Russell Mockridge

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The death of a sporting hero we never immortalised

13 Sep 05:50am

Filed under: Cycling, Russell Mockridge, Sport

It was on this day in 1958 that Russell Mockridge, one of Australia’s most talented cyclists, was hit by a bus in Oakleigh and killed when just three kilometres into the annual Tour of Gippsland.

Russell Mockridge in action in the 1950s. Source: Herald Sun archives.

Mockridge’s remarkable career began in Geelong where he rode regularly on the roads that will host the World Championships next week. In a cycling career that has all the features of an enthralling movie, the quiet youngster from Newtown rose from obscurity to a world class competitor in the space of just two years.

While the Mockridge story ended in tragedy, it had a fairytale beginning. Like many teenagers, Mockridge, and his brother Graham, rode their bikes around Geelong, ferreting in the Ceres hills and racing to their parents beach house at Torquay.

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Kyle Sheldon says:

09:44am | 16/09/10

Mockridge deserves more fame. He ranks equal with Opperman as Australia’s greatest ever cyclist. But while he might not be a household name, he is certainly remered in the cycling fraternity. The Brunswick Cycling Club holds handicaps celebrating the champions of Australian cycling, Hupert Opperman, Sid Patterson, Shane Kelly and… Read more »
Eddy says:

10:54pm | 13/09/10

I agree Eugene and Jonathan, Kevin, who will win the Worlds? O’Grady was pulled from the Spanish Tour after being caught out partying late at night, and Simon Gerrans’ Sky Team withdrew after the first week, robbing two Aussies of vital preparation. Cadel will be a marked man. The route… Read more »

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