Brisbane, Australia – Broe, the Australian all-rounder, is set to bolster the sports management team of Team Visma | Lease a Bike. Born 31 years ago in Brisbane, Broe’s journey to professional cycling is as unconventional as it is inspiring.
“I grew up in London but completed my education back home in Brisbane. I studied law and worked as a lawyer, as did my wife,” Broe recounts.
Broe’s passion for cycling ignited in 2011 when fellow Australian Cadel Evans clinched the Tour de France. “Australia isn’t traditionally a cycling-mad country, but Evans’ victory captivated sports fans nationwide,” Broe explains. “I found myself increasingly drawn to the sport, eventually watching cycling daily. This passion led me to create the Lantern Rouge YouTube channel. Initially a hobby, it gained traction, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.”
The channel’s success paved the way for the Lantern Rouge Cycling Podcast. “The significant time difference between Australia and Europe, where most races occur, prompted my wife and me to relocate to Andorra. We love it here, and I’m now fully immersed in cycling, fulfilling a long-held dream.”
Broe’s association with Team Visma | Lease a Bike began in early 2022 through video analysis work. “That initial collaboration has grown stronger over time,” he notes. From October, Broe will officially join the Dutch team’s new five-person sports management unit. Alongside Grischa Niermann, Mathieu Heijboer, Robbert de Groot, and Jacco Verhaeren, he will help shape the team’s strategic direction.
“My primary role is developing race strategies. This includes analyzing competitors, assessing our strengths and weaknesses, and evaluating race courses. I also advise on race preparation. Beyond immediate tasks, I scout for young talent aligning with the team’s values and offer innovative ideas to the commercial team,” Broe explains.
“An Exciting Project”
“The aim is to win the biggest races,” Broe asserts. “I aspire to help the team achieve victories in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. Additionally, I have a personal ambition to be part of the team that has won the most Grand Tours in cycling history. Our approach is rooted in creating sporting history and a lasting legacy. Reaching the top is one challenge; staying there is another. It’s an exciting project, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Broe has seamlessly integrated into Team Visma | Lease a Bike and embraced Dutch culture. “The working atmosphere is fantastic. Everyone is honest, open, and committed to getting the best out of themselves and each other daily. It’s a very professional environment. Success here is a collective effort, not just about the riders. I also appreciate Dutch culture – it’s straightforward and very friendly.”
Broe’s journey from a Brisbane lawyer to a key player in an elite cycling team’s management highlights his passion, dedication, and the collaborative spirit driving Team Visma | Lease a Bike towards new heights in the sport.