Simon Clarke

Biography

Simon Clarke's journey to becoming a world-class cyclist started with a family outing on the Great Victorian Bike Ride. At just 10 years old, Simon pedaled his way through the 600-plus kilometer course, discovering a love for cycling he didn't yet know he had. Unlike many athletes, Simon had no family legacy in the sport – his passion for cycling emerged purely from his own experiences and encouragement from mentors like Olympic gold medallist Dean Woods.

It didn't take long for young Simon to find his stride. By his teenage years, he was training with the Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Club, securing spots on the Victorian team, and making notable finishes at the national level. His dedication paid off, earning him a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport.

In 2009, Simon made the significant leap to professional cycling, signing his first European contract. His career highlights include a dramatic victory on the mountainous fourth stage of the 2012 Tour of Spain, and tenacious performances at the Rio Olympics in 2016, where he was the only Australian to finish the grueling road race.

In 2022, Simon showcased his resilience and tactical prowess by winning the cobblestone-laden fifth stage of the Tour de France. Although narrowly missing a victory at the 2023 Giro d’Italia, his tenacity and spirit shone through, reflecting a career built on perseverance and passion.

Continuing his competitive streak, Simon achieved commendable results in early 2024, including a seventh-place finish at the Australian road nationals. As part of the Israel-Premier Tech team, he remains a formidable presence on the European circuit, ever ready to seize the next victory.