Allan Iacuone - back smashing it after 20 years

Allan Iacuone may not be a name you’ve heard in the news in recent times, but back when he was racing professionally nearly 20 years ago, he was one of Australia’s brightest stars. Widely known as one of the nicest, most modest guys to ever ride on two wheels, Allan (or Alby as everyone calls him) won the Australian National Road Championships 20 years ago. Not only that, after taking a liking to Cyclocross, he won the Australian National Cyclocross Championships this year. Yesterday, after a 10 year hiatus from racing, Alby quickly whipped himself into form and had another crack - making the early break and hanging on until it blew apart. With much different expectations this time around, I sat down with Alby and reflected on what this race meant to him.

You can read more about Allan Iacuone here and contact him about Breaking Away Coaching here.

Tags: 2014 Australian Road Nationals, Allan Iacuone

Amy

Legend!
Nick

Legend Alby!
PatFitzy

Inspirational ride mate, well done
Baden Cooke

What a top bloke, what a legend bike rider.
B Cooke
- http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
  
  I’m thinking he needs an agent for a proper comeback Cookie!
Paulmapp

Awesome ride Al. Well done.
timf

Watching the race from the roadside on the weekend (in one of the less busy parts of the mountain), I couldn’t help but notice that Alby was making eye contact with me most times he came around. I’ve only just realised that the main reason was that he didn’t wear sunnies. Perhaps not good for the eyes, but makes for a great spectator experience!
greg mccoy

Wow. Well done. what a great story. Good on you Al.
Wade this is an example of why I read your blog fella. these are the type of great cycling story cycling i’m are interested in and are not ‘news’.
- http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
  
  Thanks Greg! These types of things are what I get the most satisfaction out of producing. This one in particular.
Push Bike Writer

Nice work Wade. Perfect.
Sean

The interview is cutting out for me at around the 7 minute mark.
- Notso Swift
  
  Same
  - http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
    
    sorry - I’ll get that sorted out asap
Buzz

ditto Greg. This and the recent story on Drapac have been outstanding! Keep it up CT!
haitch

Will Al’s performance shut up the tedious people who think the Nats should be a pro-only race? Probably not, but stories like this make the race a far richer experience for the viewer - especially if we’re stuck with ‘OGE versus Drapac versus Richie Porte’ for the foreseeable future.
- Sean
  
  Probably not, if an ex pro like Alan or anyone who’s raced at the pointy end of A grade at state/nat level and isn’t carrying to much extra weight, will probably be able to get themselves into decent enough shape in a few months. Even after a 10 year lay off. Guys like Al never forget how to hurt themselves. The problem right now is, an obese man who can hardly walk to his mailbox can enter and start the race, i find that a bit ridiculous. Also ridiculous are the few dozen riders who struggle in a decent club race.
  - scottmanning
    
    No need to make it pro only, but maybe there should be qualifying race (TT?) for those who are not pro? When I race at open state events I need to have a state level grading, maybe just saying only a-grade club racers?
    - Notso Swift
      
      I kind of agree, those guys are out the back after a lap or so anyway, what does it matter.
      Last years TT had Shane Miller in the top 10, purely on merit, PRO only would take something away from us and seeing that kind of achievement.
      
      (Though he will never live down his “Faster than Cancellara comment on BV forums LOL)
      - Sean
        
        Shane was one of the best TT’ers in the state last year, before the nationals pretty much everyone would have agreed a top 10 was on the cards for him. So I don’t think he’s a very good example of a hubbard who can’t win a club race who shouldn’t be entering the national titles. BV forums is a cesspool of filth and bizar opinions anyway, who cares what they think there.
        
        BC
        
        I think that was the point, pro’s only would mean we miss performances from riders like Alan and Shane which are VERY worthy
        
        Notso Swift
        
        That’s right, people who are not up to it will be out the back anyway, but there are amateurs who can give it a shake
        
        Sean, the BV Comment was one of the Lama’s own ;-)
Nick Squillari

Being still so new to cycling, had little knowledge on ‘who’ Allan really was. Terrific interview guys. And major props to Allan for his ride.
Daniel Hennessy

Great to see that smiling face on Camera again
Gus Gollings

That was the best race I’ve ever been to and Alby’s performance was a big part of the enjoyment - what an amazing athlete! Loved this interview, it really extended the magic of the day.
- http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
  
  Good seeing you out there on Sunday Gus.
  
  Alby’s coaching can be found at http://www.breakingaway.com.au/
AMK

It was such a good ride. Great to see someone other than a trade team rider up there having a crack.
Adam Lana

Great interview, great ride and such a nice bloke. Need more people like this representing our great sport.