talk about how the sport has evolved over the years. It’s a fair statement to say that even the greats of the sport such as Mark Allen, Erin Baker, Greg Welch, Miles Stewart, Simon Lessing, Michellie Jones, Emma Carney and many others would struggle to match the standards of the sport today” (triathlon.org).

This will be my first time back in Europe since my Beijing pre-Olympic training camp! So, I am very much looking forward to spending some time there again and will provide a report on my return.

2. Sara’s Online Coaching – Coming Soon
I have been busy working away on providing an online coaching/training/information service to be more accessible to people around the world. The launch is scheduled for October and will keep you posted on what will be involved.

3. She Magazine Gold Coast Bulletin
Here is an article written recently by Rachel Jansen in the She Magazine of the Gold Coast Bulletin. Entitled “Biker Chic – Enjoying the social bike ride”, it is all about how the women are jumping on bikes to enjoy the social aspect as much as the fitness benefits.

It’s something you may not have done since you were a kid, or maybe you’ve never done it all! But going for a bike ride is something you can do at any age.

Olympic Champion Sara Carrigan has spent the two years since her retirement running her own cycling school and encouraging Gold Coaters to get on their bikes. She is enthusiastic about the increasing numbers of bike riders she has noticed of the years.

“When I first started, hardly anybody was riding,” Sara says. “But then, every year I came back (from half a year living overseas) there was that many more people riding.”

Now she says, there are more women joining clubs and taking up pedal power, attracted to the social aspect as much as the fitness benefits.
Click here for full article – www.saracarrigan.com/BikerChic

4. Gold Coast Bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games
4.1. ‘Business & Community Committee’ and ‘Athlete Advisory Committee’
I am very excited to be a part of the bid for Gold Coast to hold the Commonwealth Games in 2018. To help Gold Coast secure the bid, I am part of both the ‘Business & Community Committee’ and ‘Athlete Advisory Committee’ for the Gold Coast 2018 Bid.

The 11th of November is the date we find out if our bid to secure the Games has been successful! I really do hope we win the bid… not only will it be motivation for me to come out of retirement (haha), but will be great inspiration for your young kids, a boost for our economy and tourism, great for development with the construction of the ‘Health and Knowledge’ precinct at Parklands and a great way to showcase our awesome city!  I have called Gold Coast home since 1988 and of all the places I have travelled and ridden my bike, the Goldie is one of my favourite places.

4.2. Behind the Bid’ officially launches
The Bid Team, in conjunction with local radio station 90.9 SEA FM, recently dived head first into the Gold Coast community to promote the Behind the Bid Virtual Beach Line.

The SEA FM cruisers were out and about, with laptops on board, encouraging everyone to join the virtual line and get involved in all the fun.

I helped out on the day along with some other famous Gold Coast athletes including 2010 Commonwealth Games marathon runner Michael Shelley, Gold Coast Titans rugby league star William Zillman and star players from the Gold Coast Blaze basketball team.

And it’s not too late to be involved. The Beach Line is simple to be a part of. All you need to get started is a Facebook account. To join the Beach Line and show your support for the Gold Coast’s 2018 Bid, visit: www.behindthebid.com
You can GET BEHIND THE BID and show your support by connecting through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or checking out the website at www.goldcoast2018bid.com.

5. Cycling Express – Australian online bike shop
www.CyclingExpress.com Australia’s new online bike store! If you shop online, you now no longer need to purchase from the overseas sites. Online shopping is already revolutionising purchasing across the world in all industries, and for the bike industry this means cycling can be more accessible for both the top end and for kids or anyone else just getting started in the sport. Cost has been a barrier to entry the sport for as long as I can remember so I am very excited that this hurdle is being chipped away.

The online store is teaming up with local bike shops around Australia to be their service centres so it is a case in which everyone wins. Check them out and if you need to talk to someone, they are more than happy for you to ring to help you with your purchase.

6. Cycling Skill Course Dates
I have set some dates for the 2nd half of 2011 for my Beginner Cycling Skills Course:
• 20th August 2011
• 17th September 2011
This introductory program is for riders of all ages who are new to cycling. The primary goal is to enjoy the wonders of riding a bike through learning the necessary skills to safely, confidently and comfortably ride your pushie.

The Skills Course starts on a traffic-free circuit at the Nerang over two 4hour sessions (Saturday  mornings) and has a specific focus covering the vital skills and techniques such as bike handling, cornering, braking, gear selection, cadence, bike posture, bunch riding, hill climbing and road safety etc.  The second part of the program builds upon this skill development and furthers fitness, endurance, riding skills and bunch skills over 4 weeks, through structured on-road sessions in the Go for Gold program on Thursday mornings (or Tuesday if you are more advanced) and a wind trainer/ergo training program to complete at home.

Here’s the link for more info and what’s included – www.saracarrigan.com/SkillsDetails
Click here for the registration form – www.saracarrigan.com/SkillsRegistration

Get on ya bike and enjoy the wonders that come with it … feel alive and feel free!
Sara

It’s something you may not have done since you were a kid, or maybe you’ve never done it all!

But going for a bike ride is something you can do at any age.

by Rachel Jansen     (She Magazine – Gold Coast Bulletin)

You can do it on your own, or with friends or family, you can set your own pace and whether you do it for fun or fitness, you’ll reap some health benefits.

The Gold Coast has more than 600km of bikeways and several cycling clubs whose lycra-clad members can be seen roadside across town in increasing numbers.

Olympic Champion Sara Carrigan has spent the two yeas since her retirement running her own cycling school and encouraging Gold Coaters to get on their bikes. She is enthusiastic about the increasing numbers of bike riders she has noticed of the years.

“When I first started, hardly anybody was riding,” Sara says. “But then, every year I came back (from half a year living overseas) there was that many more people riding.”

Now she says, there are more women joining clubs and taking up pedal power, attracted to the social aspect as much as the fitness benefits.

“For them, it is a social time as well as their exercise time,” Sara says. “For some it’s confidence thing too – a lot of these ladies have never ridden a bike before.

“They’re just so scared and don’t know how to do it. Once the fear has subsided, the fun comes and the improvement.”

“(Teaching them) is so much more than I ever expected it to be. For me, that’s been so rewarding.”

Sara runs a Go for Gold program, including a beginners ride where people learn to safely ride in groups.

“When you’re riding, you don’t even know you are exercising because you are chatting to the person next to you, soaking up the environment, and being in the moment,” she says.

Read actual article www.saracarrigan.com/BikerChic

The Gold Coast Bulletin is giving YOU a chance to WIN one of four Cycling Skills Courses with Sara Carrigan.

Enter NOW at www.goldcoast.com.au/cyclingskills

 Entries close April 11.

There’s a lot more to riding a  bike than just swinging your leg over the saddle…

by Lindsay Saunders     (16/03/2011)

I’m on a velodrome. On a bike. Riding with an Olympic gold-medal winning cyclist. And I’m starting to enjoy myself.
 

I had no plans to start riding a bike again. The last time I rode was because I was too young to drive. As soon as I had a car, the bike was forgotten. That was the better part of 28 years ago.

So when I was chosen to get on a bike and ride to work for a month I was, shall we say, a little dubious. However, it seemed like a good way to get some much-needed exercise and it was only for four weeks. Plus there was the promise of an electric bike for one of those weeks.

How hard could it be? I had agreed to ‘‘volunteer’’ for the gig as the Bulletin’s ambassador for the Gold Coast City Council’s Active Travel campaign (thanks, boss). So, I met Alton Twine, the council’s manager of transport planning with the Planning, Environment and Transport Directorate, and Kate Carroll, the marketing and communication project officer for the Active Travel program.

They outlined what was ahead – I’d be given a bike for the four weeks, spend time with the aforementioned cycling legend Sara Carrigan to learn skills and tips, write about my experiences each week and I’d try out an electric bike and a fold-up bike as well.

So after being handed my bike, a hybrid (that’s a mix of a road bike and mountain bike), I met Sara at the Nerang Velodrome to learn how to ride. What? I know how to ride a bike. It’s easy. Surely it doesn’t matter how long it has been since I threw my leg over a saddle . . . it’s like, well, like riding a bike, right?

Yes and no. Thankfully I didn’t fall off the thing straight up. Brakes, gears, pedals, etc, all as I remembered. Balance not too bad, all things considered.

However, the time I spent with Sara taught me things I’d never known when the deadly treadly was my only means of transport.

From posture (key to all manner of things including true control over my trusty steed) to braking, basic mechanics to gear selection, Sara ran me through the theory and practical and I came away from the session not only feeling informed but much more confident about hitting the road on two wheels.

We also arranged to meet at my house on the Wednesday morning and ride together to work, I think possibly to ensure I didn’t stuff up and forget what I’d learnt.

Living in Southport and working in Molendinar means my commute is not a long one. I decided on the Tuesday morning to have a crack and go solo, choosing my route from the council’s handy maps of the Coast’s cycle ways.
With no idea how long it would take, I set off more than an hour before I was due to start work. The trip took 15 minutes. That’s not to say I didn’t raise a sweat along the way.

Bordering on desperately unfit, for me each hill loomed like Everest, hills that in the car were almost invisible. After ringing my partner to assure her I’d survived the marathon effort, I hit the showers and got ready for work.

With the Gold Coast’s climate, being able to shower before work seems a must and my colleagues would no doubt agree.

I was pretty pleased with myself and the trip home that day was equally incident-free. I’d proved Sara’s advice to be correct with eye contact and hand signals and motorists had been happy to share the road with me.

Hang on, I think I’m actually enjoying this.

On Wednesday, Sara joined me on the commute. After we arrived at the Bulletin, myself in a lather of sweat, herself with barely a raised pulse, she assured me that in not too much time my physical fitness would increase and the ride would become even more enjoyable. And she said she’d be happy to ride with me again next week. Nice.

It’s only early days for my bike riding but already I’m seeing the sense in getting a bike and doing this on a regular basis.

I rode to and from work again on Thursday and Friday, and while my legs may argue the point, I’m really enjoying myself.

I even went for a ride on the weekend just for fun. Next week, I’ll be giving an electric bike a go, which sounds suspiciously like cheating. Stay tuned!

For you chance to win one of four Sara Carrigan Cycling Skills courses log on to www.goldcoast.com.au/cyclingskills and enter your details. Entries close April 11.

Click here now to view the newspaper article …

Introducing Gold Coast’s ‘Cycling Ambassador’ Sara Carrigan

(14/03/2011)

Gold Coast’s new Active Travel Ambassador, Olympic gold medallist Sara Carrigan OAM, has been officially welcomed to her role 

And her first task was to issue a challenge to the City’s Councillors and staff, and the Gold Coast community.

Sara cycled to Council’s Bundall Chambers building for today’s (14/3) 1 pm full Council meeting where she was welcomed and introduced by fellow sporting icon, Mayor Ron Clarke.

The announcement comes at the start of Bike Week.

Cr Clarke said Sara took the opportunity to encourage others to follow her lead and pull out the pushbike on Wednesday, 16 March, for Bike Week’s annual Ride to Work Day.

“Council’s Active Travel program is supporting Ride to Work Day by providing free community breakfasts and coffees at Evandale Parklands, Bundall, and Central Park, Varsity Lakes, between 7 and 8 am on Wednesday 16 March, so there is a reward at the end of the road.

“And Sara will be at Bundall, in her new role, to meet participants,” Cr Clarke said.

“She brings a wealth of talent, passion and drive to the task. She is one of Australia’s sporting elite, and she matches this with business acumen, great enthusiasm and a real desire to see everyone benefit from participating in sport.

“Here on the Gold Coast Council is keen to encourage people to consider Active Travel options such as walking and cycling, for the obvious health, environmental and financial benefits they offer.

“Sara will be a great asset in convincing people to give Active Travel a try.”

For more information on Bike Week or Ride to Work Day, contact the Active Travel team on 07 5581 6418, or visit www.goldcoastcity.com.au/activetravel

Welcome to the second newsletter update for 2011. Below are few interesting newsy pieces to keep you in the loop of all the happenings. I hope you are happy, well and enjoying your pushie!

WIN a Cycling Skills Course!!
The Gold Coast Bulletin is giving you the chance to win a Cycling Skills Course with Sara Carrigan! Enter NOW!
Go to www.goldcoast.com.au/cyclingskills

2 ½ years since retirement
In has been just over 2 ½ years now since I officially retired from competitive sport after the Beijing Olympic Games. In this time, I have taken much pleasure in sharing my love of cycling and years of knowledge and experience with hundreds of people.

I love teaching people to ride. I love showing people what they can enjoy on a bike. I love being a part of people’s journey of overcoming fears and feeling excited and proud of themselves. I love it when these new, ‘never cycled before’ people become hooked on their bicycle. I love it when people’s eyes are opened up to a whole other world of freedom, endorphins, relationships and happiness. I love how the simple act of ‘learning to ride’ turns into so much more.

One of my students last month was the Paradise Magazine Editor, Lindsay Saunders, who wrote about his experiences in the Gold Coast Bulletin last week.
Take a look at the article here now…

Sara Carrigan takes on a New Ambassadorial Role
I have ridden my bike a quite a few cool places but last month, I rode straight into the Gold Coast Council Chambers and right into a council meeting! I rode straight up to where Mayor Ron Clarke was seated at his pulpit in front of all 14 councilors and officially accepted my role the role of the Active Travel Ambassador for the Gold Coast, It was all a very cool experience!

Being the ambassador of this initiative is exciting for me because I can help people to enjoy making an active step towards a happier, healthier, more productive lifestyle. The Active Travel program is a fantastic initiative as it is mostly about people embracing a positive change in their life – to be out and about feeling alive, soaking up the beautiful outdoors for a ride/walk/run or meeting others and being social. Being active on our way to work can boost our mental capacities to be more productive for the rest of the day, and we are doing our bit for the environment, traffic congestion, our wallet, and of course our health and happiness.
Take a look at the video and story here now…

Getting Tech Savvy
We are on Twitter and Facebook, if you wish to keep you up to date with all the happenings. If you are not on either of these two networks, that’s ok as most updates appear under the ‘News Headline’ section on the home page of www.saracarrigan.com. If you aren’t already following us click here…
www.facebook.com/saracarrigancycling
www.twitter.com/saracarrigan
I have a number of new and exciting plans in the pipeline that I look forward to unveiling soon!

In the meantime, get on ya bike and enjoy the wonders that come with it … feel alive and feel free!
See you soon,
Sara

Stevo and I headed up to Brissie to join Lance Armstrong and Robbie McEwen to support the fundraising for the victims of the recent floods. A few of our Go for Gold riders also made the trek to Brissie to support our fellow QLD’ers and to meet Lance Armstrong.  Maree was interviewed so keep your eye out on the TV! 

Lance Armstrong & Robbie McEwen lead Brisbane ride to raise funds for victims of the floods.

Courier Mail | 24/01/2011

A sea of spandex rolled through Brisbane as thousands of cyclists joined sporting hero Lance Armstrong and took to the road for flood victims.

Premier Anna Bligh – dressed in figure-hugging pink Lycra – also got on her bike for the 25km fund-raising ride, while former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd waved the cyclists off.

Ms Bligh told the excited crowds she was proud to see so many people taking part in Queensland Ride Relief.

“For those people who had the stuffing knocked out of them with these floods, Lance Armstrong is an inspiration,” she said.

“He has recovered from cancer and won the Tour De France. What a great symbol he is for achieving and recovering against the odds.”

Armstrong spent time signing crowd banners and talking to flood victims before the event kicked off at the RNA Showgrounds in Bowen Hills about 10.30am.

“It was important for myself to do whatever I could,” he said.

Also taking part was Brisbane-born cyclist Robbie McEwen and Channel Seven’s Dancing with the Stars presenter Daniel MacPherson, who is a keen cyclist.

“When I heard this was going on I just wanted to get on board,” he said.

The event had a strong police presence with 75 officers and 19 police motorcyclists.

Armstrong’s enormous popularity drew more than 2,500 ecstatic fans to the 25-kilometre ride, raising more than $125,000 for victims of the state’s flood disaster.

US cycling hero Armstrong came to Brisbane straight from riding in the Tour Down Under in Adelaide on Sunday, his final international race.

But the keen Twitter user forgot to check how to spell the flood-hit city’s name before sharing his excitement earlier today.

“Brisbaine, (sic) here we come,” the American wrote on his Twitter account today, but he soon realised his mistake.

“Oops I spelled ‘Brisvegas’ wrong,” he later Tweeted.

“Not enough sleep last night.”

With Armstrong’s involvement expected to raise up to $500,000 for flood victims, it’s unlikely that his legions of devoted fans will care about the slip.

“We’ve had an outstanding response so far and thanks Robbie for getting me on board to help out Queensland in its time of need,” Armstrong said in a statement on Sunday.

McEwen said he felt he had to help out his fellow Queenslanders, especially with some of his own family hit hard.

“I needed to do my bit to help out. It was lucky we were in Adelaide at the Tour Down Under and the opportunity arose to come up to Brisbane to assist,” he said.
 

• From: The Courier-Mail
• January 20, 2011 9:38PM

Scott’s dream ride to help kids with heart disease

(20/1/2011)

In September 2011, Scott Hobbs will be cycling from Perth to Sydney on a designated route to raise funds, support and awareness of congenital heart disease. This has been a dream of his for some time.

HeartKids NSW, an organisation supporting families and individuals affected by congenital heart disease, is the charity of Scott’s choice. Scott hopes that his endeavours will assist HeartKids NSW with their vision of ‘Life unaffected by Childhood Heart Disease’ .
 
Every day 6 children are born in Australia with some form of congenital heart disease, and many thousands are living with this tragic condition. Scott has worked as a cardiac technician for the last 8 years both in Australia and overseas. During this time he has been a part of many rewarding cases, but has also witnessed the potential tragedies of heart disease. 

 Everyone’s support means not only a great deal to Scott, but the world to those individuals and families affected by congenital heart disease in Australia.
 
Scott’s journey is scheduled for mid September 2011, commencing in Perth and finishing some 6000 kilometres and 2 months later in Sydney.
 
Scott has dubbed this adventure ‘Heroes for Hearts’ and is planning to cycle a significant part of the journey dressed as a super hero. Scott says, “I love a challenge and cycling across Australia is certainly my biggest yet. I hope that my efforts can in some way inspire others to attempt similar feats to help HeartKids NSW achieve their vision of ‘Life unaffected by Childhood Heart Disease.’”
 
Sara will support Scott’s quest and will be joining the ‘Heroes for Hearts’ journey in Queensland.

Scott’s Itinerary
Perth (WA) – Wednesday 21st September 2011
Kalgoorlie (WA) – Date TBC
Port Augusta (SA) – Date TBC
Adelaide (SA) – Date TBC
Orange (NSW) – Date TBC
Tamworth (NSW) – Date TBC
Brisbane (QLD) – Date TBC
Gold Coast (QLD) – Date TBC
Grafton (NSW) – Date TBC
Coffs Harbour (NSW) – Date TBC
Port Macquarie (NSW) – Date TBC
Sydney (NSW) – Mid/Late November 2011

The map of the cycle route Scott will be taking.

Support Scott and visit the website www.heroesforhearts.com

CityCycle kicks off with mass ride through the CBD

(30/09/2010)

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman will today officially launch Brisbane’s newest mode of public transport – CityCycle – with a mass ride through the CBD.

 Councillor Newman said CityCycle was now part of Brisbane’s overall public transport infrastructure and offered residents an alternative, sustainable mode of travel in the inner-city. 

Awards riding on success

(28/06/2010)

OLYMPIC cycling champion Sara Carrigan is starting to find big success in the business arena. Carrigan, who won the gold medal in the cycling road race in Athens in 2004, retired from professional cycling after the Beijing Olympics competition and set up the Sara Carrigan Cycling School.

The school, which provides training for absolute beginners through to intermediate riders, has proven a hit and has just won the Emerging Business trophy at the Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards for June.

The passionate cyclist said it was terrific to see her clients grow in confidence and achieve results that surprised them.

While Carrigan made history in cycling, environment management company Technigro has made history
in the Excellence Awards by winning two categories in the same month.

Click here to read entire article here – Awards Riding on Success.pdf

Riding a life cycle

(9/06/2010)

Gold Coasters can ‘go for gold’ like an Olympian, with an expert cycling program being run for all fitness levels.

Olympic Champion Sara Carrigan runs the cycling program and, with her being an Australian Commonwealth Games and World Cup Champion, you know you are in super qualified hands.

Sara is sharing her skills, passion and love of cycling with fellow Gold Coasters keen to take part in her Sara Carrigan Cycling School.

Sara’s aim is to provide basic training and skill development within a fun and safe environment for both total beginner and the more experienced.

She does this through her GO for Gold program run every Tuesday and Thursday where cyclists gather together at Broadbeach and head off to a new location to cycle through.

Read full article here – GoldCoastBulletin9-06-10 – Riding a Life Cycle.pdf

College honours Sara with a street

Milena Stojceska   |  July 21st, 2009

Sara Carrigan opens the street named in her honour

GOLD medal winning Olympic cyclist Sara Carrigan will always remember her years at Somerset College … now the college will be able to remember her.

The Somerset alumni member, who first began cycling in year 9, attended the annual Founders’ Day ceremony yesterday at which the college named a new road in her honour.

Sara Carrigan Court was filled with hundreds of excited past and present students for the opening.

Ms Carrigan said she was blown away when the college asked her if she ‘would mind’.

“They asked me if I would mind — I had to contain my excitement,” she said. 

“This was where I first learnt to cycle, so to have it named after me is just amazing.”

The Mermaid Waters woman is studying business at Griffith University and has been busy with her own cycling school ‘Go for Gold Cycle Bunch’ since retiring last year.

She missed her 10-year reunion last year because she was competing in the Beijing Olympics but she was happy to see her high school heroes again.

“It’s been a while since I was last here

but it’s great to be back and see the people who introduced me to cycling,” she said.

Ms Carrigan was one of 15 students selected for an intense 10-week talent identification program in 1995.

“I didn’t even know what a road bike was before Ray Jackson and Graham Wand showed me the ropes. I didn’t know the whole cycle world existed,” she said.

Headmaster Craig Bassingthwaighte said this year’s event was one of the biggest.

Students celebrated the Founders’ Day tradition yesterday with activities including an all-age swimming relay, tug-o-war competitions in Towers Quad and the courtyard dash.

The ride is over as Carrigan hangs up her helmet

Nick Smart   |  December 4th, 2008

Gold Coaster and Olympic cycling gold medallist Sara Carrigan kicks back at home after announcing her retirement from professional cycling

AFTER an Olympic gold medal and a glittering international career, the wheels have stopped rolling for Gold Coast champion Sara Carrigan.

The 28-year-old, who won the road race at the 2004 Athens Games, is retiring from professional cycling after declaring she no longer felt she could devote the necessary focus and commitment to compete at her best.

“It has been a very emotional decision — it has taken a long four months since Beijing to actually get to this point where I feel comfortable and confident knowing this is what I want,” she said.

“It has been hard — there has been a lot of soul searching to make sure I have made the right decision.”

Carrigan is well known for her strong desire to compete — it is what has kept her in the sport.

But she has always known that she would hang up the helmet if that passion fell away ever so slightly.

“I am an all-or-nothing person — I like to be the best, I like to win and if I don’t have the focus and commitment to do that, then it really hurts,” said Carrigan.

“If I don’t have that final one per cent, then it is time to walk away.”

Carrigan was on the brink of retirement in 2006.

It all caught up with her and she had a seven-month break from the sport. But she got the fire back in her belly after unexpectedly taking out the Surfers Paradise Grand Prix on her comeback.

The win reignited her passion and she re-set her sights on Beijing.

“I was very tired at that point, because I had been racing and training full-time for 10 years or so,” she said.

“I just needed a break to feel that passion I had when I first started.”

With plenty of hard work, she made the Olympic team and made the trek to Beijing — which she described as an amazing experience, despite being disappointed with her 38th place in the road race.

“It is such a high and I experienced it after Athens as well, obviously because I won there. But I even experienced it after Beijing,” she said.

“It is just an amazing thing — for me when I was a little girl it was my dream to represent Australia at the Olympics and also to win gold. To be able to go there again at Beijing — and while it was a bit of a stab in the heart after the success I had at Athens — it was just great to be a part of it.”

Originally from Gunnedah in NSW, Carrigan has enjoyed a successful career, representing Australia at eight world championships, two Commonwealth Games and two Olympics.

She also won bronze in the time trial at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and was twice the Australian road time trial champion. She will take many highlights with her.

“It was one of my life dreams to be able to win an Olympic gold medal,” she said. “But just in general I spent six or seven months every year living in Europe, which was pretty awesome.

“It was hard at times, sometimes being homesick, but it was a wonderful experience learning different cultures, trying different food and things like that.”

Carrigan will now devote her energies into completing her Bachelor of Business degree at Griffith University.

“I have a sports scholarship there, so I will finish it off there and move into the property development industry. I find that really exciting,” said Carrigan.

And although she is retired, do not be surprised to see her show up on the local cycling circuit.

“I am definitely open to doing a race here and there but I will just take it as it comes,” she said.

“If I do line up, I will be in there to try and hurt my competition. I still love cycling — I will never be able to stop riding because it is such a social sport.”

I have enjoyed a rather quiet time since returning home from Beijing, which is 4 months ago now. It has been a time of celebration of my commitment to my Beijing journey, and relaxation to breathe again after the very intense period of pre-Games focus. I have also been dealing with the hollow that has formed and replaced my Beijing mission but have had the experience of dealing with these emotions and sensations when Athens came and went. However, it is somewhat more amplified this time round with thoughts of retirement.

The thought of life as a ‘non-full time’ athlete is overwhelming but also exciting.  It is hard to leave something that I love so much, that has allowed me to achieve one of my life dreams but I am an ‘all-or-nothing’ person. I’m in it to be the best and if I feel I don’t have that kind of focus or commitment to win and conquer all, it is the right time for me to walk away. I am open to the possibility of competing in future competitions but my full time competitiveness is now over.

I have discovered an enthusiasm and a passion for the property industry so I will move forward to complete my Bachelor of Business majoring in Property and development of which I am half way through at Griffith University. I will also continue to speak at schools as part of the Gold Medal Messages Program and perhaps start a ‘riding school’ to teach both young and new riders the rules of the road and technical aspects of riding a bike.

I am excited about my new adventures but it is sad and emotional for me to let go and say good bye to what has been half my life. Thank you so much for your support, you have helped make me who I am today.