The Paris Olympics is just 6 months away and Australian Cycling‘s contention is still in turmoil. A few days ago, the death of Melissa Hoskins, the former world champion Australian cyclist, loomed over the sporting sphere. On the other hand, the dismaying performance in the Tokyo Olympics has been creating time-to-time interventions to extend the worrying factors. In this vicinity, one of the country’s cycling veterans named someone familiar with raising the Paris Olympics medal hope for the country. 

Michael Matthews earned that fervent nomination from the 4x Olympian Cadel Evans. The backstory of earning that support may give out an inspirational note. 

Accolade from Cadel Evans comes with a note of caution

The Paris Olympics cycling event is set to begin on August 3 this year. Before that, the trial run will take place on July 27 for the men’s category. At this juncture, gaining support from a legend would surely work as a multiplier in improving performance. For Michael Matthews, he already received the support element. As reported by Wide World of Sports on January 24, Cadel Evans chimed, “At this point, looking at the course I’d say Michael Matthews in the men’s, Grace Brown for the women’s in the road race would be the first picks we’d be looking to.” However, the 36-year-old turned a little cautious here. 

Evans added, “But of course them staying healthy, being in form, avoiding injuries and so on — there’s still a long way to go in that regard yet.” Michael Matthews couldn’t have his Olympic story because of a lack of one of those mentioned factors- being in form.

In the final team selection for the Tokyo Olympics, the Canberra native had to see a failed attempt outnumbered by major wins. Losing that berth, his reply had come as, “I’m obviously devastated, but they make the selection.” But Matthews didn’t carry any burden from that grief. His later performances remained as proof. 

Determination wipes out difficulties as Paris Olympics galore 

In the comeback journey after the Tokyo Olympics heartbreak, Michael Matthews had several COVID-19 scares, a 2.5-centimeter tear in quadriceps and bruises on the knee and ankle. Even a retirement thought also had come in the way. But all those nuisances had proved to be minuscule in front of his grit. 

Read more: What are the Types of Cycling Events at Tokyo Olympics 2021?

Meanwhile, last year, the 33-year-old cyclist had his stage-3 victory in the Giro d’Italia. In the Tour de France as well, Michael Matthews had claimed the stage 14 win in 2022. In that year, he also received a bronze medal in the Road World Championship. Despite all those achievements, the cyclist still aims for the high-octane Paris Olympics. Spilling more on his wish, the guy expressed, “I’ve never done the Olympics so that will be something special.” The rest is in the future. 

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