AFL superstars take fierce rivalry off the field and on the road
19 January 2012
Interstate AFL rivalry is being taken to a whole new level as the Hawthorn and Brisbane Lions Football Clubs prepare to go head-to-head at this year’s Bupa Challenge Tour in Adelaide.
Hawks’ coach Alastair Clarkson and Lions’ physical performance coach Brett Burton are gearing up to bring home bragging rights for their clubs.
The two coaches will go wheel-to-wheel over the tough 138km course of the Bupa Challenge Tour on Friday 20 January.
Held on Stage 4 of the Santos Tour Down Under, the Bupa Challenge Tour is one of Australia’s largest amateur cycle event with more than 8,000 participants riding over four different courses – 138 kilometres, 102 kilometres, 79 kilometres or 33 kilometres.
Burton, who will have a significant hometown advantage having grown up in South Australia and played for the Adelaide Crows, is counting on his training regime to get him across the finish line ahead of Clarkson.
“There would be nothing better than bringing home a win for the Brisbane Lions at Australia’s most exciting amateur cycling event,” Burton said.
“Playing for the Crows was a huge part of my life and I’ll also be riding for them. There’s nothing South Australians like more than beating a Victorian – particularly on our home turf.
However, Clarkson believes it will be far from smooth sailing for Burton after playing against him on the footy field.
“Burton is a fierce competitor, but as always, I’ll give this 100 per cent and I’m confident the Hawks will come out on top,” Clarkson said.
Both coaches have been preparing for the Challenge in between conditioning their teams for the AFL pre-season, beginning in February.
Bupa’s South Australian General Manager Eric Granger said: “We’re delighted to have both Alastair and Brett participate in this year’s Bupa Challenge Tour. What better way to celebrate 10 years of supporting South Australia’s premier cycling event than with some of Australia’s most respected sporting coaches.”
The Santos Tour Down Under will be held in Adelaide and regional South Australia from 15-22 January. For more details, visit www.tourdownunder.com.au.
Bupa, a leading healthcare organisation in Australia, is committed to improving Australians’ health and wellbeing. For further information, including tips and advice for nutrition and fitness, please visit www.bupa.com.au.
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