Jindabyne’s Georgia Gardiner is the latest name to watch in professional junior cycling circles. The 17 year old budding talent recently made waves at the renowned junior UCI race, Ghent-Wevelgem, securing 15th place among 130 starters in what was her first experience on the Belgian cobbles.
PHOTO: Jindabyne’s Georgia Gardiner is representing the region proudly on the UCI junior world stage in Belgium CREDITS: Heather Gardiner
Reflecting on her journey through the race, Georgia expressed her excitement, saying, “I was very happy to finish 15th in my first junior UCI race on the cobbles of Ghent Wevelgem. It was also my largest race yet with 130 starters making it a very good, and slightly scary learning experience. I’d like to give a big thanks to the Australian Cycling Academy for giving me the opportunity to race and to get some experience being in a team.”
PHOTO: UCI junior events are held to give young talented cyclists competitive exposure at world cycling destinations.
Georgia’s passion for cycling began at just 11 years old, before joining the the Jindabyne Cycling Club and starting competitive racing in the u13 age group. Since then, she has diligently honed her skills across various cycling disciplines. Her mother, Heather Gardiner, shared insights into Georgia’s dedication and passion: “We are exceptionally proud of Georgia in every way. She puts 110 percent into everything she aspires to. Last year she devoted herself to completing the HSC at Jindabyne High School, with great results. She has gone straight into university studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management. This is mostly an online course so she can continue to chase her road cycling dreams. This is her love and her passion.”
PHOTO: In Ghent-Wevelgem, Georgia had to navigate un-familiar ground such as the famous European cobblestone.
The Gardiner family has embraced significant changes to support Georgia’s aspirations, including spending extended periods in Europe to immerse her in the competitive racing scene. “We have taken a long holiday ourselves to bring her to Europe so she can get as much experience possible in the European racing scene and prove her abilities to potential teams,” Heather elaborated.
Georgia’s path in the sport has been marked by consistent progress and impressive achievements, such as winning the U17 National Individual Pursuit. Her focus now firmly rests on road cycling, with her sights set on the professional arena.
PHOTO: Georgia now has her sights firmly set on opening up more pathways in professional road cycling.
Looking ahead, Heather mentions, “Through her results, Georgia is hoping to get recognition from European and Australian teams and sign a continental contract in the next year. For the remainder of the European season, she plans to continue gaining experience in club racing as an individual rider.”
Georgia’s next definite major race will be back in Australia at the Tour of Bright in the Victorian Alps over December 6-7, after returning from Europe. Long term, Georgia is eying off the Australian Road National Championships in Perth during January 2026, which would be her first u23 race.