Australian great Brad McGee believes Tom Robinson has the weapons to go as far as he wants in cycling.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sport director of the NSWIS team that Robinson represented in this year’s National Road Series, McGee has been impressed by the Launceston 27-year-old.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Tom and I can see big things for him in the future,” said the five-time Olympic medallist, two-time world and five-time Commonwealth champion who remains the only Australian to wear the leader's jersey in all three Grand Tours.
“He will grow into whatever field of racing he is exposed to, whether that’s in the States or Asia or Europe. Given time, with his legs and knowledge, I can see him adjusting wherever his opportunities put him.”
Robinson has signed on for an eighth year in the Continental ranks, but McGee believes he can rise beyond road cycling’s third tier.
“Tom is worth his weight in gold. I could see him forming a strategic role in any big team in Australia and he’s even got the legs to be at the Pro-Conti level. It’s really just about finding opportunities and keep progressing up.
“He knows how to win and he knows how to help people win and bike riders like that are a rarity these days.”
A product of the Hobart team that launched the careers of Tasmanian WorldTour riders Richie Porte, Will Clarke and Nathan Earle, Robinson’s season with NSWIS was capped off by a stage win at the Tour of Gippsland and a lead role at last week’s Tour of Tasmania.
“He was our captain on the road [in Tasmania] not only because he’s got local knowledge but just the way he speaks.
“The riders listen to him, respect what he says, he’s very calm and articulate and his knowledge is just outstanding.
“He can punch a fair bit of power when he needs to and he enjoys it and that’s the main thing. Hats off to Tom and his family, they’ve produced a nice one there.”
From the same family as the late Burnie Wheel winner Will and junior track world champion James, Robinson is excited about his prospects with a Brisbane-based team next season.
“I’m really happy with it because I know a lot of the team management and it’s a good opportunity to target races that suit me,” he said.
“I’m hoping to get a few more UCI races in addition to the NRS to get a fuller season and big-race opportunities.
“I’m looking at races like the New Zealand Cycle Classic, Herald Sun Tour, Tour of the Philippines and maybe a couple in Japan on the Asian Tour.”
Robinson, who has been coaching cyclists with Phil Leslie and studying part-time at UTAS, said he was pleased to be able to continue living in Launceston when he joins his new team.