Interview: Nathan Earle: Winner of Grafton to Inverell

A. It’s a great feeling to win a race as prestigious as the Grafton to Inverell. It makes all the hard training worth every bit and more! Yes it has sunk in now I’ve had a few days to reflect on it and have seen it on TV. I’m really happy to have finished the year off on a high note for myself and the team. It was a win for all of us.

Q. When you launched your final sprint to the line, were you confident you would get the win?

A. I was feeling confident yes. I could see that Brendan was more tired than I was so I thought I’d be able to get over him. Sprinting isn’t really my strong point, so as I came through the roundabout about 400m out with Brendan on my wheel I swung off tapping the breaks making him come in front (mindful that we couldn’t play cat and mouse too long or we would be overtaken by the chasing group who were only 7 seconds down in the end). He led me out and I got over him easily in the final 100m.

Q. There’s been a bit of talk about a few of the guys being upset about the tactics from yourself & Nathan Haas in the breakaway. Do you feel like it’s a race and everyone does what they can to win, or was there more to it, such as a team directive?

A. The race is a teams race as well as an individual race. Some riders are not part of a team and therefore had a different focus to me. Our team wanted to win the teams competition and our team leaders on the day were Joel Pearson and Steele Von Hoff for the individual win. Nathan and myself got into the early move to represent the team in the teams competition but we really wanted this break not to work. We wanted it to come down to a bunch kick for Joel or a small break for Steele. The only problem was Joel was heavily marked as usual and no one really wanted to chase behind so the break looked destined to stay away. Some of the guys in the break wanted me to work even when my team mate Tom Robinson was chasing behind and again when Nathan Haas was solo up the road.  You won't see Frank Schleck work with Alberto Contador if the team is riding for Andy Schleck, some guys just don't get it. Quit simply it is a teams race and I ride for Genesys Wealth Advisers, no one else.

 for 6 months.

Q. It’s been a big year for you, as you also won the Mt Baw Baw Classic. How do you train to peak for such events and are you riding full time?

A. Yes it’s been a good year with a few good results. I’ve had my share of injury and illness though so you need to learn how to cope with that physically and mentally and adapt your training accordingly, which I’ve found hard to do. However, I’ve had great guidance and advice from my coach Andrew who has taught me how to deal with it and manage it better.

I ride full time and work as a casual at a child care centre. On average I’d do 20-25 hours a week with bigger weeks and smaller weeks depending on intensity, what races are coming up and recovery. I don’t train much with a bunch; usually by myself or with one or two mates. Sometimes it’s a bit lonely riding by yourself but it makes you a stronger rider I think, with no one to give you a sit to get home! Haha.

Q. Genesys Pro Cycling Team are one of the most successful teams in Australia, what does it mean to you to compete with these guys, and how did you get a ride for the team?

A. It means a lot to me being on Genesys Wealth Advisors. I get such great guidance from the team and the boys are all such good guys. It’s like a second family really!! I feel I’m lucky to be a part of the team and get very well looked after as we all do.

I got a ride at the start of 2007 but only raced half that season due to knee injuries which saw me miss the 2008 season as well. I raced Nationals as a Junior in 2006 and got a few good results early on. They saw my potential and gave me a ride on the team and here I am today.

Q. Being quite young, is one of your goals to get a ride on a Pro Tour team?

 next year will bring me one step closer to achieving that goal.

Q. Previously you had competed in triathlons & cross country running, what made you decide to make the switch to road racing?

A. I had a few bad injuries from running so I was stuck with swimming and riding for awhile and never went back really. Riding was always my favorite discipline as I did a lot of mountain biking as well. As I did more riding I found I was pretty good at it and really enjoyed racing.

Q. Did you encounter many difficulties in changing sports?

A. Not really, just the tactics and things like that were new to me since I wasn’t brought up with cycling, so that has taken awhile to learn. I always loved riding and always road everyday whether it was just to school or mucking around or just as transport to friends houses. (I didn’t need a lift anywhere very often! Haha)

Q. Has there been anyone who has inspired you, or even mentored you, throughout your sporting endeavours?

A. Not really when I was younger. I just wanted to do well at everything I competed in. My mum has always supported me (but not pressured me) with everything I’ve wanted to do. Without her I wouldn’t be where I am today that’s for sure. Also I owe it to John Brown (the father of one of my friends whom I road with) who took me to races and gave me a bike to race and kit to wear. Without him I wouldn’t have done the races that gave me the exposure to get signed to Genesys which was then Praties in 2007. Since 2007 being signed to Praties and Genesys, Andrew Christie-Johnston has been my coach and mentor. He has guided me and got me to the level I am today. Without him I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am today.

As for inspiration recently I have found inspiration and motivation to take my career to the next level seeing the likes of Richie Porte who started off like me androde for our team making it to the Pro Tour.

And finally...

Q. If you could be any cartoon character for a day, who would you be and why!!??

A. I’d be Taz (the Tasmanian Devil). He’s heaps of fun, pretty crazy, full of energy and never stops. Plus I’m a Tasmanian so it seems appropriate J