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As one of Australia’s most successful junior riders ever, Cameron   Meyer has been touted by many as Australia’s first Tour de France champion. 

The talented 19 year old Western Australian has an impressive record which would make any pro rider jealous. 20+ State championships, 12 Australian championships, 3 World championships and a World Cup win are just some of his major victories.

We caught up with Cam just after he added another victory, the Tour of Tasmania.

CyclingResults.net: Hi Cameron, congratulations on your win in the Tour of Tasmania.

Cameron Meyer: Thank you very much.

CR: How does it feel finally taking an overall victory in the Timbercorp cup?

CM: It feels great. I really went into the Tour of Tasmania wanting to win the overall classification and to of done it, is just awesome.

CR: Can you describe how the race went for you, what/who were your main challenges?

CM: The week of racing was a bit up and down for myself. I  snapped my frame, crashed, punctured, broke a chain and derailleur, also caught a nasty cold. But in the end i cant complain as I still had good enough legs to ride well and win the tour.

With 100 starters and all the top Australian teams represented I was up against tough competition which included the Drapac Porsche team consisting of the likes of my brother Travis and Tom Southam. The Victorian Institute of Sport team including Leigh Howard, Richard England and Pat Shaw.

Teams like this and many others made it a very classy bike race. Also with the weather conditions being wet and wild, the terrain being hilly, it was pain for the 6 days of racing.

CR: It has been well noted that you and your brother Travis [2^nd.  Overall in the tour] are the stars of the future, what do you hope to achieve in the sport?

CM: I hope to take my cycling to the highest level. To one day compete at the Olympic games for Australia and ride for a Professional Team in such races as the Tour de France is a major goal and something I’m wanting to achieve. 

CR: For the younger aspiring riders reading this, can you detail what a general week in training would be for you?

CM: At the moment in preparations for the upcoming summer season, a solid week would consist of around 700km which includes two tracks sessions, two gym sessions, an ergo session, a road motor pace session and hill efforts.

CR: You rode in Italy for some time this year with the SA.com/AIS team, how was it for you?

CM: I really enjoyed my time in Italy this year and gained some  great experience in some big races. I didn’t perform to the standard that i would of liked after just coming from the Track World Championships but i now know what to expect and am looking forward to having some good results there in years to come.

CR: Do you plan to return next year?

CM: Yes I do plan to return to Italy and racing in Europe next year. For how long I don’t know but I am hoping for a good solid season.

CR: Speaking of next year, is there going to be a plane ticket to Beijing [Olympic Games] in your keeping?

CM: I hope so! I’m going to have to put a big foot forward to get in the team but I’m looking forward to the challenge.

CR: You’ve won multiple junior world championships, senior world  cups and placed 4^th in the World points score championships this year…you must be a favourite for a spot.

CM: My main focus is trying to get the Point Score spot for the Olympics. I’m up against great riders who will want the spot also such as Mark Renshaw who finished 6th in this event in Athens, Sean Finning who is the Melbourne Commonwealth Games Champion in this event and others out there who I’m sure will be trying to gain selection also but I’m giving my self every opportunity and will give it a big shot at making the team.

CR: We have now interviewed quite a few young talents from Western Australia , why do you think there is such a large talent pool in the West?

CM: Commitment is a huge part of being a cyclist in the West and  wanting to make to a high level. We train very hard over here and don’t have the luxury of racing big bunches or every week like most other states do. We cant just travel to the eastern states all the time as the cost is very high so we have to be very structured in the way we do things.

CR: Not to flatter you, but how many State, National & World titles have you won now?

CM: State titles I would not be able to answer I’m sorry but there are a few. I have won 12 national Gold Medals including an Australian Championship Record, 3 Junior World Championships and a Senior World Cup Win.

CR: What are your plans for this summer season?

CM: My focus for this summer is on the track in trying to Qualify for  the World and Olympic Teams. I will be riding many of the World Cups and also the Oceania Championships in trying to achieve this goal.

CR: Best of luck.

CM: Thanks heaps.  

CR: Cameron Meyer, thanks for having a Cyclingresults.net Live Interview

CM: My pleasure. Your website is awesome. Keep up the great wok.