SIMON GERRANS
Simon Gerrans is one of the classiest riders in the professional peloton and is the first Australian to have won stages in all three Grand Tours (France, Italy and Spain).
Simon’s illustrious career catapulted to a new high in 2013 as he clinched two successive stage wins at the Tour de France and securing the coveted yellow jersey in the event’s first week.
This was on top of an excellent 2012 season where Simon secured the Australian Champion jersey for the first time and won one of the five monuments of international cycling, Milano-Sanremo.
Originally from Jamieson, Victoria, the 37-year-old now bases himself in Andorra and travels around the world for training and road racing competitions.
Simon has represented Australia 14 times at the World Championships and twice at the Olympic Games; Beijing 2008
Some of his impressive results include:
Tour de France stage wins 2013 & 2008
Tour de France Maillot Jaune, stages 5-6 2013
Giro d’Italia stage win 2009
Giro d’Italia Maglia Rosa, stage 2 2015
Vuelta a España stage win 2009
1st Liège–Bastogne–Liège 2014
1st Milano-Sanremo 2012
1st GP de Québec 2012 & 2014
1st GP de Montréal 2014
1st Grand Prix Ouest France – Plouay 2009
1st Tour Down Under General Classification 2012, 2014 & 2016
Australian Champion 2012 & 2014
For more information about Simon and keep up with him as he travels the world.
PHIL LIGGETT
Patron of the Chain Reaction Challenge.
Phil Liggett is simply the best-known figure in world cycling. His skill as a commentator, his tireless promotion of the sport for more than 45 years and his expert knowledge has earned him the respect of generations of professional riders and cycling fans around the world.
His unique commentary style mixes years of hard-won experience and knowledge with colourful phrases and anecdotes that border on the literary. It is this trait that has won Phil numerous awards and won for him an audience and recognition that extends well beyond the cycling community.
Phil is a former amateur cyclist and received a professional contract in 1967; instead of turning professional, he saw a future in sports journalism after he wrote a few articles in cycling magazines about races in which he participated.
He has been a constant feature of most major international cycling events over the years and is a generous supporter of many charitable and community events. In 2005 Phil was awarded an MBE for his voluntary and professional service to cycling.
DAVID MCKENZIE
David McKenzie is a highly accomplished Australian professional cyclist whose experience and work have made him a prominent figure in the world of cycling.
He won the Australian national road race title in 1998 but Macca’s biggest victory came on stage 7 of the 2000 Giro d'Italia where he rode to victory after a 164 km solo breakaway.
Dave’s expertise extends beyond his racing career. He has become a sought-after commentator and cycling analyst, providing insightful commentary and expert analysis during major cycling events for Australian broadcaster SBS. His deep understanding of the sport and ability to articulate its nuances have made him a trusted voice in the cycling community.
Beyond his competitive success, Dave has also been a dedicated advocate for the sport. He has actively worked to promote cycling at all levels, inspiring and mentoring young riders. Through his involvement in charitable initiatives and community events, he has strived to make cycling more accessible and inclusive.
With a career spanning over two decades, Dave has left an indelible mark on the sport. And Chain Reaction can proudly call Macca one of our own, as continues to coach and prepare a group of our riders for their Melbourne challenge.
GRACE BROWN
Grace Brown is widely regarded as one of Australia’s greatest female cyclists. With her exceptional talent and dedication, she has established herself as one of the top cyclists in the world.
After transitioning from running, Grace was a late starter to cycling and has achieved remarkable success in both the road race and time trial disciplines at domestic and international level. Including gold medals in the time trial at both the National championships and Commonwealth Games. In 2023 she won Australia’s premiere stage race the Tour Down under. To further demonstrate her standing on the world stage she took home the coveted silver medal at the UCI world Championships in 2022 in the time trial.
Off the bike, Grace is a tremendous advocate for women's cycling. She has been vocal about the need for equality and greater opportunities for women in the sport. Through her advocacy and participation in initiatives promoting women's cycling, she is committed through her involvement with Chain Reaction to get more women on the bike and sees our community as the perfect vehicle to convey this message.
