Brett Aitken
Date of birth: 25-01-71 (35-years-old)
Born: Adelaide
Lives: Adelaide
Weight: 68kg
Height: 1.73cm
Occupation: Co-owner of JT cycles
Cycling history and achievements
Club: Adelaide Cycling Club
Professional team: Savings and Loans Cycling Team
Bike: Avanti
Longest distance on a bike: 295km on a training ride in Mexico.
Career highlights: Olympic Gold at Sydney in 2000 in the Madison
Ambitions for 2007: I want a make a really strong contribution to the team’s success and personally to have some strong rides in 2007.
Tour Down Under
Tour Down Under appearances: five
How do you prepare for the Tour? Originally I was the reserve rider and only received the call-up to the team about a month ago, so I’ve been doing a lot of anaerobic threshold training – 10-15 minute bursts. I’ve also been spending plenty of time on the bike, 500-700km a week and doing a little bit of local racing as well.
What do you hope to achieve in the Tour? A consistent performance is what I’m aiming for.
Other facts and figures
Someone you look up to: When I was younger I admired guys like Phil Anderson and Greg Lemond for what they achieved, particuarly on the Tour de France.
Favourite music: Enya, it’s very relaxing.
Favourite TV show: I enjoyed watching the Race to Dakar.
Favourite food: Mum’s Chop Suey