Brendan Johnston’s attempt to set a new fastest known time (FKT) from Perth to Sydney faced significant challenges due to adverse weather conditions. Johnston, a professional cyclist with the Giant-SRAM team, completed the 3,948.6-kilometre journey in 8 days, 9 hours, and 5 minutes. His efforts ultimately fell short of breaking the record held by Austrian cyclist Christoph Strasser, who completed the route in 6 days, 10 hours, and 58 minutes in 2017.
The weather proved to be a formidable adversary throughout the ride, particularly on the first day, January 10, when Johnston faced relentless winds exceeding 89 kilometres per hour. “The wind, it was never not blowing,” Johnston recounted. Despite the difficult conditions, he managed to complete the longest segment of the ride on the first day, covering 567.3 kilometres with an elevation gain of 2,481 metres.
As Johnston progressed, the wind continued to hinder his performance. On the second-to-last day, he found it necessary to split the final leg into two segments due to the challenging weather. He rode 304.4 kilometres on January 17 and 302.3 kilometres on January 18, finally reaching the iconic Sydney Opera House.
The journey was not without its personal toll. Johnston experienced an ankle injury, which he attributed to the strenuous conditions. “Pushing into that wind, I just had to push so much harder for a very long period, and I strained my Achilles,” he explained. This injury forced him to withdraw from the RADL GRVL race near Adelaide, where he was set to defend his title as the 2024 Australian gravel champion.
Despite the setbacks, Johnston’s ride raised significant funds for cancer research, amassing a total of $38,961 for Tour de Cure. His motivations extended beyond personal achievements; as a cancer survivor, he emphasised the importance of supporting others affected by the disease. “The challenges of this journey pale in comparison to what people who are living with cancer face every day,” Johnston stated.
Looking ahead, Johnston is set to shift his focus to the upcoming racing season, particularly the Unbound Gravel 200, where he hopes to improve on his previous performances. He has placed in the top ten in all three of his previous outings in the Life Time Grand Prix, a US-based off-road cycling series.
While Johnston’s attempt did not yield the record he sought, it highlighted both the physical demands of endurance cycling and the spirit of community and support behind causes such as cancer research. His fundraising campaign remains active online, providing an opportunity for continued contributions towards a critical cause.
In the face of adversity, Johnston’s perseverance and commitment to raising awareness for cancer research stand as a testament to his character and dedication to both his sport and the community.
