Team.Factor 2016

On Friday 22 January 2016 a group of cyclists led by Dr Simon McRae and Andrew Atkins rode as Team.Factor in the BUPA Challenge Tour in South Australia for the fourth year running. Team.Factor were fundraising for their favourite cause – Haemophilia Foundation Australia.

The BUPA Challenge Tour allows regular cyclists to ride the same Stage 4 route as the elite cyclists in the Santos Tour Down Under. In 2016 the route was from Norwood to Victor Harbor, over 140kms, including a punishing King of the Mountain climb up Crows Nest Road near Port Elliott.

This year Team.Factor increased to 10 members: Dr Simon McRae, Dr Uwe Hahn, Dr Tina Noutsos (Darwin), Dr Kobie Von Wielligh, Eric Von Wielligh, Cameron Cramey, Dan Drake, Andrew Atkins, Jaymie Clausen, Alex Nicholson and Abhi Phatak. Some of the team you may know from the South Australian Haemophilia Centre or the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Haemophilia Foundation Australia thanks the team for their mighty effort. Also, a thank you to those who made donations and supported the team. The team has raised $3,026.25 – just over their $3,000 target. What a fantastic effort!

“A really good ride this year – the start from Norwood to Norton Summit got us warmed up quickly, but riding through the Adelaide hills is always a great experience. The route took us through enough flat and downhill sections to rest the legs, though the King of the Mountain after 120kms was pretty tough.”

Andrew Atkins

"Despite the threat of morning thunderstorms, conditions were dry and temperatures thankfully cool for the start of the ride. The initial climb up to Norton Summit rewarded everyone with views of the city, if you weren't too busy looking at the backside of the rider in front of you. Things were literally downhill from there for the next 100 km until we were confronted by Crows Nest Road 20 km from the finish that broke even the strongest of hearts. Despite this all riders on the team made it to the end. It was great fun and I am sure we will be back next year. Thanks for all the support and to everyone who contributed to raising for funds for the worthy cause of HFA."

Dr Simon McRae