Cyclist’s criss-crossing globe rolls on

THERE’S more international racing for Bendigo cycling Blake Agnoletto to complete this year and roll into ’25.

Agnoletto, 22, took a short break back home in Bendigo after his first world track titles campaign in Denmark, but is now back training in Adelaide.

He will soon be bound for Europe to compete in the five-round UCI Champions League where legs will be run in France, Netherlands and England.

Agnoletto will race in the elimination and scratch races.

This year’s racing on road or track took in Belgium, China, Denmark, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Netherlands, Portugal and Slovakia.

“It was the biggest season of racing I have had in Europe and the most countries I have travelled to.”

There were great days and some not so great days for the ARA Skip Capital rider and his team.

At the worlds he raced in the elimination and teamed with Kell O’Brien in the 50km madison.

Being 14th in both events on the Ballerup velodrome was all part of the learning curve.

There have been many stops on his cycling journey, but it will be a first for Agnoletto when he races in England.

“The velodromes are likely to be packed, atmosphere will be incredible, and I am doing what I love to do … racing.”

An incredible run across last December and into January included winning the Australian Madison with Kell O’Brien and national under-23 criterium in Ballarat.

Agnoletto is in the running for this year’s Bendigo Sports Star of the Year award.

Next year’s road nationals will be on January 8-12 in Perth.

It was a J-Cycle session at Bendigo’s Tom Flood Sports Centre where Agnoletto’s start in the sport began.

He teamed with Ollie Bleddyn to win last year’s Bendigo International Madison and will chase back-to-back victories next March.