Returning to the sport following heart surgery, nine years after he last competed with Italian pro team Maltinti, the son of Olympic cyclist Micheal Wilson is making full use of Tasmania’s cycling calender.

Wilson made his comeback leading the TIS Racing team at the Tour of Tasmania before a summer spent training with the state’s cycling figurehead Richie Porte and a tilt at this weekend’s continental titles.

“Personally it’s an awesome opportunity to a local cyclist to race against some of the best going around,” said the Legana 33-year-old.

“I’d love to get back into cycling seriously but it will be difficult at my age.

“You’ve got to show you are someone who will get results so it’s just about doing what I can to get to the best level possible.”

Wilson hopes a strong showing in the 152-kilometre road race around Railton on Sunday following the 41km time trial (on Porte’s bike) in Evandale on Friday will catch the attention of potential teams.

After an eye-catching performance at nationals in Ballarat, Wilson returned to Victoria at the weekend to contest the Tour of Mansfield.

After a 15th place in the time trial, he finished fourth and seventh on stages for an overall finish of seventh, 48 seconds off the lead.

Eight years off the bike, during which he underwent surgery to remove a tumor on his heart, have convinced Wilson he has unfinished business in the saddle.

“After I had surgery I fell in a deep hole when I tried to come back to cycling too quickly but I thought I’d give it one last go before I get too old.”

“I’ve thought about getting back into cycling for years but had not got round to it.”

Having led home another European-based Tasmanian, Oliver Martin, in the Longford to Campbell Town race in March, he can’t wait to be back racing on familiar roads.

Still supported by the Tasmanian Institute of Sport, he will contest the Oceanias as an individual.

“I rode in the Tour of Tasmania as a guest rider and that was really good but a bit disappointing how I went.

“As an individual you have freedom to ride your own race and are not having to play a team game.”

Time trial at Evandale: 10am - U19 women (15.4km),  U19 men (26.2km), elite and U23 women  (26.2km), elite and U23 men (40km)

Road races at Railton: 10am - U19 men (105km); 2pm - elite and U23 women (105km)

Road races at Railton: 10am - U19 women (79km); 1.30pm - elite and U23 men (158km)